Happy Birthday To Me

Well I am officially 31 now. It is 1:40 AM and I have been up working on stuff for church tomorrow, but I wanted to wish myself a Happy Birthday.


Perhaps I am a little slap happy at the moment, but this seems like a good place to insert the picture Ashton and I put on his birthday party invitations. We took the picture of him and then he modified it on the computer. We included the following phrase as though it was a word bubble coming out of his mouth.

YOU WILL COME TO MY PARTY!

Alien Tub Babies

Catherine heard about these funny tub pictures and specifically asked that I share them.

These were actually taken January 30, 2008, so about two weeks before the babies birthdays.

"What's everybody looking at?"

The babies like to play with their Dora the Explorer tub toys. Unfortunately for Boots, he is about to be eaten by the Kristen monster.

"Look mom, even my tongue is clean," says Kristen.

Kristen still enjoyed taking a bath back then. She is now going through an anti-bath phase we hope she outgrows soon.

"So do you like my hair," asks Loryn.

We discovered that before rinsing out the baby shampoo you can do all kinds of fun sculpting with baby-fine hair.

Hunter's Potty Training Miracle!!!

February 17, 2008 is a very significant day in our home. It is the day the switch turned on and Hunter went from being in diapers to being completely potty trained.

There were times I honestly thought I would be potty training the twins and Hunter at the same time. Miraculously after many failed attempts on my part, this Sunday afternoon Hunter decided to use the potty and has been using it ever since. Just like that, it was all over...done. No accidents. Dry at night. A miracle.

In case anyone thinks this was too easy, may I remind them that Hunter was already 3 1/2 and had shown zero interest in potty training to this point. I hadn't actively been doing any potty training for a while. I guess he just needed to decide for himself it was time, and have the confidence to do it.

As a reward for Hunter potty training we all went to

Chuck E. Cheese.

Hunter playing Ski-Ball while Loryn watches in awe.

Try throwing just a little harder Hunter.

Joy Riding

Kristen loved this little car, but Loryn wasn't so impressed.

Ashton, Kristen, and Allison--They really are having a good time.

"I don't think I like the features on this one," thinks Kristen while examining the Jeep ride.

Kristen wasn't so sure about the big moving Jeep. In fact she and Loryn freaked out when it started moving.

"Get me out of this thing," cries Loryn behind the wheel.

Birthday Marathon

This time of year is very birthday heavy for us. Four of the five kids have their birthdays within 3.5 weeks and Grandma's is right in the middle of those. Paula and I also have our birthdays at the end of March. In all...7 birthdays in a month and a half.

February 13-- the twins first birthday. THE BIG NUMERO UNO!!!

What is going on?

Kristen (in pink) and Loryn (in bib) looking unsure and confused while sitting on the counter with everyone watching.

February 24-- Mom turned 54 years old.

All in one breath grandma! No helping Hunter.

It took two whole cakes and a multitude of matches to do it right.

March 2--Ashton's big #8. We had a party for him with his friends on Saturday, as well as another party for family on his actual birthday. We are looking forward to his baptism in May when Dave's parents can come.

The Marshmallow Gun Posse

R-L: Cameron, Ashton, Ethan, Jacob, Zack, Cooper, Allison. Braden flashing the marshmallow gun in the back. We had a great time putting together our marshmallow guns and shooting them in the backyard. I found the instructions and plans online. They are made out of PVC and were really easy and inexpensive. I highly recommend them for a birthday party for crazy little boys.

March 8--Allison turned 6 this year. Allison also had a birthday party with her friends and another with my family.

Dora the Explorer Party Pals

R-L: Karina, Alysa, Ashlyn, Kendall, Allison, Ashton, Bronwyn, Kaitlyn, Hunter. Back: Loryn, Dave, Kristen.

It was a Dora party with a "map" that told us where to go on our treasure hunt. Ashton performed his magic ballon trick, candy, dancing, and finally a pinata pretty much sums it up.

Making Hunter Happy!

Poor Hunter! This time of year is really hard on the little guy who has to wait until the end of July for his birthday. At the family party I promised Hunter I would make a cake with his name on it. Here is Allison blowing out the candles of HER cake with Hunter's name on it.