The Birthday Party

A little late, but here are some pictures of the girls' first birthday party.  It was a small and sweet (just like the girls)  family party to celebrate the fact that we survived the first year our girls!

We took the kids in on Friday to have the girls' one-year pictures and Liam's thee-year pictures done.  Ellery was not feeling the smiles until after the cameras were off, but that's okay.  Aunt Jenni made the girls' dresses for their birthday...aren't they cute?

Marin, Liam, and Ellery

Marin and Ellery

Marin

Liam

Ellery

Ellery with the big eyes.

Sweet Marin

Liam striking a pose.

Sisters

The First Five

Today Jon and I celebrate our 5th Anniversary.  Five years!  How can it go by so quickly?  Oh, yeah.  We're keeping up with three small children.  That's how.  We did find time for just the two of us today, though, thanks to Nana and Papa.  We went to see Spamalot and then out to dinner at our favorite little Irish pub, Trinity Hall.  We were home in time to cuddle each kiddo and tuck our little ones into bed.  Now we're sitting around flipping between a Coldplay concert and USA/Mexico soccer game.  Some might think that's kind of routine or a boring end to an anniversary, but to me it's perfect.  It's been a great day to celebrate the best five years (so far) that a gal could every ask for...

Cute Mess

What's a mama to do?  You walk away for two seconds, come back into the room, and find this...

Gold fish crackers all over the floor.  And three happy children gobbling them up like puppy chow.  Liam immediately said it was Ellery's fault, Ellery was all innocent smiles and giggles, and Marin seemed completely freaked out like everything about the situation was wrong, but it sure didn't stop her from eating to her heart's content.  Our three little messes making another mess...but this Mama couldn't help but chuckle inside because it was just too cute.

Birthday Girls and Flowers

Here are some birthday pictures I took of the girls at the arboretum last Thursday. 

Way Behind

Since school has been out almost three weeks ago, things around our house have been pretty busy.  Here's what's been going on...

• The first week of summer break, we had VBS at church.  I worked with the 5-year-olds, and we had a pretty amazing group of little people.  Liam had fun in his class, and loved spending mornings with friends.  The girls had lots of good cuddle time with the sweet workers in their room.

• Jon's Aunt Cindi, cousin Amanda, and her boyfriend, Sean, also came to visit that week from Spokane/White Fish.  It was terrific seeing them.  Our buddy Mike also came for the weekend, and it was great to have him here, too.

• Last week, Jon was busy writing curriculum, so it was just me and the kids during the day.  We went to the mall one morning, the zoo the next day, and to the arboretum the next.  Lots of activities.  The kids (and I) do better on the move in the morning and home in the afternoon for lunch and naps. 

• My dear friend, Marybeth, was in town from Denver with her adorable little man, Jack, so we were able to spend time together, too.

• Our little ladies turned one, and we celebrated with a family birthday party for them on Saturday.  Lots of pictures, so that'll have to be a separate post.  But, it went a little something like this...

A Day for Dads

Here are three lucky kiddos.  They love Daddy and had lots of fun celebrating him today.  He's also a pretty terrific husband, but there's not a special day celebrating that, so I'll just add Happy Hubby Day to today as well.  We love you, Daddy!!!

The Day



Ellery may have liked the candle more than the cake.



Marin wanted to touch the candle!

I think the girls enjoyed their first birthday.  We started the day with one of my besties, Marybeth, and her little man, Jackson, at the zoo.  Later, after a relaxing afternoon of napping and playing with Jack, we headed to the  mall.  In the evening we had a family birthday celebration.  We'll have a  bigger family party on Saturday.  Our baby girls are now one-year-olds.  Sigh.



Buddies...Ellery, Jackson, and Marin

Ellery opens a gift from Grandma and Grandpa...

...And so does Marin

Ellery doesn't seem to be a fan of the cake.

But Marin has no problem digging in!