Where's the fire?!?

Sunday was Eli's firefighter birthday party with the family. He wore his fireman suit and had a blast with everyone.

As "favors" for the party, we bought everyone a fire hat!

I love the look Kaylee is giving her momma in this picture! "Really, mom, really?"

HA!

And, of course we made everyone take a big group shot in their fire hats. This might have been my favorite moment from the entire party! 

I made up some cupcake wrappers again- so easy and cute... 

and a little banner... 

We had pulled pork, corn casserole and salad... 

Eli LOVED opening his presents...he was begging to open them while everyone was still eating- even telling everyone to hurry up and eat!

new chair from mema and papa... 

He loves this guitar from aunt Abby, uncle Steve and Megan... 

Gramps got him a big boy bike! 

Test ride. This kid is fearless. I don't think he realizes he can fall. 

We had cupcakes afterward, but Eli refused to blow out his candles! Crazy kid! :)

That night Eli got out his guitar and sang and played songs for mommy, daddy and baby sister! Adorable. :) 

Thanks to everyone for a "smokn'" good time! Thank you for celebrating with us and loving our little boy!

3?!?

It really is just crazy. Crazy I tell you.
I cannot believe that Eli is 3.


We celebrated his big day with birthday pancakes with candles- he really loved it. Sorry, they aren't very pretty. I should've let Chris make the pancakes...lessoned learned.

Little Miss didn't get a pancake (they had sugar and sprinkles in them, I didn't think that was a good way to start her day) but, she sure enjoyed her Cheerios...see that one on her shoulder? 

Then it was off to school (MDO) where his teachers informed me that he was sure to tell EVERYONE he saw that it was his birthday.

After school we made a quick stop by McDonalds to pick up a chocolate chip cookie since he was so good at school. Then we came home where he got to watch his favorite TV show (Wild Krats). Daddy came home a little early and Eli got to pick what he wanted for dinner- a peanut butter sandwich. :) I love that kid!

And of course, another round of candles... 

Then he opened his two gifts from mommy and daddy...and baby sister. 

He loved his day of friends, a little TV and candles! We are having a small family party on Sunday.

Our Big (little) 3 year old

Eli! You are 3 today!

You have been waiting for this day before Christmas. You were asking if it was your birthday every day and if you were three yet.

You are my little thinker. The way your mind works blows me away. You are so, so smart and you have an amazing memory.

Eli, you are my joy; such an incredible joy.

You love firetrucks, tractors and guitars. 

Eli, you will never fully know the depth of our love for you, sweet boy. I am so proud of you and so thankful that you call me "mommy".

I cannot wait to see what your future holds. Every night I thank God for the miracle of you. I cannot wait to see how He uses you.

Love you, sweet boy!

Houston, we have a walker!

Over the past couple of days Ileigh has become more and more independent in her walking. I think we can officially say that she is walking now.

It is so much fun to see the differences between her and big brother. Eli just barreled toward everything; Ileigh is so cautious and carefully weighs her options. This might be an answer to prayer. :) Eli and his dare-devil stunts still prove to be very stressful for me.

Sweet girl...

Watching her big brother playing... 

Hearing mommy call her name... 

taking those first big steps to mommy... 

not quite making it...(do you know how hard it is to take a picture and catch a baby at the same time? Try it.) 

making eye contact with mommy to make sure she will be there to catch a falling baby... 

"Here I come"! 

"You are going to catch me, right"? 

Now, she is walking all over the house. We haven't had any major falls- most of the time she either regains her balance or gracefully plops to the floor on her bottom. She can also standup without holding on to anything. I am not sure if Eli ever really did that! Way to go, big girl!

And, she will eat it!

Just a little more proof that she is my daughter...

She loves her rice! :)

Little Miss is becoming a little more open-minded when it comes to her food choices. :)

ThankTheLord.

:) Cutie. 

Eli got a little jealous and wanted his picture taken too... He really wanted to show me the oranges he found in the fridge. 

I really wanted him to show me his peanut butter goatee from lunch.

I love my incredibly messy kids!

(They totally get that from their daddy, right?!? RIGHT?!?) :)