Blane turns 14!

Our first born son, well on his way to man-hood.  Wow.

We had our third (or fourth) AirSoft battle birthday party for Blane.  He had a blast.  It was a first in one respect- they played in a foot of snow with more snow falling by the minute.  They had fun.  We put the fire pit down in the battlegrounds and had s'mores, hot chocolate and hot apple cider for the boys and dads.  They also managed to down 2# of queso in-between battles when they came inside to warm up!  We had friends here until late in the night partying and playing games.  Fun times.

Blane began playing the cello this past year and LOVES IT.  Big time.  He is doing quite well.  We have been so blessed by this gift in our home.

So, here are his 14 year portraits!  Featured: the cello!  Oh, and another new thing this past year brought- glasses.  Yep, he's getting old!

Joshua Turns THREE!

We saw the movie, "Frozen" in December (twice!) and needless to say, it was a BIG HIT in our house!  With all of us!  Our favorite character was Olaf, the Snowman.  When it came time to plan a birthday party for Joshua, he immediately said he wanted an Olaf party (which really messed with my plans for a Thomas the Train theme, but hey!)  

So, he's having a snowman themed birthday party.  He was born during a fluke snow storm in Texas and he is spending the days leading up to his birthday in lots of snow and cold in Maryland!  

(Stay tuned for party pics!  Ally Beth and I have been pinning like crazy on Pinterest- tons of FUN snowman party ideas!)

Joshua at 2...

Our cutie-dimpled-patootie.  Too fun for words!  We are so thankful for this little ray of sunshine and his million dollar smile!

And for the record, he doesn't eat lots of suckers.  They were merely bribes to keep him smiling and happy.  I don't offer my children bribes as a rule, but for pictures, I'm not above bribes!

So, don't worry.  His teeth won't rot out.  We hope.  Besides, he ate all of the suckers we had in the house just getting through his pictures!

 

My Funny Valentines

LOVE these kiddos!