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
via
It was a pretty spring day when we got to join Jacob's class on a field trip to the fire station. Since my boys are just over a year apart we have to find a balance of what activities we do with JJ's class and what activities we do with Cole's class...but this day we were with JJ's class and oh BOY was it exciting {for them ;)}! 
The boys were SO excited to be going on the bus for the first time - they thought it was pretty darn great! 
As did Max & Mr. Jason 
The big trucks pulled into the bay just as we entered the garage - Jacob was slightly shy about the trucks but Cole was all over it! 
My boys really enjoyed the demonstration {HA! note above photo!} -- but I do have to say when they didn't have their ears covered they actually learned a few really important things, one of them the number to call when there is an emergency and another "stop, drop & roll" -- both of these things have saved lives and them knowing about them while they are so young is fabulous! 
Cole was slightly depressed and upset with me when I said that he couldn't sit in the driver seat, the kind fireman said "oh, it's no problem - let him" my response was "you don't know my kid!" {if you know Cole in real life you know what I mean!} At any rate, I let him sit in the driver seat for a few mere seconds and this is what his face looked like when he was in the driver seat and he said "I'm in great control!" Bah ha ha -- sometimes he kills me with what he says! 
Here is Jacob's whole class in front of the engine -- Cole was at my feet, too shy for the photo. It was a great day and a bit crazy but what do you expect for two boys at the fire department ;)
Last week I had the opportunity to go out with three great girls, and we had a blast! We got to the restaurant at 7 and left as it was closing just after 11 - we had some serious catching up to do! 
My girlfriend Laura {she has a blog but is a slacker..maybe this will encourage you L?} I've known Laura forever! Ha! Well at least it seems like I have! 
Here is the brunette side of the table; Crystal & Jessi. Both of which have blogs that you should check out! I was introduced to both of these lovelies through Laura, see I told you we've been friends forever! 
We had some seriously good laughs {note photo above} -- oh my goodness, no lacking on strong women at this table! It was great to talk candidly about what we are all going through in our lives, what our experiences have been with family/friend situations and glean wisdom from one another. 
I am so blessed to celebrate life with these women, to depend on them for prayer during the hard times and to know that they are what true friends are made of! 
