Thursday, September 29, 2011

pictures!

Finally got Iain's birthday pictures up. Check 'em out. :)

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Iain is Five!

The long-awaited, now-I-can-chew-gum birthday is here. Yesterday was the big day, and Iain opened his cards, his present from Grammy and Papa (a Playmobil castle or fort which he and Cory have played with non-stop since--who needs school?) and his present from Cory (a piggy bank. "Just what I always wanted!" shrieked the birthday boy in delight).

Watching a video from Grammy and Papa:
Not sure which boy likes the present better:

(Last day as a four--exciting for him, a bit sad for me!)
(First day as a five! Taken on the way to bed--I almost forgot.)
Today, we had a birthday breakfast for him with the Stephens, the Burtons, and the Whatleys at "the House of Waffles" before our science co-op. The eleven (!!) children eight and under behaved remarkably well up until the very end (well, except for the ketchup in the hair incident) and Iain declared Waffle House bacon the best bacon he's had in his whole life. (See why we keep the parties coming for this guy? He's so enthusiastic and easy to please!)

The gang:
The boys (minus Isaiah):
The girls (minus Laina and Hannah):
Sticky, noisy, tasty fun:
So cute:

Later this month, we're going camping with the cousins--the thing Iain requested above all. That will (finally) wrap up the birthday festivities.

The big moment: gum! He was so darn excited about this. He wanted me to do it with him. That's how he says it: do gum. :)

In case you want to look back, here are the former Iain birthday posts:

Iain, you are a joy. You are hilarious, smart, empathetic, and generous. You gave Cory three of your birthday dollars yesterday just to be sweet. You have a long fuse, and you laugh a lot. You love to play and sing and be silly. You love books, and you really love math. You are a wonderful big brother to Cory and Laina.

You have a sense of justice and a love for Jesus. You are a true follower of Jesus and you really want to obey Him. We are so happy that you belong to Jesus.

You are a wonderful, sweet, fun boy and we love you so much.

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

Sometimes...

...a morning of school starts out with me thinking about how fun it is that we can spend half an hour talking about Brazil and independence and flags and George Washington, and ends with me letting the boys watch a movie just so I can have a second of quiet after fighting to get through just one simple reading lesson with Iain.

Wow, that was a long sentence.

Sunday, September 04, 2011

Rewind: Laina's Birthday Party

Okay, this post might be just a little (ahem, almost two months) late. What can I say? We've been busy.

But not too busy to party down for Laina's first birthday! Lindy and Liz, and Aunt Donis, along with most of my family came to get the party ready. Lindy found some adorable pink lemonade party ideas on Pinterest (where else?) and the party was beautiful and so fun. We were so glad to be able to celebrate our dear girl's first birthday with her!

(hanging the Happy Birthday Laina banner)

(we had lemonade in cute glass bottles, pink cupcakes in jars, cookies with sprinkles, pink and yellow pinwheels, and lemons everywhere)







(LOVE this picture!)

The boys found Princess Laina this crown. They love playing princess and knights with her. She did not love her cupcake. In fact, she gagged on it.
She was much happier in her headband and chewing on a lemon. :)
Opening presents...
The turtle thing was hilarious: Mom got Laina this stuffed turtle and when she opened it, she started growling and attacking it. Over and over. We were laughing so hard--she'd stop and look at it, and then attack it again.
Party guests (minus a few):
(Laina and Uncle Chris)

(with Sarah and Hannah Joy)

(with Aunt Lindy)

(with Aunt Jen)

(Cassie, Haylee, Jess, Micah)

(cousin Addie)

(devoted brothers)

(Penny and Liz)

Happy birthday, dear girl! We love you so!