April = Birthday Celebrations!

April seemed to fly buy.  It was full of happiness and celebrations.  Josh and Kim celebrated their 7th wedding anniversary on April 1st.   We went to the Ashby Inn in Paris, Virginia for the second year in a row.  Paris in April is magnificent.  ;)

Nathan turned two in early April.  He LOVED every minute of attention poured out on him. We had a fish themed birthday party, fish being one of Nathan's first words.  He received some pet fish and we created a fishing game out in the back yard with fishing poles.  (Somehow I missed getting pictures of the game.  Hopefully Aunt Debbie got some!)  I can't believe my little guy is 2 already!

In the final days of March, Papa Dan arrived for a long visit.  He was able to be here to celebrate Nathan's birthday and his own.  Dan turned a young "72" and for his birthday we were able to take him out to a nice dinner sans kids.  Instead of birthday cake, we splurged on some Cakebread wine.  Papa Dan slept really well that night. (wink...wink...)

Collin rounded out the month with a pizza party for his 4th birthday.  The kids became little chefs at California Pizza Kitchen.  They each got aprons and were able to make their own pizza.  Then they received a tour of the kitchen - pretty special they were.  Nathan loved being one of the big kids.

Nathan also LOVED the HUGE ice-cream sundae that came after the pizza!

Baby's Best Friends

Kate loves animals. She sleeps with her froggie and often her duckie too. Her teddy bears line the shelf in her bedroom. Her turtles and ladybugs greet her on the changing table. Her giraffe is downstairs every morning waiting for her affection. Kate also loves books that have pictures of animals. She knows most of her animal sounds - she roars with the lions, moos with the cows, and quacks with the ducks on a daily baiss. Just last week, Kate informed us that she knew the word wombat! (I guess Baby Einstein's trip to the Outback was educational!)

Shayla is Kate's best playmate. And the older Kate gets, the more fun she has chasing Shayla around the house. Kate even likes to wrestle with Shayla from time to time. (Don't worry we're very close by when this happens.) Shayla often wants to find a safe hiding place from Kate, but in general she is very gentle with Kate.

Yet, my brother's dog, Maddison is a gem of a dog. This huge Saint Bernard is any child's best friend. The kids climb on her, pull her fur, ride her back, yank her tail and even nap on her. Maddie takes it all with a gentle stride. Kate and Collin played with Maddie for quite awhile the other day. Here are a few shots from their day with the dog.

Trick or Treat

Well Kate had her first taste of Trick or Treating this year. Last Sunday (the 26th of Oct.) we met up with my parents, Shaun, Debbie and the cutest nephews ever! Our church had a special event called "Trunk or Treat" where the kids go from car to car around the church parking lot. The cars are often decorated in themes. It was cute. I personally think Collin's chubby cheeks are adorable in his cow outfit. (Unfortunately, my pictures of Brenden are on my computer, and I'm using Josh's to write this post. So I'll add more photos in a few days. Sorry, Little Buddy!)

Then, on the 31st Kate got a real treat! She was able to go out with her Seattle cousins and her Uncles Joe and Bryan who gallantly dressed up with the kids. Let's see, we had a bunny rabbit with real carrots (Hannah), a cheerleader (Briella), Robin (Silas), Ironman (Kaleb), a mummy (Samuel), a Mario Brother (Alex - sorry Alex I can't remember his name!)

Oh, and Daddy even dressed up too. (The pants he's wearing are his grandfathers! And they fit (really well actually)! Mommy came too, but stayed in the background and just pushed the stroller. She let Daddy show of his little Lady Bug!

A Few More Pictures from the Beach

Debbie sent me her photos this week. Here are a few more shots of the family from our time at the Outer Banks.

Collin and Debbie ~ Shaun and Brenden

Brenden ~ Collin

Welcome Cousin Collin

Shaun and Debbie welcomed Collin Richard into this world tonight! What a cutie he is, and he's looking to be a big boy just like his older brother, Brenden. Collin weighed in at 9 lbs. 1 oz. and is doing well. Debbie had to have an unexpected C-section, but she is recovering wonderfully!

We can't wait to see the newest grow and play around with Kate and Brenden. It's good to have cousins so close in age! Shaun and Deb~ Congratulations! You are truely blessed!