Winter Leaves

Having a fenced in yard is great.  Except for the part where none of the leaves can escape. Except that the girls wouldn't consider that a bad thing. :)

This little miniature dachshund can jump!

I'm so thankful for beautiful winter days, a yard for the kids to play in, and a camera to capture some of the magic.

Celebrating Brooke

Brooke requested her birthday party to be at Monkey Joe's this year.  Best decision I made in a while.   Despite the fact that we were 10 minutes into our drive when we remembered the cake, it was one of the easiest parties we've ever done.

She LOVES this little Monkey Joe that they gave her. 

On her actual birthday we had school. :( But she had a special chocolate muffin breakfast, took a special cupcake snack in to share with her friends, and Daddy picked her up before lunch and took her out on a date.  She thought it was a fantastic day.

Her choice of dinner was Sweet Tomatoes.

She didn't want me to bring cupcakes or anything for dessert.  She wanted ice cream. And she dipped her noodles in the chocolate ice cream.  And she ate it. 

Happy Birthday sweet Brooke. We love you so much!

Baby Shower for Chris and Amanda

Back over the Christmas holiday we wanted to plan a time to celebrate Chris, Amanda, and their precious little girl. While the baby isn't set to arrive until May, this was more than likely the only time we would see and be able to celebrate.  Amanda's friend took a ton of amazing pictures, but for the sake of time I'm just posting a few good ones of the family. We had a special time celebrating and it was such a lovely afternoon filled with family, friends, and blessings.

Five Years Old!

I can't believe I am sitting down once again to write a birthday post. My baby will be 5 in a few hours. She's so excited she can't fall asleep and I may cry myself to sleep tonight. Not really, but it's still a difficult pill to swallow.  There is such a big difference to me between a 4-year-old and a 5-year- old. While I'm sad to be leaving the 4's behind, I'm excited to see what this year holds. 

You are such a morning girl who is ready to get started on your day as soon as your eyes pop open. You love making plans for the day and creating new adventures.

A few of your favorite things:
Food: Deli meat, yogurt, fruit, cheese, pasta
Things to do: barbies, puzzles, dolls, tea parties, swinging
TV show: Sophia the First, Paw Patrol, Doc McStuffins
Movies: Frozen, Frozen, and Frozen

You started preschool this year.  Your sisters didn't go to school until kindergarten, but when God called Mommy back into teaching I placed you in their preschool.  You have loved every minute of school and are learning so much. I'm proud of you and excited to see what kindergarten holds for you later this year. I'm not going to rush it, though!

You are a shy and quiet little girl until someone gets to know you. Then they see how much you like to talk. :) You have an impeccable memory and often surprise us with the things you remember, some of which your daddy and I were hoping you would forget.

Brooke, you entered the world just early enough to catch us off guard, and delivering you was a challenge in itself, but we have loved having you as part of our family. You are a spunky little girl who knows what she wants, how she wants it, and when she wants it. You are walking the fine line between needing help and wanting to do things by yourself. You love playing with your sisters and your friends at school and church. You are silly and love to make people laugh. I'm so grateful that God chose to place you in our family. Happy birthday sweet Brooke.

Love,
Mommy