12.22.2011

Kate's Birthday

Our Birthday celebrations concluded today with a trip to the American Girl Doll Store in Atlanta! Today is Kate's 7th birthday and she has been talking about going to this store for months. Here's a tip, call ahead and make a reservation with a personal shopper. It's free and a store employee will walk you around the store, leave you alone to make your purchasing decisions, and then she'll check you out so that you don't have to stand in the long lines! It was great!! She also gave the girls an AG magazine and craft to take home.
We went with my mom and my youngest sister Emma. We were sorry Rick's mom couldn't join us!

We heard screams of joy as we drove up

Claire wanted her picture taken by every "Julie" doll in the store. Look at that smile!! :)
Kate with "Kit"
Lunch in the food court with Auntie Em :)
Emma, Mamma and Me :)
My dear sister Emma. We are 12 years apart. She was 10 when I got married, and 13 when I had Kate. I am so thankful for her, even though I was horrified when I found out my mom was pregnant because I had just been told out what "caused" it a few weeks earlier. :) I honestly can't imagine our family and my life without her. We missed our other sister Sarah who was hard at work.
Happy Birthday to my dearest Kate. She made me a mother. She was the first of my babies I held, and nursed, and prayed for. She is growing up but she is still a little girl. I am thankful that she has professed a faith in Christ. I am thankful I am her mother. May the Lord grant us with many more years together and many more sweet memories to make like we did today.

Family Parties

We have such wonderful families and are most grateful for them. It really means a great deal to us that everyone would come out and celebrate our dear children. The first family party was in Gadsden and everyone was so generous with their gifts! The kids loaded up!!! :)

Singing "Happy Birthday"
Henry opening a fun gift!
Jack got an awesome ball! He was THRILLED to receive his favorite type of toy!
Kate, LOVING her new American Girl doll accessory!! We've gone a little American Girl doll crazy in our house this year.

Our other family party was at my parents' house the very next night. Can I please tell you all how thankful we are that we live near both sets of grandparents!! We had the best time and I always love a reason to go down and hang out at their house.

Henry opening his awesome Thomas rainboots which he wears even if it's 70 degrees and not raining! Jack and Rick working hard on opening another fun gift!
The wonderful Birthday cake!
Here's a close up

Jack

My sweet buddy Jack was 2 on December 9th!! He is such a blessing to us. His name John means "God is gracious," and I think about the meaning of his name often when I look at him. He is full of energy and is such a wonderful and funny member of our family.

Jack loves and I mean LOVES any kind of balls. I have never seen a child who loves them more. He almost always carries one or more around the house with him. He can actually throw pretty well! He is very independent and resourceful but cries like no other when I leave him at the church nursery. Boy do I love this little one.


Here is Jack holding up his number 2!



Henry

Our birthday celebrations are officially over for the month!!! Today is Kate's 7th Birthday but I'm going to recap the boys first.

Henry's birthday was December 3rd. He was due on Pearl Harbor Day. I cannot believe he is 4 years old now! We had the "Birthday Bash" last year for Henry, Jack and Kate so this year we just had family parties. We did have a little celebration for Henry on his actual birthday. This is what he woke up to:
We got him a stomp rocket, which is such a fun toy!! ALL of our kids LOVE it. Here's a link: stomp rocket. It may be too late to get one for Christmas, but it's a great toy to have on hand!
Henry loves cars, playing tackle football in our den, playing "obstacle course" on the Wii, playing freeze tag, and playing outside. He is such a fun little guy and is a great big brother.
Happy Birthday my big 4 year old! I love, love, love you!!!

12.07.2011

Christmas Card

Had to make our annual Elf Yourself card again this year! :)

12.01.2011