A Beautiful Day

We had such a wonderful day today as a family and I just feel really blessed with all that I have in my life. We started our day off at church and I think all of us really enjoyed ourselves and felt we had all learned something. Then we came home, got dressed, picked up some lunch and headed to the park. Finally the weather allowed us to enjoy the outdoors and I think it was something we have really been missing yet didn't realize it. Ben was hilarious, putting on a show for us as we tried to eat our lunch. We went for a walk and took pictures and just enjoyed each other's company. It felt really good. I was content...not in a hurry to get something done or to get somewhere. We relaxed and had an awesome day. After hitting one more park for the kids to play, we decided to head home for bbq and ate our second meal outside. Two picnics in one day! It's about time...that's all I can say.

He's back!

Here is my husband at the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. He spent 10 wonderful days in Europe while chaperoning students. He saw sooooooo much and took tons of pictures (took us over an hour to file through them). We missed him so much and it is wonderful to have him back. The kids thought we should serve him breakfast in bed on his first morning back.

Happy Birthday Hannah

My big girl is now 8 years old. She turned 8 last Friday but it seems the celebration has been going on for the last two weeks. As you can see, Hannah got a camera for her birthday. She loves going out with Daddy on his shooting sprees so we thought now that Hannah is a mature 8 year old, she could handle an adult camera. She loves it and I know she and Marc will spend a lot of time together taking pictures.

This is the outfit Ben picked out for his sister. She loved it.

Here is my big girl at one of her many birthday celebrations. The cake was awesome...a dragonfly.

Hannah's grandma Judy lovingly put this scrap book together for Hannah outlining the first 8 years of her life. It is a wonderful gift to have.

Today Hannah had her party with her friends at Marc's school. It was a High School Musical Party so what better place to have it then in a highschool gym. The girls had a great time. They made pom poms and had to do a cheer for Hannah. They played freeze dance...which is always a hit, they played the "unwrap the present" game and a basketball game as well. They enjoyed dancing together and it was a really great time.

Hannah opening her gifts. She was spoiled.

I can't believe what a big girl Hannah is getting to be. She is such a wonderful daughter and I love her so much.

Miss you Daddy

Marc is in Europe right now on a tour with some students. The kids wanted to send him a little message and hopefully he'll check in and be able to see them. He actually just called from Florence, Italy and he's already taken 400 pictures. We miss him terribly but we're very happy that he has this opportunity. Love you Marc.

Welcome Baby

Here is the latest addition to our extended family. Marc's sister Kerry had a beautiful baby boy this afternoon. He looks just like his older brother Dominic when he was born. I'm sure that he will be an incredible blessing. I just wish we were closer so that we could be a part of his life. Guatemala is too far away.
The funny part is that they were expecting a baby girl...obviously God had other plans. No name yet as they are still in shock and hadn't expected to have to name a boy. Sarah just won't do.

May the Force be with you Benjamin

Benjamin had his birthday party yesterday and it was really fun. We had spent a whole lot of time planning this as it was Ben's first real birthday party with friends. We had it in Marc's school gym and Ben had eight friends attend. As you can tell by the pictures it was a Star Wars party and the whole idea of the party was that the kids needed to do their Jedi training so that at the end they could become Jedi Masters. First the boys made lightsabers and their first trial was lightsaber training. Trial 2 was using the force to put balls and frisbees through a hoop. Trial 3 was pod racing. Trial 4 was the obstacle course and trial 5 was destroying the death star. The boys just loved it and it was amazing to see smiles on everyone's faces. Marc and I commented after that we had never seen nine boys so well behaved. We kept them pretty busy. Once they completed their training and their training cards were all checked off, we had a ceremony where each boy was presented with their Jedi Master Certificate. They all thought it was pretty special. We then ate some food, opened presents and had the cake. It was a lot of fun. I'm still trying to get over the fact that my boy is turning 5 on Wednesday. He is so precious to me and such a wonderful gift from God.

(Lightsaber training)

(Pod Racing)

(The coolest cake ever)

(Time for presents)