Wyatt's 6th Birthday

We were introduced to Paw Patrol by Uncle Robert when we moved to Oregon and it has become a favorite for most of the kids at one point or another so this year Wyatt voted for a Paw Patrol Party.  We celebrated with a big family party, gifts, games, and cupcakes at school.

 For our game the kids had to pretend to be pups and race to the dog bowls at the other end of the room.  Then they had to eat the scooby snack from the bowl as quickly as they could.  I think it was mostly just entertaining for the grown-ups but the kids were good sports.

At school Mrs. Lute does such a great job of celebrating the kids.  I really appreciate how she makes it fun for them and makes them feel so special.  On their birthday they get to sit in her chair and all the kids share what they like about them before they eat cupcakes.  Some of the things Wyatt's friends shared were that he is friendly and kind to people, He always plays with everybody, he is helpful, and he always has a smile on his face. His best friend Cold said, "Your mom lets me play with you." and Melahna, a little girl in class who likes him said, "His crown, everything about him."

After school we had Cole over to play.  First we went out to lunch with Uncle Robert and then it was play, play, play until it was time to pick up Sadie.

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Happy Birthday Wyatt!  You are such a great kid.  We've had our challenging moments, but you have really grown up so much this past year.  I love your cheerful attitude and your enthusiasm towards school and life in general.  I love hearing all about your day, and your friends, and the fun things you are planning and dreaming of and who you've invited over.  You are friendly and kind to all and continue to be one of the most generous kids I know.  You have also become quite the gentleman this year opening doors and learning what it means to be polite.  However, one of my favorite things about you continues to be that you give the very best hugs.  Sometimes after dinner without warning you still climb into Daddy's lap and give him a big hug.  I hope you hold on to that sweetness for a very long time because we sure love your tender heart and know that God is going to use that as you care for the people around you throughout your life.  We are blessed to have you as our son and pray that God would continue to reveal Himself to you as you grow.

You are loved!!!  Happy 6th Birthday!

2 Months

Our Miss Evie Rose is 2 months old and has earned the nickname of "Nibblet."  Daddy loves to give nicknames and this little one is a good eater and our chunkiest baby so "The Nibblet" he has named her.  Whether they will love him or hate him for these nicknames only time will tell but right now Cooper is especially fond of it and calls her Nibby all the time.

Christmas 2016

One of my favorite new traditions since moving up to Oregon is cutting down our own Christmas tree.

 And of course enjoying some hot chocolate by the fire.

Our traditions have changed year to year but this Christmas we made a big breakfast with Great Grandma's cinnamon rolls and had Grammy over to enjoy it with us.  Then the kids opened their presents from us and we spent the morning just hanging out.  We tried really hard to not get carried away with the gifts this year as the kids already have so much.  So everyone got new jammies on Christmas Eve, a new book, a lego/duplo block set, and a new bike.  They loved the books and everyone except poor Cooper was excited about the bike.  We probably should have seen it coming but unfortunately didn't.  Cooper is our cautious natured one and he wanted nothing to do with a bigger bike.  He's really great on his little balance bike but between this one being a lot taller and the fact that it wobbles just a little with the training wheels it was just too much :(

After naps we headed over to Grammy's house for more presents, games, and dinner.  It's always so fun to be together and all the kids make it just that much merrier.  Grammy is currently at 9 grandkids so you can imagine the excitement in the air.