Ian's Birthday

In typical fashion, I got busy helping Ian open his gifts and getting dinner on the table so I didn't get many good pictures but here are a few from Ian's birthday....

 Ready for the gift opening

 Puppet/blanket that Ian loves!

 A hug for Lucas after reading the card he made

 And one for Jeremy, too!

 Big bro, Drew, made a one-of-a-kind gift

 Ian and Felicia, playing with the new tractor

Silly Pops and silly girls!  :-)

Ian was wiped out after a busy and fun day!

Happy Birthday, Ian!!

Happy 14th Birthday to the sweet young man who has changed our world!  Ian loves life, people and Jesus!  He's almost always happy and full of joy.  He is sensitive and perceptive.  He's smart and handsome and loves to tease.  He doesn't forget anything and doesn't let us forget anything.  We think he will take care of us when we are old and senile.  ;-)

Happy Birthday, Ian!!!

We love you!!

Dad, Mom, Jeremy and Lucas

Cinderella

We had so much fun, helping Brenna celebrate her 3rd birthday yesterday!  She was a gracious big sister and let Felicia help with some of the presents.

Brenna is really, really into princesses and Cinderella, in particular.  Grammy had SO much fun shopping for a Cinderella dress and accessories and making a petticoat that would make the dress pouf ! :-)

Getting the jewelry on

Ready for the ball

Showing us the shoes

Adorable!

Dancing with her Prince Charming

Blowing out the candles

Diving into the yummy cupcakes

Felicia got a belated birthday gift from Mimi and Pa and she climbed right on and started rocking

Cinderella with Great, great Mamma

The birthday girl with her mommy and daddy

Anniversary Peace

Knowing that we were in desperate need of a date, I lined up sitters for the boys for our anniversary and we commenced the decision planning of where to go and what to do.  These dates don't come easily, so we didn't want to waste a minute.  We thought about several options, including a nice dinner out, a movie, etc.  However, as difficult as it might be to understand, we really just wanted peace and quiet and time to talk and pray without being interrupted.  It is rarely quiet in our house!  So, I called a dear friend of mine whose family owns some amazing property with a cute, little cabin on it and she was willing to let us be temporary squatters for the evening.  We got a pizza and headed out there with plenty of time to hike around before it got dark.  It was beautiful and so quiet!  Turns out it was just what we needed and we feel very blessed to have had a few hours away in this paradise!

33 Years!!!!

33 years ago today was a beautiful, hot, sunny day and I married the most wonderful, handsome, guy!!  God continues to stretch and grow us in ways we never imagined and we are so thankful for His love and guidance and mostly, His grace!

Happy 3rd Birthday!!

3 years ago this evening, Tom and I had a sitter lined up for Ian and we headed out for an early anniversary dinner.  However, before we got anywhere to eat, we got word that Elizabeth was in labor so we went into the crazy grandparent mode and headed to the hospital to anxiously await the arrival of our granddaughter.  It seemed like forever but actually was pretty quick and Brenna Noelle entered our lives!  She has grown up so much and is a sweet, spunky little girl that brings us so much joy!  She frequently runs errands with me (the girl loves Aldi!) and makes the boring tasks so much fun. We're so thankful for you, Brenna and love you so much!

Happy Birthday, sweet Brenna!!  Can't wait to celebrate with you on Saturday!!

Grammy and Pops

Ian, Jeremy and Lucas