Isaac's Party

Since we are in Utah we took advantage of having cousins around and had a little gathering for Isaac on his birthday.  He woke up to presents, balloons, and special birthday pancakes made by Grandma.

 Isaac specifically asked for a chocolate cake, with blue frosting, and a yellow 4.  

He was happy.

 He had a lot of "helping" hands opening presents, and we had a bit of birthday envy (and lots of birthday melt downs).

 We had fun playing, eating pizza, blowing out candles, and stuffing ourselves with chocolate cake. 

Spencer swiped Isaac's Cars t-shirt and decided to wear it himself.

And by the end of the day...I.WAS.EXHAUSTED!!!  At one point in the day a friend called to wish Isaac happy birthday on the phone.  I called, "Isaac come here." And he replied, "Mom, I think you mean BIRTHDAY BOY!"  (oh brother).  I think he let his birthday go to his head, I guess that's okay when you're a big 4 year old.  He gave me two thumbs up at the end of the day, I'd say it was a hit!

Birthday Boy!

Isaac turned 4!  

I can't believe it.  

4 years ago this little chunk came into our life.  

And he has added such joy and pure silliness everyday since.

You are a sweet little boy, truly a marshmallow at heart.  A stern voice (and moms stink eye)  can set you into instant tears or you give us that big "ah shucks" grin and all is forgiven.  You say your favorite colors are blue and green right now, and your really not all that picky when it comes to what you will or won't eat.  Although lately you've been boycotting hot dogs!?!?  You love tagging along with your big sis...hence all the barbie time you get.  But you are learning to love all thing SUPER HERO.  

You are my soft squishy boy and I love you.  Thanks for some of the best snuggles and kisses around, I am so lucky to be your mom!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUBBA

The Girl Turned 6!!!

Today was Natali's big day.  She is officially 6!  WOW.  We had a fun packed day.  It started early with french toast and off to swim lessons.  After swim lessons we went to a friends swimming pool...unfortunately that pool was closed.  So we loaded back up and headed to ANOTHER friends pool...that pool was closed till 2 for cleaning TOO!  So we settled on a local splash pad.  (apparently I'd ruined Natali's birthday, or so I was told)  We ate lunch and played with friends while staying cool in the shade & water.  We went home, got Spency down for a nap, and I let Natali finish opening her presents.  After naps I tried to redeem myself and I took the kids back to the pool.  This time we actually got in and did some swimming.  The kids were anxious to show off her their "new" swimming skills.  We were all pretty hungry after all that swimming so we picked up Happy Meals, ate picnic style at home while watching a movie.  Followed up by cake, reading new books, and getting ready for bed.  It was a GREAT day.  Only bummer was that Ben didn't get to spend any of it with us, out the door at 6am and home at 9pm.  Happy Birthday to my sweet red headed Natali Lynn!  You made me a mom, you keep me on my toes, adn I love you!

 "Mom, I want a chocolate cake with pink frosting and a crown on top."  Sorry sweetie...that's the best I got!

 Little brothers were eager to help open presents and celebrate the special day!

Both sporting new "summer" buzzes.  Natali actually on her own accord offered to let each boy open one of her presents for her.  Sweet girl.

  New rain boots (funny since in NEVER rains here), but she LOVES them!

 We LOVE books around here.

Birthday cake, birthday cake, birthday cake!

Happy 5th Birthday

Today my sweet Natali turned 5!  We had a fun filled day.  It started waking up bright and early and enjoying some brotherly love! (These two monkeys are currently sharing a room)

Natali requested pancakes for breakfast.  I happy obliged.  After, she was EXTREMELY patient as we waited to open presents until Dad finished some needed shopping & mowing the lawn.

After making her wait long enough, we finally let her open her gifts.  She got some fun new stuff, but her big gift was a bike!  To be honest I think she is a little scared of the idea.  Hopefully she will warm  up with a little practice.

(new princess helmet)

(dress up skirt from Grandma Gerry)

After naps/quiet time we headed out for a family outing.  We went up to Waco to the mall where Natali got to experience "Build-A-Bear".  She loved every minute.  Sorry no picture of "Miley the Bunny."  After that we headed to Rudys.   A BBQ must we had been told.  It was AMAZING!!!  After all the hype I was worried I would be disappointed, boy was I wrong.

Spencer waiting patiently for the food.  I think he ate more meat than both Natali & Isaac combined.

After dinner we headed back home for cake & ice cream with friends.  The kids ran through the sprinklers to keep cool while we all enjoyed "not unpacking boxes" for an hour or so.

When I asked Natali what kind of cake she wanted her response was: "A chocolate cake, with chocolate frosting, and a rainbow on it."  That's what she got.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!  

(All day long she kept saying, "This is the best day EVER!")

Birthday Boy

Today was this little guys birthday.  Happy Birthday Spencer!

We started the morning with a special breakfast.  Cinnamon rolls & bananas.  Balloons & a super fancy yellow table cloth (not really but the kids thought it was pretty awesome)

We spent the day playing outside, running errands, and celebrating everything Spencer.  After dinner it was time for what we were all waiting for...the CAKE!  And I think it is safe to say it did not disappoint.

(not to shabby if I do say so myself)

Spencer did not hold back.  He dove into that cake like a seasoned pro, must be genetic!

There was a lot of cake to eat.  Good thing Spencer had some people around who were willing to help!  I totally caught Isaac sticking his finger into the cake earlier that day.  It probably was a lot to ask of a 2 year old.  Natali was cute, she told everyone we saw today that it was her baby brothers birthday.  "He's turning one.  We are having cake tonight when Daddy comes home!"  Pure excitement.  She really is getting into this whole birthday thing.

 Happy Birthday Spencer...We Love You!!!

A Year Ago...

A year ago today I went into the hospital to meet out little boy Spencer Chase!  He was a whopper, 10.5!    All I can say is I am glad that I am not pregnant now.  I can't believe a year has passed.  So much has happened.  Spencer's birthday kind of marked the beginning of a whirlwind year for us.  We made it, graduation is well within site.  Our move is approaching.  Life is about to change again.

I can't believe this little chunk has been with us a year.  In so many ways it seems like yesterday that I was making those long (and painful) walks from my room up to the NICU to see him.  But at the same time I can't imagine our life with out this little guy. 

(Oh my gosh look at those ROLLS...I love it)

Spencer you are a joy in our family!  I love coming and getting you in the morning, you are so happy to see me.  You light up when you hear your brother & sisters voice up stairs.  You have bananas every morning.  You L-O-V-E veggie straws.  You drink your milk from a sippy and you love to drink it and then let it slowly run down your chin.  You & Dad love to throw balls back and forth to each other.  You like to come into the kitchen and chase balls all over our uneven kitchen floor.  You are starting to pull your self up (a little).  You clap, wave high to people, and pretend to answer the phone when it rings.  I love you Spencer!  Thank you for being a part of our family.  Happy Birthday little man, you are just the sweetest!

Weekend Get Away

Both boys snoozing away on our ride home from St. Louis

We took a little road trip down to St. Louis to visit one of my dearest friends.  She was up visiting her family so before we move down south we took one last chance to meet up.  I got to see her new baby, eat at Lions Choice, relax, talk, watch movies, drink diet cokes together, talk, get pedicures, talk, eat, and did I mention talk!  It was great.  We had planned to explore St. Louis more, but the weather was not cooperating.  But we made the most of what we had.  It was quick but so much fun.  The kids were tuckered out from all the playing.  Thanks for having us down Amanda...what a great way to spend my b-day weekend!!!

Ben's Big 30!!!

Last Saturday Ben celebrated his 30th birthday.  In our family we have Birthday "week".  It is from the Sunday before to the Sunday after you birthday.  It is GREAT!  Ben's birthday week was lots of fun.  Thanks to a really light private practice schedule he was home most days with us.  Happy Birthday week to me!  Saturday morning there were balloons hung, a spider man tablecloth, and spider man paper plates (theme picked out by Isaac) laid out.  I made strawberry & cream cheese stuffed french toast and bacon...with homemade buttermilk syrup.  After breakfast he got his large candy-gram birthday card and opened presents.  The kids loved handing out their presents to him and quickly started laying claim on much of the candy from his card.  After nap time we went to Costco, a weekly ritual.   For dinner we had "delivery"pizza (a big deal in our house) & blew out candles on some Mississippi Mud pie.  I had his siblings send thoughts/memories for him and overall we just got to spend the whole day as a family.   Happy Birthday Ben...Big 30!

Isaac is 2

Two years ago today I went into the hospital knowing I was going to have a c-section. It was a new experience but at the end of it all I had a new baby. Baby Isaac...black hair & olive skin, the complete opposite of Natali. Well, today that little boy turned 2. I never thought it would happen My sweet little boy, who is such a momma's boy, is now 2 (and bossing me around). Isaac loves: chocolate milk (wa wa milk), waving "HI" to everyone, eating other peoples food (not his own), jumping around, his binky & blanky (working on that one), Backyardigans, his sister, and making his mom laugh! Isaac's smile is contagious, I love his dimples. I could eat his cheeks for a snack. When he runs his whole body shakes. He is my little monkey. Today we celebrated with presents in the morning and cousins & cupcakes after naptime. It was a fun filled day (also filled with lots of tantrums and a very tired mom)! Here are LOTS of pictures (wish you were there babe)!