: Cole's 4th Birthday :

Coley's birthday was one of the first things we hosted {other than our moving in day} in the new house..we had just been in the house slightly over a month and hosting 2 birthday parties days in a row. It was a little nuts, but he's worth it!

He wanted everything pirates and I was happy to do something that we had never done before -- I googled printable pirate party and I found some super cute {FREE} printables -- that's such a great savings for us!

Cole asked for a treasure chest birthday cake and thankfully my friend Tawn had done one a few months before I needed to do mine, so I just copied her ;)

{I would normally have photos of the kids at his "friends" birthday but unfortunately my other camera that I was using as they are quite quick little kids decided to go on the fritz and I lost the photos and video...I was SO sad!}

A few days later we had the family over for his "family" birthday - we hosted a spaghetti dinner {his fave} along with Caesar salad and bread.

Here's Cole with big brother JJ & Nana & Papa

Jacob with GG {remember he really loves his GG}

Daddy and the birthday boy - these two have such a great bond, really warms my heart!

The "Grandma's"

Our little family just before cake consumption ;)

Opening of gifts -- this was the first year he was REALLY into it!

He too was SO excited about his Jessie doll -- just look at this face!?!

Cole loves his GG too!

The birthday boy was VERY wired by the time we tried to get a photo with G&G -- this was the best we got :s

Tried to get a decent photo in front of his birthday board...this was the best one I could get - oy vey!

Coley-Bear, you are a delight in every way..you continually bring smiles to our face. God has blessed you with a sensitive heart and a huge sense of humour -- we are SO blessed by having you as our son! May your 4th year be filled with learning, fun and lots and lots of love!

{XoXo}
Mama & Daddy

: Jacob's 5th Birthday :

Jacob was SO excited about turning 5! Turning 5 meant so many things to JJ -- I'm not really sure why, I guess going to "real" school, being more aware of what age actually means; being the older {wiser} brother ;) --- He couldn't wait for this day to come!

Of course, the birthday boy wanted "trains" as his birthday theme, this is the second time we've done the theme of trains; in five years....not bad considering the addiction that he has with trains!

The party was filled with cake, cupcakes, fruits and his favorite treats...it wasn't a huge long party, we played, ate, opened gifts and played some more...the perfect after school break!

Jacob with his friend Karter -- we've got some big love for Karter in our home!

Josiah, Max, Charlie & Cole enjoying their treats {Josiah, truly has white teeth ;)}

Emma, Madelyne, Paige & Karter enjoying some sweets

JJ opening his gifts - so much excitement!

The happy birthday boy and his first train cake ;)

Then onto our family birthday party the next day....

Cousins being cousins..those three boys sure love each other!

Then add the princess to the bunch -- what a sweet little crew!

On to opening gifts, JJ is precise at opening gifts and making sure everything is done in an orderly fashion...it's painful! HA!

He had been asking for a "Jesse" doll for MONTHS and finally got it - he was SO excited!

Jacob asked for a HUGE cake with Thomas on top, so I made a 12" round made out of four layers of cake - it was 6" tall and trimmed in bubble gum...he loved it -- was far from perfect but the best thing is, is it was perfect for him and that's really what counts!

Grammie & Grampy with the birthday boy!

Nana & Papa with the birthday boy {all ready for bed and all!}

GG {my Mom's Mom} with the birthday boy -- JJ really really loves his GG!

Finally my littlest, big boy with his Jesse doll

Jacob, we love who you are -- we love the boy you're growing to be. You have shown us so much in your 5 young years. We love you dearly and can't wait to see what God has planned for your little {BIG} life. May you see many more years; we'll be here to celebrate with you!

{XoXo}
Mama & Daddy

: Paisley's Dedication :

We had the pleasure of attending our nieces dedication at the end of February. My brother and sister & the girls Denay & Paisley live on the Island so to go over and visit, it's quite the trek - but we love them so we do it in a heartbeat!

Christy put on an amazing brunch the morning before church - yeah, that's our delightful host ;)

The family hanging out before heading out to church

T&C with Denay & Paisley

Everyone gathered around looking at the gifts we bought for Paisley's dedication

While over there we also celebrated Jordan {my older brothers} birthday HAPPY BIRTHDAY JORD!!!

The boys find such delight in their cousins, and it makes us so sad that we can't be closer. Denay and Paisley are spoken of daily and with such sweet love in our home. We miss you all and can't wait to see you soon!

Thanks for a great weekend and super memories!

{Christy has posted more photos from our weekend here & here}

: Dad's Birthday :

This weekend we celebrated my Daddy's birthday - we had a great time hanging out over a roast beef lunch that Mr. L & I prepared.

The boys are so sweet, they get every aspect that goes into birthday parties; the cakes, gift opening...and they don't miss a beat!

The parental unit ~ they are off to Hawaii today...miss them already!

My sister {by love} and Marm serving up the dessert

Dessert table ~ yummers!

Uncle & Auntie goofing around with Jacob

Once we were ready to sing happy birthday the boys needed to whip out the party hats, everyone including Tucker-the-dog was a good sport!

Happy Birthday Daddy Boy! Hope you have a great birthday vacation in Hawaii - We love you!