Whoever said that imitation is the greatest form of flattery was not a quadruplet.

Just ask Grant, Lexi, Austin and Candice Wilson. The Lorena quadruplets, who were born within a span of three minutes by Caesarean section, all have their own interests and different personalities.

Grant plays football and baseball, while Austin plays tennis and basketball. Lexi is interested in possibly becoming a nurse, while Candice would like to either teach or go into fashion.

Lorena quadruplets (from left) Austin, Candice, Grant and Lexi Wilson all began classes at MCC this week.
Rod Aydelotte / Waco Tribune-Herald

“All their personalities are very distinct,” said Billy Wilson, father of the 18-year-old quadruplets. “They all have their own drive and motivations and they’re all unique in their own way.”

Different as they may be, the quadruplets do imitate each other in some ways. All four, for example, began classes together at McLennan Community College on Monday, following in the footsteps of their two older sisters who also attended the school.

The Wilson quads have attended the same schools throughout their lives, but have rarely been in the same classes since fifth grade.

They’ve continued the trend at MCC, taking different classes in spite of the advice of their friends. Only Candice and Lexi have one class together.

“When we were going to college, everybody told us we should take the same classes,” Grant said, noting that sharing books, notes and ideas might make their college lives a little easier.

Regardless, the Wilsons aren’t worried about succeeding in college. Lexi said all four have been competitive, both with their siblings and classmates academically since they were young.

Who usually wins that competition? Lexi blushes as her sister and brothers simultaneously point at her without saying a word.

Similarly, when asked who the mischievous quadruplet is, Austin and the sisters aim their fingers at Grant, who aptly responds with a hint of a sly grin.

Though they share a family resemblance, it is not immediately apparent that the four are quadruplets, and the Wilsons are just fine with that. But, eventually, their not-so-secret secret is exposed simply because of the uniqueness.

According to 2005 statistics, the most recent available, only one in every 517,787 births results in quadruplets. The family turned down an offer to appear on the “Ricki Lake” show when the quads were young, not eager to exploit their situation.

“We don’t go around announcing that we’re quadruplets,” Grant said. “But if we’re just walking together, acting all buddy-buddy, people start to figure it out.”

Candice and Lexi have the tell-tale habit of finishing each other’s sentences.

The Wilson family poses for a family photo in 1992. (Top from left) Lana, Pam, Cassie and Bill; and (bottom from left) Austin, Grant, Lexi and Candice.
Rod Aydelotte / Waco Tribune-Herald, file

Hanging out with each other is as much a product of circumstance as it is a choice for the Wilson family, who said they share some friends, though not all. At times, they feel cramped and, Billy Wilson said, “they manage to get on each other’s nerves.”

But they also share a closeness that many families miss out on, Billy said. Family dinners, for one, are a priority.

And Pam Wilson, the matriarch, doesn’t bat an eye when one, two, three or all four of the quads decide to have a friend over to share dinner with them.

“What’s the big difference, whether you’re cooking for eight or for 20?” Billy Wilson said.

As for going to friends’ houses, it’s another story.

“They always ask if all of us are coming, or just some of us,” Candice said with a smile.

All-in-all, the Wilsons see life as quadruplets no differently than most families.

“We’re just like other brothers and sisters you see around,” Austin said.

“We’ll keep looking out for each other, it’s just kind of a brother-sister thing,” Grant added.

twoods@wacotrib.com

757-5721

RELATED SEARCHES

• Brazos Past: Oklahoma quads schooled at Baylor