princesses

it's been so long since i've posted...it's mind blowing to me that i haven't posted since the end of the summer.  here we are though...many birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and one broken foot later.  that latest excitement around here was elise's 5th birthday party last weekend.  i love that she's ok with celebrating her day-after-christmas birthday in february.  it makes for very easy decorations that can reused every year!  this year's valentine's party was fused with a princess theme as well.  so thankful to have the quick opportunity during the prayer, to remind our daughter and all the little girls there that each of them is a princess to God, their creator.

making princess crowns

playing "find the princess shoe" and "hot shoe" (hot potato)

eating princess lunch of hot dogs, GF mac and cheese, fruit and salad

 the boy table :)

playing "dress up the princess" 

the rapunzel team won two times!

dessert time: ice cream sundaes!

the princesses!

opening presents

our sweet birthday girl.

wrapping up the summer...

he cracks me up!  he'll wear his hat anytime, anywhere.  love this boy!

elise started her first dance class this week.  she did beautifully!  i am so proud of her!

step one towards her dream of becoming a ballerina :)

our one and only die hard thumb sucker.  makes for a fantastic sleeper!

photo shoot!  maurice had that face-consuming smile in almost every picture!  

and juden was a good sport.  

papa's birthday

there aren't words to describe how much we love papa. 

what's not to love?  

as a grandfather, he is purposeful to spend time with each of our children (and all is grandchildren for that matter), he listens to their stories, plays with them, and they know they are special and loved by their papa.  as a father, he is always available, whether to help with projects or give advice, he calls on birthdays, give great hugs, and simply put, there's nothing too small or too big that he wouldn't drop everything to help us with.  family is his first priority and desire, and he lives that out daily.

happy birthday papa!  we treasure you!

and i can't go without describing our love for oma as well.

(consider this your very late bday present mom :)

again, there aren't words...her life's mission is to be with her family, live with them, be part of their lives...and not just holidays and birthdays...but the daily ins and outs.  her grandchildren know they can talk to oma and get counsel, as do her children.  she gets on the floor to play with her grandkids, letting them make extensive messes in her house, and going out of her way to make them feel special and loved...whether it's an extra hug, hello kitty pencils from the craft store, a shirt she found at Village, rearranging her schedule to come to their game, recital or dedication, or giving them something she saved from their parents' childhood.  she is a gift to her kids, her in law kids, her grandkids, and whoever else crosses her path.  thank you oma for your unconditional love every day.

(and pinterest ideas as well :)

"J" is for Juden

do you see it?

you know you wish you had your first initial in your belly button!

i was changing his diaper the other day and discovered this!

amazing!!

i LOVE my sling!  don't know what i'd do without it.

here's my view of his sweet self

so strong so quickly!

he's not even 6 weeks old yet, but holding his head so well, looking all around, and moving in  his crib!

not only handsome, but strong!  

sounds like someone else i know:)