When Gee Comes

...the kids get control of the camera. Hopefully you can tell the difference between the kids' pictures and my mom's pictures. :) We had fun, Gee! Bring Buff next time!!

on the way to the b-day party (Isaac's view)

Josiah's view

the 2nd and 3rd generation

not sure which boy took this pic

no serious pictures here

self portrait

Olivia pretending to sleep...then it got too real

She loves to sit on this little doll couch and read her books.

another self portrait

Isaac learned how to shake the camera while taking pictures. Fun effect. :)

We couldn't get a good shot of Isaac singing, so the screen was plan B.

Sweet girl by the Easter lilies

My favorite face

Yes, Amy, that is scary!

Olivia thought this was hilarious!!

My Favorite Josiah

My baby boy turned 4 years old yesterday. I just can't believe it! He's getting so tall and learning something new every day.

When Josiah was a baby, he was very shy. If a person approached him, he'd bury his face into my neck until they walked away. He didn't give out smiles very often. In fact, one of the first smiles I have on camera is from his first Christmas--9 months old!

Josiah has a big brother that is used to getting attention and a baby sister that still needs a little bit of attention--so he has learned to adapt. I often find him using his imagination in hiding places. Although he loves to be with his siblings, he also really likes his alone time.

"Every family needs a Josiah!" That is what a friend of the family told us when we were naming Josiah--they also have a son named Josiah. We didn't understand what they meant then, but now we do. With our big guy, there is never a dull moment. We constantly laugh at things that he says or does. He knows one volume-- LOUD! It's just not in him to be quiet. He is such a joy in our family.

Josiah is a very quick learner and a quiet learner. In other words, sometimes I don't even realize that he is learning unless I ask him. He just takes it all in and doesn't offer things up unless there is a need or a question.

Clothes bug Josiah, so we often see him running around as "Tarzan". Josiah doesn't like water to get on his clothes either. Not even a drop. :) He changes outfits quite often.

Josiah looks up to his brother so much. He always wants Isaac to be happy and will sacrifice in order to make sure that he is. He also loves to be a big brother to Olivia and see that she is taken care of. He has such a neat relationship (both very unique) with both of his siblings. He seems to be the glue.

I love my prince and I'm so proud of the person he is becoming. He has a heart for God and a love for people. I enjoy watching him grow and change.

Josiah, God has big plans for you! I love you so much, my 4 year old!!!

Cowboys and Cowgirls

The long awaited day finally came--the day of the birthday party!

Watch out for this cowboy.

I love this picture. Josiah busted his lip the day before the party--perfect look!

She thinks her buddy is so funny.

Some of the cowgirls.

Sweet friends.

Happy Birthday, boys!

We thought this caterpillar was cool because its markings look like little penguins. Click on the picture to zoom in, and check it out for yourself. Penguins I tell ya!

Present time!

Josiah thought his Batman sheets were "awesome"!

It was so fun to have Gee there!

The whole gang headed down the path.

Lots of nature to check out.

We love our friends!

It's A Secret

Isaac had a pretty fun day. He picked McDonald's for lunch--to go inside McDonald's. Jay and I are proud to admit that we have never been in our McDonald's...until today.

We kept telling the boys that they were going somewhere special tonight, but that it was a secret. They guessed and guessed and guessed!!! Here are some guesses: the pool, the library (my personal favorite guess-ha!), Wendy's (the restaurant), Texas, Nana's, the park, the movie theater, to get ice cream, to get a "blue drink", to church, Mum-Z's concert, Disney World, Fish World (Josiah's guess--no clue!)...

But first, Isaac wanted a sandwich with a candle in it for dinner. I love his simplicity.

He loved it!

Josiah whispering some of his guesses.

We told the boys where we were while we were in the parking garage. This is Isaac's first reaction.

It took Josiah a little longer to catch on.

Disney on Ice!!

Isaac thinks Donald Duck is so funny--mainly because my dad (aka Buff) talks like Donald Duck when the boys talk to him on the phone. :) We miss you, Buff!

He really took it all in.

We've been anxiously awaiting Cars to come on ice, and they came tonight!!! This was our favorite part and didn't last long enough.

Little Mermaid fish...

Liv really likes fish, so she was hooked. Sorry, I couldn't help it.

Simba and Nala

Thank you, Papa and Nana for tonight. We all had such a great time and have lots of memories stored up!

My Favorite Isaac

I can't believe that 6 years ago (at 2:23 a.m., to be exact) I was blessed with Isaac Joshua. He changed our world completely! We had a rough start with our colicky baby, but he soon proved his name meaning to be true, "laughter". He would smile at anyone and bring us to tears with the funny things he would do.

Isaac says his favorite things are t.v. and food. Hmmm...

His favorite colors are orange (thanks, Dawn :)) and red. He wants to be a doctor and play the drums when he grows up. He says that he loves his mommy and he's thankful that he gets to go to the campground for his birthday (he's right beside me and says, "Love, Isaac").

I love watching Isaac during church. He takes everything in and wants to understand everything that goes on. He has two Bibles that he takes such good care of and he wants to read from them all of the time. He always asks tough questions that would leave a theologian scrambling for words. At three years old, he asked me if Jesus is still dead. I told him that no, Jesus rose from the grave. I explained it all to him, and I saw such a huge light come into his eyes. Isaac always talks about how powerful God is.

I'm so thankful for Isaac's heart. He always makes sure that we are being taken care of and loves each friend that comes into his life. I can't wait to see the man that he will become.

Isaac, God has big plans for you (baseball :))! Happy Birthday, my 6 year old!!