Saturday, October 9, 2010

Sit in chair, climb the stairs!

Our posting today is a bit of a random
grouping of photos and videos, but we'll
start with some clips of our two boys, each
doing something remarkable for the first
time.

We'll begin with Iron, who recently learned
how to climb the stairs. Although he whined
his way through this ascent, he's now a pro!


Then there's Benton, who's looking quite content
while sitting at the table like a big boy!


And if that wasn't enough, look at B standing
next to an open window!


Daddy later grabbed both boys to make a
"man train" in front of the window.


Iron won't stay still for long though. Here he
is walking Bumble. He doesn't realize yet
that he's actually supposed to ride Bumble, not
take him for a brisk stroll!


He worked up such a sweat that we had to give
him a bath. He recently graduated from the
utility sink to the bathtub, and here he is scrubbing
up in the ducky tub. He loves pouring water!


Benton is brilliant! Iron thinks he's so sly trying
to take Benton's boom box, but B has eyes in the
back of his head! Check out this defensive move...


We thought you all might like to see how quickly
Benton can get into a standing position these days,
and how much he enjoys it!


Whatever's on tap for you today, and whatever
life is throwing your way, here's a great smile to
brighten your day!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Haunted Hills House?

Although Halloween is still more than three weeks away,
we've already spotted a ghost in our house. Eeeeeek!!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Happy Anniversary to Dennis + Tam!

September 14 marked our seven-year wedding
anniversary! We can't believe how quickly time
has flown by, and how much has changed since
the day we walked down the grassy aisle...


What an amazing day that was!!! But back to
present day, here's a shot of us having a celebratory
dinner out on our anniversary. (Thanks, Judy,
for watching the boys!)


Although my hair is much more gray these days,
Dennis still has that heart-warming smile (and
smiley-eyes) he sported the first day I met him.

We are so grateful for the blessings we have and for
the strong support group of family and friends who
help us keep on keepin' on day after day. I couldn't
imagine sharing life's adventures with anyone else.

I love you, honey! Happy 7th Anniversary!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Iron is 1+ years old!

Yes, it's long overdue, but we're finally ready to
share with you some photos of Iron's first birthday
party! While his birthday was actually August 30,
we didn't have a party until mid September. Below
is the invite that Aunt Deeky made. As you'll see,
the birds, bugs, and bumblebees were gracious hosts!


When everyone arrived at the Lake Forest
Park Civic Club, they first spent time playing
on slides...


...building sand castles (Owen and Landon)...


...practicing selling skills (Owen haggling Shauna
with Tiffany's baby Tanner)...


...and hamming it up (Reese)!


Here's Reese again with mom Shauna and
Malia Braaten.


Iron loved reconnecting with friends, but he's
remaining skeptical of "Uncle" Dave.


Soon it was time to eat. Dylan found plenty of
yumminess!


So did Willa, with mom Sara and Owen and
Georgie's mom Carrie.


The ducks were also hungry, so Reese and Dylan
made sure to take care of them...


...while Tanner watched on.


Then it was time for a game! All of the birds,
bugs, and bumblebees who planned the party
decided to attend. Each one wanted to go home
with a guest, so the kids took turns using a net
to catch one of their choosing.


Here's Reese showing others how it's done after
Tanner scored a caterpillar.


And what's a birthday party without cake?!!
Here's Iron eying his prize.


He was cautiously strategic as he made his
first move.


But one of the frosting bees must have stung
him because he was NOT happy!


But the rest of us were when we whipped
out the big sheet cake!


The kiddos especially liked the black frosting!
Here's Reese...


...and Georgie with frosting faces!


Willa still let Iron get a little fresh, even with
cake remnants on his face.


Soon, it was time to open presents. Benton laid
claim on this one!!!


All in all, it was a great party! Thanks so much to
everyone who came to celebrate Iron's big day,
and to those from afar who couldn't be here.
Speaking of which, when Grandpa Larry (from Iowa)
sent a card to Iron, he included a "4" balloon for
Benton, too! As you can see in this clip, Benton
loved it!


We love you all!!! In parting, here's Iron signing
off from his party, offering all of you a great big
round of applause!