MIA

It might be awhile since you hear from me. Here's why.




It's a rough life, I know. We are so excited! We leave Sunday and we'll be gone a whole relaxing week. We are celebrating our 10 year anniversary a little early. It has always been a goal to celebrate this milestone this way, and even with four little ones, and no longer living on the coast, we are making it happen! We are so thankful for Grandma Joy coming to hold down the fort, and the countless number of friends providing her support!

Happy 3rd Birthday Aidan!

Birth

Six Months

One Year

Two Years




Today
He climbed in bed with us this AM, and when I said, "Happy Birthday", he said, "I am 3? I suck my thumb no more." We had been telling that for the past few months, that 3 year olds try not to suck their thumbs, but we couldn't believe how well he remembered. A little bit of me thought, "really, is this it? can it be this easy?" Nah, before church even he had a little meltdown when he reached for his blankie, stuck his thumb in his mouth, looked confused, and said, "but I still want to suck my thumb." So well see. We've decided not to push it, just to gently discourage it, but who knows.

Weston and I took him out to lunch today while a sitter stayed with the other kids. We had such a neat time with just him and are so thankful for this birthday tradition. He even charmed a nearby table of older ladies and they gave him all their pocket change for a 'birthday treat'.

Tonight, after presents and train cookies, he said sadly, "but I want my birthday to start all over again tomorrow." Sharp kid, eh?

He's now upstairs falling asleep in new Thomas sheets, with a Thomas blanket and pillowcase, listening to a new Thomas read aloud on a cd. Yikes, what kind of infatuation did we help foster?

Anyway, happy birthday Aidan. We love you so much, and are so thankful God chose to bless our family with YOU!

Aidan's Birthday Party

He won't actually be "3" until Sunday, but today we celebrated with a train themed party for a few of his friends. He was SO excited, probably a little too excited, because he had quite the poor attitude at any given moment. There's nothing sadder than having to send the birthday boy to time out during his own party.

There were many fun times too though, and the kids were so cute in their little engineer hats. Kellan and Ethan really participated too, almost like full on big kids.









Aidan's favorite part? His much anticipated "Thomas cake". We splurged on it at Hyvee, mainly because it was the one thing he has been so adamant about for months. Whenever anyone would ask what he wanted for his birthday, he'd always respond, "a Thomas cake". And boy did his eyes light up.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Ethan

Kellan


I'm so lucky, I have 5 Valentines!

Star Wars

As most of you know, our boys love Star Wars. Hmm... wonder where they got that? We purchased the animated Clone War movie recently, so even more SW viewing has been taking place. I had to laugh the other day, when I looked up to see this scene.


Caleb and Aidan have been doing this for a long time; pretend light saber fighting along with any light saber scenes in the movie. Now the twins have joined in the fun.

Kellan and Ethan call SW, "get 'em, get 'em". Pretty cute.

Ethan's new expession

He started this a few weeks ago. Not too sure what he means by this angry scowl, but now he knows he can do it to make me laugh.


FYI- we weighed the boys this weekend. Caleb- 34.2, Aidan- 31.4, Kellan- 31.4, Ethan- 31.4 Wow!

Doesn't this snowball fight look like fun?

I just love how these pictures captured their play.

More Pics from the Pallies' Visit

Meet Hailey. (born 2 months after Caleb)

And Riley. (born 3 weeks after the twins)

Seriously, are they cute or what?


Caleb was beside himself with excitement as he counted down the days until "his Hailey" was coming. It was so special having them here, and showing them around. We got to do a few fun trips out and about (thanks to Weston watching the twins so the rest of us could fit in the van).
We spent one morning at Discovery Depot.



And another one at Jungle Bungle.


And also spent a lot of time hanging just hanging around here.

Among other things, we played in the snow, failed in a quest to find ballet shoes, successfully infected Brandy with the scrapbooking bug, and watched Aidan squeal and run from Riley. (Aidan, of all kids, was afraid of her!)

Brandy, I am so thankful God placed you in my life!