Happy Children

What a super busy month we've had! Birthdays, anniversaries, parties, Easter... way too much going on! Life is slowly getting back to 'normal', which is still busy but less insane. :) Tonight I was in the play room with the kids watching them have fun together. Mia and Noah love to smother baby Caden with kisses and tickles! Caden would laugh and laugh. I had to grab the camera!

HAPPY EASTER!

We had a beautiful (albeit cold) day on Easter Sunday. The services at Fellowship Bible Church were outstanding. Dr. Crawford Loritts preached an awesome sermon and the choir, band and worship team did a phenomenal job leading worship (if I do say so myself)!! My brother Joel sang a powerful duet with our worship director; it was a moment of pure joy to hear the message "He's Alive!"

After church, we went to Joel and Charlotte's house for Easter dinner with Giselle, Greg and Greg's mom and another childhood friend from Connecticut, Doug. The food was delicious and the kids had a great time.

Noah finds his Easter basket.

Mia with her new kitty cat.

The kids with their easter eggs.

Eli and Noah.

Cousin Eli.

Mia plants a smooch on baby brother Caden ("I just love Cay Cay 'cause he's so cute!")

Hope you had a wonderful Easter too!

Budding Artists

We had a beautiful spring day here in Atlanta. The kids love to be outside, and today Mia and Noah decided to do some painting. They did very well painting together as a team!

Caden was a little distraught that Mama was taking pictures of his siblings instead of paying attention to him:

But within a few seconds he was smiling for his Mama...

I had to add these few photos...

Noah wearing Caden's puppy hat (the poor kid takes such abuse from his parents).

Noah giving Daddy a sweet kiss.

Anniversaries and Easter Parties

We had a lovely dinner out to celebrate our anniversary. Milo took me to Bistro VG in Roswell (formerly Van Gogh's) and it was wonderful! I highly recommend taking your sweetie there for a romantic meal. The decor was beautiful - probably the most beautiful restaurant I've ever been in - and the food was excellent! The most fun part was discovering that seated at the table next to us was Vicki from the Steve and Vicki morning radio show. Of course, I was very interested in listening to her conversation! Her table looked to be having a grand time.

Happy Anniversary, honey! (by the way, the kids got a big kick out of looking at our wedding album for the first time.)

Now... on to the kiddie stuff. These pictures were taken the other night when all the kids had baths. I love bathtime - is there anything better than a sweet smelling, powdered baby?

Caden checks out Mia's bath water.

And Mia's preschool class had their Easter party today:

Mia and friends.

Mia has a go at the "Pee-ata" (pinata)

And finally, Noah grabs an Easter egg from his basket at school...

19 Years!

Mia's birthday was not the only big news this week. Yesterday as our 19th anniversary, so in honor of that day, here are a few pictures of two kids who had no idea what they were in for (isn't my bride beautiful?). Happy Anniversary, sweetie! I love you more than ever.

Happy 5th Birthday, Mia Grace!

Yesterday was St. Patrick's Day and a big day at our house - Mia turned 5!

Mia was born on a Monday, just like her birthday this year, and I remember it so clearly.... waiting, waiting at the hospital while Mia's birthmother endured a long (seemingly endless) labor, being so nervous waiting for the baby to arrive. She finally made her entrance into the world at 4:59 pm on March 17, as I watched her being born. It was the most incredible experience of my life, becoming a mother for the first time.

Our "full of life" girl was soooo excited that it was her birthday yesterday. When she arrived at school, she ran up to her teacher and said, "The birthday girl is here!" It was a fun-filled day.

Daddy made his girl a special "Mia pancake" for breakfast.

Caden crawling around on his sister's big day...

We had a birthday dinner at home followed by cake and presents. As usual, our family joined us for the celebration.

Happy Birthday, baby girl. You are a treasure.

The Lord Bless you and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up his countenance upon you

and give you peace.

Love,

Mama and Daddy

Let The Party Begin!!

Although her birthday is not officially until Monday (St. Patrick's Day!), Mia celebrated her 5th birthday with some of her little gal pals at the Fired Works Pottery Studio in historic Roswell. She was sooooo excited to have her party, and a great time was had by all! The theme was "My Little Pony" per the birthday girl's request.

Dressed and ready to go party.

My Little Ponies decorated the tables.

Getting ready to paint pottery.

Our girl hard at work painting her - what else? - pony.

After painting, the girls had lunch...

followed by some dancing. You go, Naomi!

Then it was time for the birthday cupcakes! Once again, neighbor Darcy (of Cakes By Darcy) did a beautiful job with the pink pony cupcakes that Mia personally requested.

Enjoying birthday cake...

...and finally, opening her gifts with the help of ALL of her friends.