Lilly's First Birthday Pics...Finally!

Here's our little Birthday girl! Better late than never, right? She is now 13 mo old (and keeping us on our toes) but I wanted to share some pictures of her day. Mom & I spent all summer planning it - it was something fun & exciting to look forward to, and it ended up being better than I had imagined. We were so happy to have lots of family here to celebrate with us, but missed those who couldn't be here.

Here is the Birthday girl!



With her sweet cousin, Sierra, who loves to give her hugs & kisses!



The girls that made it happen, Aunt Barb, Mommy, Grandma Bonnie, and especially Grandma - I could never have pulled this off without their help! And Jana, too! I don't know how she missed this picture. I think she was busy chasing after the kiddos! :)



There's Aunt Jana!





Finn was totally in his element - he is my party boy and was so excited that this day was finally here!





The details...





Cupcakes from Cupcake a la mode - the best cupcakes in KC! And we did a taste test to make sure! :) I did make Lilly's cake, though! :)



And Cupcake Push-Up Pops for favors, so fun!



Found an amazing cookie lady - beautiful work & they taste as good as they look!







And now time for Lilly's first bite of cake. Finn helped out a little. She really enjoyed the cake, but the ice cream hit the spot!













All clean now, thanks Grandma!



Cupcake sandwiches for the kiddos...



Cousin Neale...



Cousin Rowan...cutie pie!



Having fun on the bounce house with Eleni and the rest of the big kids...



Time for presents! She got some really fun, cute things and loves playing with her new toys!





She had lots of help opening gifts! :)



This is one of my favorite pictures from the whole day!



I still cannot believe that she is one. She is at such a fun stage and we are cherishing every minute. We are so blessed to have her and her big brother in our lives! Hope you enjoyed the pictures & maybe I'll get in the habit of posting a little more often now! :)

Finn & Lilly's Special Day!

I, the Lord of sea and sky,



I have heard my people cry.



All who dwell in dark and sin,



My hand will save.



Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?



I have heard you calling in the night.



I will go, Lord, if you lead me.



I will hold your people in my heart.



I will break their hearts of stone,



Give them hearts for love alone.



I will speak my words to them.



Whom shall I send?



Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?



I have heard you calling in the night.



I will go, Lord, if you lead me,



I will hold your people in my heart.



It was a very special day for our family today. We had Finn and Lilly baptized in a special baptism ceremony. We didn't know quite what to expect since it wasn't a normal church service, but it was absolutely beautiful! When it was our turn, our family was able to come up with us to watch and take pictures. Finn went first and did great, he was so calm! I am so proud of him! I think he was proud of himself, too, and could feel God's love & spirit with him! He also kind of liked his tie and didn't want to take it off when we got home! ;) Lilly was next...she cried some when she put the water over her head, but otherwise did great. She fell asleep in my arms right afterwards. She looked so pretty in her dress, I hated to take it off of her. She wore my cross necklace that my grandfather gave me when I was a baby, and she has enough hair that I got a bow in! Loved it...I want to buy one in every color now!!! Our house was filled with peace tonight, and I am feeling so thankful for our healthy babies, our amazing church, and our wonderful, loving families! Ryan's family was able to be there with us today, and Grandma & Papa & the rest of our family that couldn't be there - you were missed! Love you all so much!

we LOVE december!

I've been working on my December Daily album and thought I'd share a few pics! I am so loving this project this year although it's coming along slower than I would like (but better than last year!). This time of year is my absolute favorite, and even more so this year!
We got the Bebe pod out from storage and tried it out the other day! Lilly held herself up pretty well in it, but got tired of it quickly. She has been grabbing at everything lately, and she loves her feet!!! She is trying very hard to roll over and she is almost there! She is such a happy baby (as long as she is with mommy) and so much fun! Love you Lilly-bug!

Finn is all about the candy canes this year. The first one he tasted "burned", but he is acquiring a taste for them rather quickly. I asked him what this one tasted like and he said "it tastes like cherry like rudolph's nose." He wrote his Santa letter today and didn't want any help from mommy. He told me he asked for another candy cane & legos. He told Ryan he asked for peanut brittle. ???? Love this boy!

Love these two!

Just needed some fresh pics...

My heart is full!!!! We have had some very challenging days lately but we have been having a lot of fun as well! I am so blessed to be a mother to these two! Hope to give more of an update soon, but for now it's off to bed because we have an early morning tomorrow!

p.s. I can't believe Lilly is three months already!!!!

Rainy Days

The rain has been pouring down here lately, so what have we done? Made cookies & went shopping! Finn & Mommy made yummy pumpkin cookies and they were so easy! And no eggs in the batter means we can eat it!!! It's the first time he's been able to do that and when I asked him if he wanted to lick the beater he just looked at me as if I was joking...then dug in!

Lilly & Mommy had a girls' weekend! We did some shopping and had lots of play, reading, & cuddle time. We got these cute monthly stickers at mommyshop (if you haven't been you need to go - lots of cute stuff!) and even though she is almost 3mo, I wanted to get a picture with the 2mo sticker today. So cute! We had a great time, but will be glad to have our boys back home!

She is such a happy little girl, has started laughing some, and is constantly blowing bubbles! She is a mama's girl and loves to be held! Also loves her playmat, being sung to, her soft blanket, her baths, and her brother! She always turns right towards him when she hears his voice. Not so fond of getting out of the bath and getting dressed!

So thankful to be blessed with these two sweet babies!