Birthday boys!

We had fun celebrating both Jaden's 7th birthday and Noah's 1st birthday over the Memorial Day weekend.

Noah couldn't quite figure out what all the excitement was about - but he was ready for it!

Cousin Carrie was very excited to give presents to Jaden and Noah

Noah thought the whole ripping paper thing was lots of fun!

Here are my sweet birthday boys!

Lael and Jaden couldn't wait until the toy was out of the box before they started teaching Noah how it worked.

Noah's toy camera was a big hit!

Cousin Hanna was carefully observing the whole event - after all, her birthday will be here soon!

And Abby just thought everything was funny!

Ready for his very first cake - ever!

Jaden took care of the candle-extinguishing . . .

. . . but Noah was very much into the eating!

Then it was outside to play - after a wagon ride to the playground.

Ever the monkey!

Lael - queen of the monkey bars!

The big kids also got their first bike rides of the season . . .

. . . for Jaden, it was his first on his birthday bike - AND with no training wheels!

Fortunately, grass is soft to fall on when you're learning!

Time for a "Noah-break"!

A wonderful day to celebrate the precious gifts that are my two wonderful boys!

Happy birthday, Jaden!  God heard my prayer and gave me the gift of YOU!  I love you!

Happy birthday, Noah!  I can't imagine our family without you in it!  I love you!

What a difference a year makes!

One year ago today, I fell in love . . . all over again . . . with being a mommy.

One year ago today, I held the tiny hand of my third-born child and prayed that God would continue to cradle him in His almighty hand.

One year ago today, I marveled at ten tiny toes.

Over the next seven weeks,

I was able to watch my little boy grow on the outside of my body . . .

. . . and I thanked God daily for the precious gift of his life!

I watched my husband grow as a father of three -

 he's such an amazing daddy!

I saw the joy of my son as he held the answer to his prayers for a baby brother in his arms.

I saw my daughter blossom as a big sister.

When the day finally came for our little blessing to come home,
it was yet another reason to rejoice!

Over the past twelve months, this little guy has grown A LOT
(he must be eating more than just socks) . . .

. . . smiled A LOT . . .

. . . played A LOT . . .

. . . and in general, added so much joy to our lives!

Happy 1st birthday, Noah Matthew! 

You are a gift of peace and rest from God

and we are so thankful that He gave you to us!

More park fun

Jaden is definitely outgrowing his bike!  (But he's getting every bit of use out of it that he can!)

What a big boy Noah is becoming!

Practicing his standing with Daddy

Pausing from her scootering to smile for the camera

This little guy loves, loves, loves swing rides!

Will he make it the whole way around?

Introducing Noah to the slide - he wasn't sure if he liked it or not

But he did like flying to the treetops in Daddy's strong arms!

What we like to do at the park . . .

Noah likes to swing - a new favorite activity

 Jaden and Daddy like to climb the rock wall

(and stand on the very top while Mommy holds her breath until they climb down again)

 Lael likes to play on the tire swing

And Mommy likes to take lots of pictures of her favorite people playing at the park!

Happy Easter!

Here we are on Easter Sunday morning . . . excited to worship our risen Savior!

 My boys

 Lael LOVES her baby brother!

 My sweet children - love them so much!

 Jaden - growing up so fast . . . almost 7 years old!

 And Lael is practically a young lady at 10 years old!

 Not to be left out, here's our sweet baby . . . almost 1 year old!

From our family to yours,

have a blessed Easter!