The 4th...Fun, Friends, Family and Fireworks

In 2006, so 9 years ago, our 4th of July tradition began.  

The twins were born, but other than that no babies were in the mix.

Fast forward to this year, 2015, 

a lot is still the same.

Our friendship continues to be so special.

Each of these girls were bridesmaids in my wedding.

Some things are the same,

but a BIG change since 2006 is...

we have MULTIPLIED! 

A total of 15 kids now call us Mom.

It melts our hearts when we see our kids 

bonding with each others kids.

We pray our kiddos will have Godly, dear friendships forever,

just as we have been blessed with.

The Fourth of July never disappoints. 

It is just wonderful, family fun!

Jed and Austin 

 My cousin Luke and his adorable family

 My brother and his wonderful family

 One of the silliest boys I know.  :)

 Auntie Blair with her favorite niece and nephews

 Our family of 5!

 Dad's club

 See...I told you he is super silly.  

I said give me a pose and this is what I get. HA!

 Jesse and Jed

 Blake and Austin

 Dinner time!

 Cousin time!

 My favorite three fireworks.  :)

Our favorite 4th of July crew...

Austin is 3!

It feels like just yesterday Austin was born.  

Okay maybe not yesterday because at the same time, 

I can't even remember what life was like without with this little ball of energy running all around.

Austin you are spunky, silly, incredibly expressive with your personality and also so very sweet.

You are a lover of everything with wheels.  

Cars, airplanes, tractors, trucks, trains or even big "humungous Monster" trucks.

Austin, you love to make messes.

 

Not just messes, 

I am pretty sure you take pleasure in breaking things.

Why???  

Your Daddy and I have no idea.

 You might just want to test Daddy to see if he can really "fix" the problem.

You have bent back and ruined more books than I can count.

You choose to often bend your toys until they pop and break.

We are trying to teach you how to respect your things (and our things) every day.

I hope the lesson will soon sink in.  :)

However, with the struggles of raising a two year old, now three year old,

comes great joy too.

Austin, you are a ball of energy,

running in circles around the house.

You make me giggle and laugh all throughout the day.

Sometimes even just your silly smirk makes me laugh.

We are so very thankful you figured out how to go to the bathroom in the toilet.

Your sister just decided one day she was done.

She was done with diapers for naps and night all in one day.

You didn't ever want to get rid of diapers.

But, one day Daddy and Mommy decided for you and you have not looked back.

You have rocked that new challenge and we are soooooooo very thankful!!

We aren't 100% through naps and nighttime, but we are SUPER close!

You have some big shoes to fill, but you can do it with that big grin 

and the way you love with all your heart!

Your Daddy might be your FAVORITE person on Earth.

However, that might be highly debatable.  :)

Then again, that might be debatable as well.  ;)

You have been telling us since last summer that your "birthday is COMING!!"

Well, your birthday finally came.

You are officially THREE!

Austin James, I praise the Lord every day that you were born.

You sure are my favorite little boy.

You are so very loved.

Not just by your daddy, your sister and myself, 

but by sooooo many others.

Most of all, God loves you even more than I could ever imagine.

I am so very thankful for God blessing us with YOU!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

We had some Valentine pictures taken a couple of weeks ago.  

They turned out so cute!! 

Thank you again, Stacy!!

I hope wherever you are on your journey in life, 

whether married or not, 

I pray that you find joy today in each step you take.

God loves you sooooooo much!!

Just hanging out...

I have said it before, but some of my favorite pictures

 are when we are just hanging around, doing our everyday life.