Our Little Family

 My friend, Rachel, and I have both been really wanting new family pictures.  So, rather than book an expensive photographer, we decided to put my camera to good use and try it out ourselves.  She took these pictures of us today and I couldn't be happier with how they turned out.  I'm taking her families next week and am hoping I can do as good of a job!

Strawberries and Sunscreen

 There are two smells in this world that make me think of summer.  Fresh strawberries, and a bottle of sunscreen.  Sometimes, in January, when I am so tired of the gray sky, I will pull out a bottle of sunscreen and think of summer.  Silly, I know, but whatever works.  When I was a kid, my parents would take us once a summer to a strawberry patch in Smithville.  I remember how good it smelled and decided my kiddos needed to experience the same thing.  Of course, we went to Eckerts because it is the best orchard in the world.  If we ever move away from here, we will plan vacations to come to Eckerts.  I just love it.  We put on our sunscreen, enjoyed the warm temperatures, and picked 5 pounds of the most wonderful smelling strawberries you have ever smelled.  And we might have sampled a few along the way : )  Don't worry, another reason why Eckerts is the best...they tell you to eat as many as you want while you pick.

 Can you tell it was hot?  Lainey and Coop have some rosy cheeks.  I think the high was around 94 degrees.  Definitely our warmest day so far.

 Oh, I wish you could smell these!

 After we got home, and cooled off a little bit, we made some strawberry jelly.  I know, I was feeling extra domestic : ) 

The finished product and the end of a perfect day.

Mr. Personality

 Cooper is such an expressive little guy.  He's always got his eyebrows up or down or wrinkled or crinkled.  Now, he's mastered his mad face, which he loves to bust out when mommy is correcting him : )

This kid would do just about anything for a laugh.  I think one of my challenges in parenting him is going to be keeping a straight face when I need to.  Although...I'm sure in a year or two it won't be quite as cute!

A Little Behind...

 Happy Easter (about a month late!)

5 Years with our Lainey

 Dear Lainey,

Happy 5th Birthday my sweet girl.  My heart is as full as it can be when I think about the joy you have brought to my life the past five years.  You have taught me to be a mother.  To love in the deepest way possible.  To experience a fullness that I did not know existed before you.  

This year was a big one for you, little girl.  You began to understand just how much the Lord loves you and wants to know you.  In response, as we all sat together at the dinner table, you prayed and asked Jesus to come into your heart.  It was a moment that your daddy and I began praying for when we found out you were going to join our family and it was a moment I will treasure as long as I live.  

This year has been a joy with you Lainey.  You are tender and sweet.  You are kind to your friends and you love to follow the rules.  A couple of years ago, I thought you were going to have a quick temper, but we've worked through those toddler tantrums and now you are just as pleasant as can be.  You love your friends but if they are doing an activity that you would rather not, you just do your own thing and are content.  I love that about you.  You are funny and love to make us laugh...you can cross your eyes and make the silliest faces.  You love animals and tell me that you are going to be a veterinarian or a zoo keeper.  

You adore your brother and your cousins.  Loyalty is one of your best character traits.  You would stick by your family no matter what.  

I love you so much Lainey girl and am thankful every day that I get to be your mommy.

Here are some pictures of your birthday celebration at Monkey Joes!

 We continued our tradition of Lainey choosing her cake theme and mommy freaking out for a few days trying to figure out how to make it : )  Here is my attempt at Ariel.  Her mouth was the hardest part and didn't come out just right, but overall I was happy with it.  The important thing was that Lainey thought it was perfect!

                                 This is the little boy that Jamie would like to keep Lainey away from!  He tells his mom all the time that she is his girlfriend.  She just smiles when I ask her about it : )  He is her age but is about 6 inches shorter than she is.  I think he's adorable.  Daddy, on the other hand, is not so sure.

Cooper and his best buddy, Nolan

 These are my girls!  So thankful for each of them.  

 Lainey and some sweet friends from school and church

 The whole gang!  It was such a great party.

 A visit from Monkey Joe himself

Happy Birthday to our baby girl!  We love you!