Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Birthday Bash

This year for the twins birthdays, I let them have separate small birthday parties. I thought since being 5 it's a big year and why not do something a little more special for them? They already share so much it's time to let them bring out their individual personalities. They both wanted to help plan every detail. Brooke wanted a princess tea party. She invited 6 of her closest friends to dress up, she picked the invitations, cake, and decorations. We pulled out the great grandmother's china, made tea sandwiches, and set up fun activity stations which were nail painting, necklace making and face painting. 
Our family came for the special occasion and made the day so special!
Even wore crowns for the event  
The girls in their special princess dresses 
Birthday Cake Time! 
It was so fun to make your child feel so loved and special .. she was beaming all day ear to ear and appreciated every minute... later that night she told me it was one of her best days ever. 

Next was Parker's big day, he was originally the one who started the separate days as he's been begging to go play miniature golf (not putt putt by Parker's standards). He had gone the year before and was scared to go through the cave and boy he's talked about going back ever since. He wanted to conquer his fears and play golf through the dark haunted cave. 
 He decided on a lighting McQueen theme, cookie cake, 
and just father's and sons.  

The cave was a piece of cake with daddy by his side. 
Parker even got a hole in one on his special day
The cool golf dudes 
Parker blowing out his candles, sitting in the kings chair! He was loving all the extra royal treatment! Look who couldn't resist helping him blow out the candles:) It was a packed weekend with lots of fun memories... hopefully one they will never forget. 

Thursday, October 13, 2011

4th year for...

our birthday breakfast! It wouldn't be a complete birthday without the special birthday pancakes.  



One day they are going to want to change it up and order something besides chocolate chip pancakes. Then one day they might be too busy for their birthday breakfast or one day they might do this fun tradition with their kids:) One thing I do know is that I need to enjoy the moments now as I know they are precious and going just too fast. 

Click here for details 

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Whole Hand Old

I just can't believe my sweet babies turn 5 years old today!! I know everyone says it goes so fast but it's true, the last 5 years have been the fastest years in my life. All the chunky cheeks have faded and the sweet baby voices have turned to be more wise. You feel like a lot of your molding and instruction as a parent  have turned a new leaf ... things you have taught them are being shown in their character and slowly they are becoming their own personality. As you catch them telling a friend about something you have said before or sharing a toy by being generous, or seeing them become such sweet friends,  doing things you before have told them but now doing them automatically... making you a proud parent. All our hard work is paying off... the consistency of discipline is making a difference and you are starting to see the impact it making in their lives.   As a past kindergarten teacher, at age 5  it's by far the BEST age in my book. Their foundation has been laid but become even more sponges of learning about the life around them. 
I truly think the fun has just begun. 
 Their love is like no other ... this morning I found them snuggled talking in bed together. We joke that they are like an old married couple. They know what the other is going to say before they say it ,they hardly fight and are good about looking out for one another, and having completely different personalities that complement each other so well.  They are so blessed to have each other to share life with. I just love how close they are!
 1st Parker birthday Kiss...a little strong

 Then Brooke lands a big one on him in return...
 Jonas is thinking" looks like a little too much Brooke"

Jonas is off to school and the twins head to breakfast 
The twins are officially a whole hand old ... 
I remember thinking that was cool when I was little 
I think this year will be a year of the sillies with lots of jokes that don't make sense but we will always laugh anyways. 

Parker hugging Brooke too tight .. her with a fake smile saying that hurts

 Then Parker loosen up but pulls another funny face ...
Brooke is thinking "Really Parker?"
When visiting them at school for a little celebration Parker is elbowing Brooke to get her to Laugh... I'm telling you it's like they have been married for years. It's just too cute! Who wouldn't want a Twin brother or sister to share life with!? 
Happy Birthday sweet kids!
So glad you made me a mommy 5 years ago truly the best years of my life! 

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Cousin Lovin'

With only three months between these two little munchkins .. these cousins are bound to be best friends. They got some bonding time together while we were at the wedding. Kate had lots to tell Ansley... 
she talked her ear off and Ansley just replied with her normal bird swak. 
So cute to see them interact and already starting with their many stories they are going to tell. 

Friday, October 7, 2011

Mr. & Mrs.

The wedding was beautiful! After Scott being gone for 7 days to Ireland leaving me with the kids we thought it was only fair that I got to attend his cousins wedding. I abousently adore her and wanted to share in her special day!! So I jumped on a plane with baby Kate to Scott's cousin Kelsey's wedding. As with every wedding there was drama but nothing could hold these two back from being united as one.  It was gorgeous weather and a priceless setting on a ranch (which pictures really don't do it justice).  
It overflowed with Kelsey's fun country side of her soul... daisy's all around, horses to greet you at the entrance of the ranch, and she and her bridesmades even wore cowgirl boots with their dresses.

 My beautiful Nieces were the flower girls 
They did an amazing job, listened closely to every word the minster said 
 and were so emotional after 
 I love this picture, it has been a roller coaster for them all week but it all disappeared at this moment. Really they have had a lot to deal with in their relationship... much more than most. 
Look in the sky a bright light shined above them (no I promise it's not my camera )... I took two or three of them right after another and none of them had this in them. All I can say is that there was some celebrating in the heavens for finally this union.
 These are two strong and mature Christians that have an amazing life ahead of them. Their minster spoke directly to them and captured all our hearts. I cried tears of joy that finally they are getting a chance to start a family they have always dreamed of... reminded me of the day I got married.  
We are lucky... when they return home from their honeymoon they are packing up their bags to move to sunny Florida. We get to share in their new chapter together. Hopefully we will be a wonderful support. I tell you they are one strong couple that has a lot in store for them and their love for Jesus is overflowing to everyone around them. 
Congrats Kelsey and Josh  to many years of happiness that awaits you both!  


By the way baby Kate was perfect, didn't cry the entire weekend except for the last 30 minute delay on the flight. Hopefully she's going to be the easy child??