Birthdays!

We just had Miles AND Westley's birthdays. I have had a little of a cake dilemma the last few years. I just don't feel like doing cakes. So, I've left it up to Brad. I'm so glad I can count on him to step up whenever I just can't get it all together. In fact, thats one of the things that has made and makes our relationship so successful, is his willingness to go above and beyond. Always. I love him for that. Anyways, he has made some great cakes.....but not exactly what I've had in mind. (wink wink babe....don't get mad!) So we have a new friend in the neighborhood that is very talented in the cake department (not to mention she has a soft spot for little Miles) and offered to help do a "batman cave" cake, as requested. It came out so fun it inspired me to actually do Wes'. Thanks Lindsey for everything! I had an idea in my head of what I wanted Westley's cake to look like, and and hour and a half later, and Very trembling, nervous hands, I was pleased. YAAY!

So for Westleys birthday, he got a little carried away with the invites. After running through the houses he could stop at, I reluctantly gave him the invitations. He came home with no invites left, and half the list left to go....sigh. So after all was said and done, ....17 kids besides my own. sigh. It went well though and he made out like a bandit. A story to go down in the books. ;)

My talented sister-in-law makes these SUPER cute hair bows. I couldn't resist a photo shoot when I saw how beautifully Claire's blue eyes popped when I put on her new bow! Thanks Ang!

Claire is our family's little play toy. I can be heard all day yelling "Put her down!" and "leave her alone!" The boys just man handle her! She makes the funniest face by pulling up her lips and scrunching her nose at you! I just about die laughing every time she does it.

Family

It's been probably 3 or 4 years since all my brothers and sister have been together. In July while Justin and his family were visiting, Michael came up and Tiffany was there too for some family pics! As you can see, we were just a little silly.

summer fun

In July my brother and his family came out to visit from Rhode Island and we loved every minute! We had a jam packed schedule that included a trip to Montana's Virginia City and Lewis and Clark caverns, hiking Table Rock, Yellowstone, a fish hatchery, boating and of course lots of visiting. We had so much fun and really miss their whole family!

littlest princess

Our little Claire is growing up to fast. I am pretty sure this is my last baby, and I'm really absorbing all the moments in! It makes me a little sad that I didn't cherish the others quite the way I do her. I love how quick she is to smile, and its so cute how much she LOVES her big brother Westley. We are so blessed to have been sent all our little angels!

I've been dreading doing this for months now, I've had lots of excuses. Too many kids, not the right light, not enough energy, and I could probably come up with some more. But last night the light was great, and Brad was home to help, so I mustered up some energy, and we took Belle's "2" year old pictures. I had something a little better in mind, ...more focus on her eyes I think. After an hour and a half of "look at mommy!" and "smile for mommy!" I was done! It was as exasperating as I thought it was going to be. Poor Belle, I thought the wheat was going to be a good idea, but it just scratched the crap out of her legs, then we went over to a barn and there was a kitty that kept coming round and two donkeys that kept bellowing... so many things for a two year old to be distracted by! O well. at least its done, and I'm glad to put an X next to "take Belle's pictures" on my To Do list. Sigh.

Time fly's!

Our princess Belle turned two last month! We had so much going on with a new baby and Brad being gone, we kinda kept it low key. (Not to mention I'm not a believer in big party's until I have to.) So we just had family there and did cake and a couple gifts. Belle is such a bright spot in our lives, her silk blonde hair and big blue eyes just compliment her beautiful personality. She love to say thank you for everything, however it comes out as "gank you!" So cute. She got a My Little Pony for her birthday and she loves it. She tries to ride it while saying "hossy, hossy" (horsey.) She loves her grandpa, and disses anybody for him! We love our princess Belle and are sad she is growing up so fast!

Claire Amaia

Baby Claire was born three weeks ago on February 11th. We are so blessed to have another healthy baby girl! We love her so much and the kids are just great with her. I was due on the 12th, but Brad was scheduled to leave for Haiti for 9 days on the 17th, so we went into the hospital on the 11th to get things started. I had been having good contractions for a day at that point, so when I went in I was dilated to almost a 5. Things weren't going to fast, so they started me on pitocin and finally at 5:34 she was born. Brad suited down to help deliver the baby this time, and as most of you know we didn't know we were having a girl, so we anxiously awaited to find out what sex the baby was, only to be sidetracked by her coming out blue, with the cord wrapped twice around her neck. Needless to say, they got her out and all is fine. The Dr. said that that happens 1 in 4 times. Regardless, it was a little nerve racking. After we knew she was ok, my mother-in-law screams out "it's a girl!" Were so happy to get a little sister for Belle!

Brad left 6 days later for Haiti, and we sure missed him! However, I have been so emotionally overwhelmed with all the love and support that I have received from everyone! I am so blessed to have the friends and family that I have. Dinners were brought in, and kids were taken for play dates. I have been shown the true meaning of service, and I will never forget it.

Here are a few pics of our baby Claire.

Boots and hat

This pic doesn't do it justice. She often walks around with her hands in her pockets while wearing her coat. If I can get one of those I'll add that to here as well.