Happy Birthday Palmer!

Palmer turned 7 on Friday.  I'm running a little behind on posting birthdays :)

I can't believe how big he is getting.

I love his sweet spirit.

He is passionate about his family and friends and very loyal.

He is head strong and I am praying that God will use that strong will for His great glory one day.

I can't wait to see what he becomes.

And I remind myself to enjoy what he is today.

Jude is 3!

Jude turned 3 last Monday.  He is such a blessing and such a handful at the same time.  I can't imagine our family without him.  When we brought him home from the hospital as a newborn, he had the LOUDEST cry and I remember my mother saying that God had made him extra loud so that he could be heard over his other 3 siblings.  Well, he certainly hasn't gotten any quieter and there is NO way that he could be forgotten or overlooked within our family.  I like to say that God made him extra cute so we would keep him :)  He wears his heart on his sleeve and is quick to poke out that bottom lip and stomp his little feet when things don't go his way, but he also wakes up every morning with a smile on his face and looking to give someone a kiss.  The best way to describe him is FULL OF LIFE.  He loves to dance and sing and laugh and run fast and play fight and everything he does is LOUD and energetic.  I love him more every day! 

Here he had just turned 2 -- he climbed up into the sink using his step stool and turned on the water-- guess where I am Mom!

That's our boy!

Happy Birthday Lenna

Yesterday was Lenna's 5th birthday.  I can't believe it.  She really does not seem that old to me.  Next year she will start kindergarten.  Where oh where does the time go?  I know it is cliche, but really time just goes by faster and faster.  It is crazy.   Once again, I am reminded to treasure each and every day I have with them.
Here are some pictures of Lenna celebrating her birthday and some older pictures.

                                                   

I love you, Lenna my only girl :)

Christmas Vacation

Well, I haven't quite caught my breath from Christmas vacation and now we're heading into our birthday marathon. 
Here are some pictures we took over the break.
The ones with the donuts were taken the night we did "Donuts and Lights" -- an idea we stole from my friend Meghan -- apparently it was a great idea because lots of people have borrowed it -- thanks Meghan :)
We adapted the idea a little by doing a scavenger hunt while looking at the lights.  The kids worked together to make a list  of things we might see on the drive, such as 20 lit Christmas trees and 5 Santas, etc. 
We started by going out for donuts and then moved on to the scavenger hunt.  The kids brought their lists with them in the car and marked off each thing that they saw.  It was REALLY fun.  They liked it so much we actually did it 2 nights in a row.  This will definitely be one of our favorite traditions!