Boys Birthday Pics...

I finally took the boys to get their birthday pictures taken. I procrastinated this year because it seemed like everytime I was ready to take them, they would have a blemish on their face or a runny nose. They finally had a day where their faces looked great, but of course, I didn't think about haircuts. Oh well! Hope you all enjoy regardless!

Aaron...

Silly little guy...

Austin...

So handsome...

My big guy, Andrew...

Another Year Older, and None the Wiser...

It's hard to believe we are in the middle of March and another birthday has passed for me. Luckily I still have one more year in my 20's before turning the big 3-0, and I am relieved. I'm not ready to grow up and be a 30 year old adult. I enjoy being a 20 something-year-old, swinging on swings and playing tag (even without my kids). It's even harder to believe how much my little guys are growing up. I remember thinking last year on Andrew's birthday how this would be the last year he could hold up just one hand to signify his age. And on Aaron's thinking that his bday would be the LAST 1st bday we celebrate as a family (little did I know God had a different plan for us). Now to look at my boys at 2 years, 4 years and 6 years old, I am amazed. It once again makes me question my age and maturity. Am I really old enough to have 3 kids and one more on the way? I am thankful that I will be done having kids by the age of 30, because that was always my own personal age limit. I just never thought the number of kids would end up being 4 after we actually started a family. I will admit, even 4 1/2 months later, a HUGE part of me is still in shock over the pregnancy. As I get bigger, feel the baby move more, hear the heartbeat and glance at the pics time to time it does sink in more. When we found out about this one it was definitely a bittersweet moment. The brief thought of "this could be our girl" was quickly replaced with thoughts of a summer pregnancy, being cut open a 4th time, being up all night again for feedings, having a child constantly on my hip when Aaron had just finally gained more independence, diaper changing for another 2 years, finishing the bedrooms downstairs sooner than expected to make more room, and lastly just the added expense of another child (especially since I had just recently given ALL my baby stuff away). So many overwhelming thoughts and emotions that I had never experienced with my other pregnancies. Are we really ready for all this again? Then I look around at all the people who never get a chance to experience these thoughts, feelings and even fears. My husband has a job, we have a house, 2 cars, savings in the bank and most of all a very supportive family and group of friends. I mean, here I am 29 years old and am still acting selfish about the greatest miracle that can be given to a person which leaves me to conclude - another year older and still none the wiser...

Birthday Bash...

Since the boys' birthdays all fall within a 3 week span of each other, we usually do one joint birthday party to celebrate. And since the kids have so many friends along with a large family, I try to find a large, kid friendly place to host all of us. This year we decided to go with Jungle Joes. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, it's an indoor gymnasium with a bunch of inflatible slides and bouncers that provide hours of sliding and jumping fun! We had about 20 kids come and join in the birthday festivities. For the first hour, the kids played in the bounce area and had a blast bouncing and sliding their little hearts out.

Andrew going down the big slide...

Austin bouncing like a little kangaroo...

And of course, we had to have a pinata filled with yummy candy!

Austin pulling the first string...

Andrew giving it a try...

The mob of kids going after the goodies...

After playing in the arena part and opening the pinata, our party was escorted to a room on the side to continue the birthday festivities and sing Happy Birthday.

Blowing out the candles...

Once everyone filled up on pizza, pop, cake and ice cream, it was on to the presents. It was so nice because we were given a helper for each child to help them unwrap their gifts. All I had to do was sit back and relax while the "helpers" took care of everything... it was wonderful!

So many presents...

By the end of the day, everyone was completely exhausted and ready to go home! It was a great way to celebrate the kids birthday and I am excited to see what next year brings for them!