Holding On

Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever. ~Author Unknown

Life at the Lake!

I am slowing unpacking the multitude of bags we took along for a 24- hour visit to the lake.  It was a beautiful night for a campfire complete with s'mores and we woke this morning to a gorgeous fishing opener.   We relaxed, waded in the water, fished, visited, kicked around the soccer ball and caught butterflies.  Owen (our early riser) slept in so therefore we didn't awake until 7:20am when Easton announced it was time to get up.   The boys were sad to leave after supper tonight and so were we parents.   Good thing summer has just arrived.  Farewell small slice of heaven, we will miss you.  See you in two weeks!

Here are a few fun shots from our weekend..................................

Spread Your Wings!

I will walk...

I will crawl....

I will laugh....

and laugh some more.

I will touch.....

I will taste....

I will raise my arms and soar!

Owenisms

CONVERSATIONS WITH OWEN:

Owen: Kelly, how long did it take God to make humans.
Kelly: Do you mean you Owen, or the first humans?
Owen:  The first humans and everything else he made.
Kelly: Well six days sweetie. God made something new everyday for six days.
Kelly: And on the seventh day Owen, God ....
Owen: (interrupting) RETIRED!


While looking at trees with Julianna (Owen's college student mentor/babysitter)
Owen: Julianna, I never realized how many colors of green there are!


When do we lose the ability to see the world threw the eyes of a child?  I am often amazed at the way my 5-year-old expresses himself.  He finds pleasure in some of the most simple things and always has something to say about it.  He listens when we don't think he is, he sees what we miss and he is thankful for what we take for granted.  Sometimes as adults, we don't take the time to enjoy those simple things.  Owen teaches us what life is really all about. He truly is an amazing child and I strongly believe he will grown into an amazing man. 

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord.  Psalm 127:3

Celebrating with cake, cousins and cars!

Yesterday we celebrated Easton's 1st Birthday.  It is bittersweet to think an entire year has gone by since he became the 4th member of our family.

It began snowing, yes snowing, at about 9am.  So much for an outdoor party! 

Family arrived at 10:30am and we enjoyed a brunch of egg bake, fresh fruit, homemade muffins and a variety of juices.

Ham Egg Bake and Centerpieces

Easton had little to no interest in opening all his fun gifts.  He mostly walked around (holding onto furniture)  with a muffin in hand and made a trail of crumbs across the living room floor.

What is it?

Can I hold a muffin and show everyone how "SO BIG" I am?

Easton did show off a little and took about 7 steps in front of a cheering crowd.  It is hard to believe his big brother was running by the time he was a year old.

Cuddles with Mimi

When it came time for cake he wasn't so sure.  After a few bites of the delicious carrot cake (created by Mimi) he dug right in.

YUMMY!

The party ended with a few rides around the house in his new "means of transportation" and a couple cuddles with cousins.

Watch how I roll!

Looking at photos with Greta!

Our tired little man took a 2 1/2 afternoon nap while the rest of the "Klan" cleaned up and snoozed a little too.  What a wonderful day indeed.

Blessed

Dear Easton-

I cannot believe it has been a year since our lives were blessed with you! We have enjoyed watching you grow and change everyday.  We love your big brown eyes, your toothy smile, the way you giggle at your big brother and your continued love for cuddling. We look forward to making more memories with you in the years to come.  We are so proud to be your parents.  We love you to the moon and back.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

May 7, 2009

May 7, 2010

Daddy's Hands

Our daddy's hands are scarred and stained.

They rotate tires, repair engines and replace struts.

They hold wrenches, air hammers and drills.

They held us both soon after we took our first breath.

They hold us when we cross the street.

They hug us when he leaves for work.

At night they hold the book he reads us.

At bedtime they fold as he joins us in prayer.

Our daddy's hands are quite useful don't you think?

Brothers

Name: Owen Robert

Age: 5

Eye Color: Blue

Skin: Fair

Likes: Independence, milk, toys

Dislikes: Brushing teeth, sleeping in, noodles

Name: Easton John

Age: Almost 1

Eye Color: Brown

Skin: Olive

Likes: Mommy, brushing his teeth, noodles

Dislikes: Toys, cows milk, lack of sleep

                               These two little monsters may be far from the same,
                               but at least we know they love each other a lot!

When to let go....

                                                                       Boots on.....

                                     
                                     Training wheels off.....

                                
                   A great deal of confidence......

                                  

                                      Some determination.......

                                       

                                       A little help...

                                

                               
                                  A few bumps and bruises.....

                                              ----S----

                                   ----U----

                                   ----C----

                                   ----C----

                                  ----E----

                                    ----S----

                                  ----S-----

                       Owen Robert, you make us PROUD!