Just life....

 Not much going on here, just life.

 With our 3 beautiful, spunky, loving kiddos.

Never a dull moment, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Happy Birthday Tom Jr.

5 years seems so long ago but also feels like just yesterday that I held you for the first time.  You were beautifully BIG, 9lbs 15oz, I just say 10 lbs when I tell people your story.   I remember the stillness of the room as I snuggled you in my robe.  Everyone had left and it was just you and me.  You stared at me with your big round brown eyes and our hearts were joined from that moment on.

Today as we snuggle in your bed every night, you look at me with those same eyes and hug me so tight.  You bring us so much joy sweet boy.  You love so intensely and I know what that feels like.  You put every fiber of your being into whatever it is that you are doing, or want to do.  We love you and hope that you have a great birthday.  You are a blessing!

Love,
Daddy and Mommy

And now for Birthday festivies....Matey!!

We had a morning party with a few school friends, they were oddly quiet and well behaved for a handful of 4/5 year olds!!!.  And then we had family/friends like family party in the afternoon.  Whew, what a day, it was great, long, fun, and the smiles and squeals from my little FIVE year old boy made everything worth while!

decorating pirate hats and telescopes

Sweet treats table

Treasure cupcakes for school party

Jeweled goblets for school party

Every pirate needs a beard

Photo props, Argggggh

Serious and fierce pirates

Matey Charlie yelling "CHARGE!!!"

Walking the plank

Swords (Twizzlers), Sea Fare (Swedish fish) Cannon Balls (cream puffs and molt balls)

School friends digging for treasure

Cannon ball fight (balloons)

Singing Happy Birthday to Tommy, he was so sweet and kept saying "Thank you, thank you" in his shy little voice

Pirate ship cake for afternoon party

Argh!  These guys were into it!!

Daddy getting ready

Penny was upset that she had to wait for the cake...lol

Ah, that is better.  Lounging with Nana and eating chocolate cake.

Yeah for friends!

Thanks Grandpa for making the trip! It means more then you know!

Chocolate golden coins given as favors.  Thanks to Miss Gretchen for doing all the graphics for us!!!

It was SO much fun.  Tommy had a great time and was excited to have all of his friends and cousins with him!!

Happy Birthday big boy, we love you!
C

17 months

Dearest Penelope Jane,
     You are growing so fast and I love watching you make new discoveries and learn new things.  You are sure footed now, practically running, into everything but also a very good listener and nicely follow directions.  I can ask you to go get your shoes and you will, if you have something gross in your mouth all I have to do is ask for it and you quickly obey and spit it out into my hand.  You run to your brothers and Daddy to give kisses and hugs goodnight and wave good bye to Charlie when we drop him off at school.
  You are repeating everything we say, picking up new words daily.  You love other little kids and love to be around them.  You have already hosted your first party and were dressed to the nines in Nie Nie's tutu.
  You love your family and give hugs and kisses sporatically throughout the day.  I love it when you hug me and gently pat or rub my back.  You are by far the sweetest girl there is. 
  You are happy and very laid back.  You rarely cry and when you do it is because you don't feel well or because you have decided to protest whatever it is that we are doing.  You are a fall out, thrash, kick and wail kind of tantrum thrower even though you rarely throw them and can usually be easily redirected.
  You are a good eater, still taking at least 4 bottles of Soy milk a day.  Down to one mid day nap 2-3 hour nap, bedtime is still around 6pm, up around midnight and then this week you have decided to sleep all the way through the night for 3 days in a row!!! 
  You are the light of our family, you bring each and everyone of us such joy.  Daddy and I love watching you with your brothers and already how much you love them and how much fun you all have together.  I pray that the three of you will remain best friends forever!

Love you always my sweet girl!
Mommy