A Look Back

It's hard to believe how much life has changed since this moment. . . .

When we had the whole world ahead of us. . .

 

When we took fancy vacations, like our wonderful honeymoon to Jamiaca. . ..

and met life long friends there.  . .

. . .  and then we learned that our family was expanding (and so did Mommy's belly:) . .  .

. . . and we were full of joy. . .

and months later, we  were blessed with a beautiful, baby girl!

. . . and Mommy got the girl she had always wished for. . .

. . . . and we became the 3 Musketeers

 and then we learned that our family was again growing. . 

                                    

. . . and that Daddy would get the boy he had always wished for. . . .

. . . our perfect little buckeye. . ..

. . . and we now had built in playmates, who adored each other. . .

. . . and we would become a family of 4!

How life has changed since the day our family first started. . .

. . . every step of the way, we've done it hand in hand,

 

. . . what an adventure these past 6 years have been!

Happy Anniversary, Jeremy!   I love you!

4th of July

We celebrated the 4th at the Buzzard's lakehouse this year. It has become an annual tradition (click here), and we LOVE it! To be surrounded by family, watch fireworks reflecting over the lake, and hear our little ones giggle over smores, what more could you ask for? That same weekend, my older sister Melissa, her husband and 4 (soon to be 5!) kids came up for a few days to my parents house. We enjoyed swimming at the pool, playing outside and taking all the kids to the 3-D showing of Toy Story 3. What a wonderful weekend, surrounded by the ones we love. It was a great way to remember and appreciate the freedom that we take for granted, but are allowed each day!

                                            4th of July Celebration at Apple Valley

Sparklers!

Fun with Cousins!

                                             Ooey Gooey, Finger Lickin' Good S'mores!

                                                             Snuggled up for the Big Show!

I love this one. . . I am quite certain Bubba does not love the choke hold!

Waiting patiently for the show!

Watching the show with my sweet boy.  It doesn't get better than this!

                                         Fun (after the 4th) at the Lakehouse. . .  .

Hangin' on the dock after a good nights sleep

Riding the Wave Runner with Daddy. . .

                                                                and Grandma!

                                                              Bubba's First Boat Ride!

Two seconds after this picture was taken. . .

She was out cold in Grandma's arms!

and Bubba was asleep in Daddy's arms!

Playing with Grandpa on the dock after his big boat ride!

Still out cold following the boat ride!

Enjoying lunch on the dock before heading back home to see the Limburg's!

Hanging with the Limburgs at Nana and Grandpa's!

Cuddle time with the cousins!

too bad these kids don't like each other. . .

Teaching Caleb how to keep his form while doing a manly push up

Getting words of wisdom from great grandma, Monty

Reminding Uncle David and Aunt Melissa how great babies are (number 5 is due this fall!)

learning all about electronics from cousin Michael. 

Swimming with the cousins

Watching Toy Story 3 in 3-D!

**if you look closely, Kenzie is actually asleep....didn't make it past the previews!

Happy (belated) 4th Everyone!

Half Birthdays. . .

So, I am a little embarrassed (and a bit proud) to admit than when Jeremy and I were dating, very early on, I told a little fib. It was a teeny, weeny, tiny, white lie. But, I don't regret it one, single bit because it has served me well over the years.

You see, I told Jeremy that 1/2 birthdays were a big deal in my family. When you were 6 months away from your bday, you celebrated with cake, ice cream and of course presents. He went along with it for a few years and then found out one night over dinner with my parents, that this was indeed not true at all. We had never celebrated half birthdays growning up. But, we should have! I mean, can you really blame a girl for trying? I mean, who doesn't want cake, ice cream and presents just for fun?

Well, as a result, we have made it a tradition of ours to celebrate each others half birthdays. This year, my parents finally came around to the idea and ordered a cold stone creamery cake and had us over for dinner. It's about time, folks! Now if I could just get my siblings and in-laws to participate! :)





...and a FULL, birthday wish, to Kathy, aka Grandma Buzzard today! I am so lucky to have such a wonderful second mother and grandmother to my kids! We love you bunches! Hope your day is extra special!

The first 6 months. . .

. . . too bad this kid is such a grouch, I mean seriously!

We love you Caleb! You are such a joy! Happy 1/2 bday, buddy!