Hunter & Livi turn 3 and 1!

We had a big double Birthday party for Hunter and Olivia this weekend since their Birthdays are a week apart (They are 6 days short of 2 years apart in age). Since it was Livi's first, we invited lots and lots of people and we had fun! It was a little chaotic (I helped Livi open presents and Jenee helped Hunter, so I have no idea what he got from whom!), but I love family gatherings, so it was well worth it! Here are a few pictures from the party:

Livi getting her hair brushed as she wears Hunter's silly glasses.

A post-party bottle.

Skippyjon Jones!

Mmmmm. Cake!

Will...stealing a present and running.

Thank you to everyone who was able to come and make the kids' Birthdays so much fun!

I suck at blogging.

Here's the deal. As a teenager, going into college and as a young, single adult, I always tried writing in journals. I would start and do it for a couple days, then quit. After I got married, there were many reasons I wouldn't want to share so much of what was on my mind with other people, that I would only journal when I was frustrated, as a way of venting. I wish I was better...but there are other areas in my life I'm trying to discipline right now, and writing, just isn't one of them. Hopefully, someday.

Happy Birthday Olivia!

From 5 pounds 7 ounces, down to 4 pounds, 15 ounces to all grown up at one year old! I cannot believe how fast this last year has flown by. In so many ways, I am glad I kept a low profile and we stayed home so much, just the 4 of us (5 when Joel wasn't working!). Her early entrance into the world and stay in the N.I.C.U. was unimaginable at the time it happened, but I think it made us stronger as a family.

Olivia is such a healthy, active little girl and has been a joy to us during this hard, hard year. She quite simply is the perfect third child. So laid back, so easy-going, almost always happy and ready to goof around with her brothers anytime, anywhere. We are so blessed by our little girl, and that's truly what she is now...a little girl.

First Day of School!

My big boy is off to Kindergarten! He started on a Thursday and by Friday night he was so exhausted, he fell asleep early at bedtime! We are in a great school-district (Battle Ground) and Will's teacher is awesome! I found out she's a Christian and has grown children of her own (no grandkids yet) and has actually written some children's books! (The link is there, but impossible to see unless you scroll over it with this background). She's a kind and matter-of-fact lady and is cute as a button (am I allowed to say that?). I totally love her and so does William. School has been a great experience and he's already learning so much.

End Of Summer BBQ

Hunter...little heartbreaker!

Daddy & Hunter going for a horseback ride!

Will's Turn.

Hunter 'helping' with dessert!

Every year, we attend the "Uncle Dan & Lacey End-Of-Summer BBQ" at the Malmin's house. This year was no exception, and we headed over for a Mexican fiesta/family shower for Bo and Katie. Joel's cousins Rian (Tuttle) and Shawn (Stevenson) brought their horses and most of the family went riding in a monsoon! Seriously, as soon as they got out there and saddled up, it POURED buckets. But it was so fun and you should see the pics of Jenee, Jasmine & Katie. Soaking wet and they are hot, hot, hot!

I am so blessed by Joel's family. It hasn't been easy living 3 hours away from all of my own family especially since we grew up so close-knit. But Joel's family is awesome, so much fun and I love them all!

I cannot believe how big Olivia is! Her Birthday is just around the corner and my baby will be ONE! She has 5 teeth and another really close, she crawls everywhere, she can pull herself to her knees (remember she was 7 weeks early, so she's about 2 months behind in some of the developmental things like pulling up and walking), she chases the boys and will eat anything in her path. Baby girl is FEARLESS. The boys hated being thrown in the air, and she adores it when daddy does it to her. She gets on our bed with the boys and knows it's wrestle time and has honestly been the perfect baby for the year we've had. She's so easy...happy, happy all the time except when tired, hungry or poopy.

A quick 'catch up'.

I tried to upload all my pictures at once and my computer kept crashing! I guess I'll just post several small posts...so bear with me! I'm trying to go in order, too! Hopefully, I'll bet better now that we've somewhat settled into our school routine.

Thank you, everyone, for your thoughts and prayers and we capped off a pretty horrible year, with an even worse ending. All I know is God is good. Truly, through all we've been through, God's faithfulness has been astounding (isn't it funny how we're surprised when God comes through for us?). His mercies truly were new every morning and without them, I'm not sure our little family would have made it through. I can't even imagine how people walk through this life without a relationship with Christ.

--Betsy