Zeke turns 4 and the Stargels visit!

I sound like a broken record, but I truly can't believe it has already been four years since I gave birth to Zeke.  He is such a blessing.  He is outgoing, silly, opinionated, strong willed, loving, bright, and makes me laugh all the time.  As I watch him grow into the person God made him, I see so much of myself, Gregg, my mom and dad, and then his own unique personality.  We pray God will use Zeke in a mighty way to serve Him someday. 

We were incredibly thankful to have family down to visit for Zeke's 4th birthday.  Jared, Jami, Kariss, Sophia, Harper, Mom, and Dad all came to celebrate.  Jared's family was able to stay in our upstairs space (love having that option in this home) and Mom and Dad spent the night in the bridal suite at the Windsor (heehee!).

The kids had a great time waking up together like they did at the beach last year.  This year was a little harder for Zeke, though, because he is not used to sharing the backyard and his toys.  It was a hard lesson, but one that is important for him to learn.

The day of the party, we set up all of the Thomas decorations and made lunch.  Zeke requested hotdogs.  Everyone enjoyed the organic beef hotdogs, but weren't too keen on the spelt hotdog buns...ha!

We opened gifts, then everyone set out to put together the train set (even Dad!).  Jared and Gregg put together Zeke's art easel/desk (from us) and the train table (from Wynna and Papa).

 

Next, we had cake.  As you know, I march to the beat of my own drum sometimes, so avoiding sugar at a birthday party can be a challenge.  I ordered a spelt angel food cake from Berlin Natural Bakery.  They mill their own grains.  It did have sweetener, but not white sugar.  I made some whipped cream and cut up strawberries.  It looked beautiful and was delicious!

Then, the kids played a Thomas game.  It was like pin the tail on the donkey, but you pinned the funnel on Thomas!  They were blindfolded.  Kariss almost hit it perfectly.  It was a cute, fun little game.

The little girls had fun getting to explore and know each other better too.  They were not in on the action as much, but we tried to include them.

A family picture before Gregg had to leave for his trip...

The following day (Zeke's actual birthday), we all went to our new church, Cornerstone Church.  We went out to eat at Ruby Tuesday after church before everyone had to head home.

I was humbled that everyone would take time from work and life to drive down and spend the weekend with us.  We are so thankful for family and can't wait for them to come back when it's warmer and they can all swim.  

Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow!  Happy Birthday, Zeke!!!

December 2013

It is hard to know where to start (especially since we are in the middle of January now!).  Christmas this year was bittersweet because it was our first trip back to Alpharetta, but Gregg was not able to be with us on Christmas.

Before we left, we were able to go, as a family, to the Carter Protective Detail's Christmas party.  It was nice to get to know some of the other agents and their families.  We also got to introduce the kids to President and Mrs. Carter.  She admired Adalynn and told me that she had 3 boys, and many years later had Amy.  She said, "You can imagine how much fun I had with her!"

Zeke had planned on asking President Carter about living in the white house, but by the end of the evening when we had our photo taken, Zeke was tired and didn't ask him.  Oh well, it was still a nice evening!

I received a new camera as an early Christmas gift, so I had some fun trying to take photos of the kids.  Here are several outtakes with the "one" in the center!

We had a pleasant evening together at home the day before the kids and I left for Alpharetta.  We do not have a mantle in our new home, so I improvised!  We opened gifts and spent some time as a family.  Of course, Adalynn enjoyed the tissue paper more than the gifts!

Here is a flashback of Zeke from last year standing next to our toy soldier.  I plan to take a photo like this each year as we watch him grow (Zeke, not the soldier!).

Zeke helped Wynna bake the cherry and pumpkin pies.  He loves to help any way he can!

Christmas Eve was spent worshiping at Perimeter Church, then we went out for our annual Italian dinner.  This year we went to Mona Lisa.  It was extremely cold, so we all had to bundle up.

Next, we put the kids in their Christmas PJs and put them to bed for the night. 

As I think I mentioned before, we have prayed about how to handle Santa.  We didn't focus on him much, but did tell Zeke he could ask Santa for one thing.  He asked for a Thomas puzzle.  When he woke up the next morning, he was excited, but didn't really seem too focus on who left the gifts.  He was just excited to see gifts!

Jared, Jami, and the girls came over to celebrate Christmas Day.  We had a wonderful time eating, visiting, and playing together.  The older cousins can play more independently and have so much fun together.  It is fun to see Kariss take the lead as the "little Mommy!"

 

After Christmas, we went to ride the pink pink at Lenox Mall.  It was a first for all of us!

All of the kids in the outfits my mom made.  So cute!

We took an outing to North Point Mall to meet my friend Brandy with her 3 boys.  We had Jami's 3, my 2, and Brandy's 3 along with Wynna.  We were quite the party.  The kids had a blast riding the train.

Finally,we were reunited with Gregg!  He came up to be with us for New Year's.  We took time to thank God for all of the blessings He has given us.  There are not words to express our gratitude.  We pray all of you had a blessed Christmas and New Year.

Adalynn ~ 10 Months Old!

I know I haven't posted our Christmas pics yet, but it has been non-stop since we returned home from Alpharetta.  We were there for 10 days for Christmas, which was wonderful.  We enjoyed Adalynn's 1st Christmas and got to visit with family and friends.  I'll write that post as soon as possible.

December 28, 2013 marked Adalynn's 10 month "birthday."  She began crawling that week and is continually very verbal.  She says Mama, Dada, Baba, Nana...all the typical first sounds.  No first words yet, but she studies your mouth when you talk and loves to make sounds.  She also started clapping her hands the day we got home.  It's so cute. 

I am not sure how much she weighs, but I am constantly amazed by how much she eats.  She quickly uses it for energy, though, by exploring our whole house!  I can't keep her still and I can't leave anything out I don't want her to have.  I remember this stage with Zeke, and boy does it keep Mommy on her toes!

I pray you all are having a Happy New Year.  Look for the Christmas post soon!