Three

Late last month our Anna, Anna Banana, Anna Baby.... turned 3! This girl is pure emotion - there's no guessing how she feels. She is a comic and a sure crowd favorite.....obviously getting her sense of humor from Daddy! :) She is beautiful, loving and tenacious. Mischievous and at times, challenging. FEARLESS!!!! She brings us laughter, smiles and joy. She is growing into her new "big girl" number 3 and talking SO much better over the last several months thanks to two wonderful Speech Language Pathologists. We love you Anna! I love being YOUR Mommy and am so thankful God gave you to me.

Gettin' Crafty

We had a birthday party last weekend for T/I who are the daughter/son of our friends Dustin and Hope.  They bought a cute little house on a lake in Sparta where they plan to spend their summers (they call the place "The Shack").  Since they came from Vegas with relatively little for "The Shack", I thought it would be fun to make some crafty decor for the kids room.   So.....I embarked on the project below the evening before the party.  Getting a "late start" was not such a good idea but after a long night and an early morning start.....wahhlllaahhh.....the finished product :)

The entire gallery for I's room.  I got the canvases in a 2 pack @ Michaels along with some inexpensive craft paint and the letters (which are just MDF).  I picked up the wooden frames at the Dollar Tree and then painted them with the craft paint and paint sponges. I then put in some cute coordinating scrapbook paper from HL. I painted and sanded the letter and attached the ribbon (also from HL) with hot melt glue. The last touch were framed photos that I had recently taken of the kids at the lake in one of the pained frames.

T's gallery (whose middle name happens to be that on the canvas :))

Date Night

Last Saturday, Phil surprised me by planning a night out to celebrate my birthday and just spend some time together after his first round of July travel.  Grandma Eva watched the girls and we were off.  He didn't give me any details (although I kinda figured it out which really ticked him off :)).  First stop was here......enough said!:)  Needed a little pick me up for the car ride.

My handsome date

This was our destination....beautiful South Haven, Michigan

Dinner at Clementines

Oh....and look who showed up....surprise surprise!!! My birthday twin (Tim and I share the same birthday.....Phil has no excuse not to remember his brother's birthday!)

Our other special guests of the evening.....Lubbs and Mrs. Lubbs who were totally cooperating with me and my photo requests :)

Ahhhh.....how could you leave SH without stopping here!!  Any guesses as to what flavor Phil ate?  Hint hint....it matches the color of the cow.  So funny!

Happy 2nd Birthday Anna Baby

Anna's Birthday was actually last month, but since my blogging has been....well....timely, I thought I'd finally post some pics of the celebration :)  We had a fun day at the Bronco game and then celebrating with friends and family.  Anna is a fun loving, high energy, spunky, funny little girl.  She keeps us moving and we love her so much.

Happy 30th Birthday Phil.....a little late

Phil's 30th Birthday was actually a few weeks ago......  he had a game in Detroit on the night of his birthday, but was home on Saturday night for a little family celebration.  Prior to that, we were able to get out with some great friends for a late night snack at one of our favorite local restaurants, The Union!!!  So, to celebrate his birthday, Grace and I made a double layer chocolate cake complete with a "30" candle.  Grace of course just loved singing to Daddy, blowing out the candle and indulging in the birthday treats :)  Notice.....birthday cake would NOT be complete without a freshly brewed Starbucks latte....PERFECT!

Happy 4th Birthday Grace

My "big" girl turned 4 today!  She brings such happiness, joy and energy to our lives.  I love her enthusiasm, curiosity and humor.  We had a great day on Sunday celebrating with our friends and family.  What a BEAUTIFUL day it was for a birthday party.  The kids even got to play outside in the 70 degree weather - that probably won't happen very often :)  Thanks to all who made it special and a BIG thanks to Ams for all the help with getting things ready - love ya!  Here's a little trip down memory lane.