The Birthday Party

Ruby had her first "friend" party this year & it was a blast! She requested a dinosaur birthday party & so that's what we did. One of the things I love most about Ruby is the way that she notices details. She was so thrilled with every decoration I put up & walked around looking at everything saying, "Oh mommy, this looks so darling!" We had 10 little kids at our house & we loved seeing them have so much fun together. Happy 4th Birthday sweet Ruby, we love you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ruby is 4!

Today Ruby is 4 years old. Four!! I kept looking at her all day thinking that she's just looking & acting so grown up. And while part of that makes me sad, I mostly can't get over just how fun she is at this age. I love talking to her & hearing all that she has to say - it's one of my very favorite things. Today was a pretty low-key day since we had the big party yesterday. But we spent this evening with the grandparents having dinner & opening presents. It's been a great weekend celebrating this girl. She's an awesome four year old!

 

 

 

And Ruby, here are a few things I want you to remember:

1. Be you. You are every good thing I can think of, so don't be afraid to be you. All of you. Because you are a really good one.

2. Always try to look your best. It's a form of good manners, & when we look our best we tend to feel our best.

3. Choose to believe.

4. You're never fully dressed without a smile.

5. You are such an important part of our family. We need you, we love you, & we are thankful for you every single day.



These Two

 

 

Lately one of the first things Ruby & Noah do when they see each other in the mornings is give each other a big hug. I love how well these two love each other & the way they've become such good friends. Ruby leads Noah from one activity to the next throughout most days & he's always happy to follow along with her ideas. They're wild & sweet & sometimes a little mischievous. I always knew that these two were a huge blessing to me, but I didn't realize what a blessing they would be to each other. They will always have a friend in one another & nothing makes me happier than seeing them together.



The Last Hurrah of Summer

Our family did a little staycation at a local resort & it was just what we needed before we had to get back to schedules, preschool, & routines. The kids were in heaven & loved playing all day at the waterpark & then running all over our hotel room. Trips with this family of mine are my favorite. I really love these faces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



iPhone Update

These two kill me with what cute friends they are. Seeing them interacting together & getting along so well is easily making this my favorite stage yet. I remember growing up I would sometimes catch my mom staring at me & I would always wonder why she did that. But now that I'm a mom I totally get it. I could stare at these 2 (and do) all day long.

 

Ruby on her way home from trying gelato for the first time. She thought she was super fancy & kept saying, "Dad it's not ice cream, it's gelato."

 

Noah has been loving anything super hero lately & was over the moon when I got him this Iron Man. It must be a boy thing, because he doesn't know who any of them are, he just really likes them.

 

 

 

Trips to the Sweet Tooth Fairy make these kids really happy.

 

Weekly trips to the library because it is so hot outside. Dreaming of cooler weather pretty much daily.

 

And this boy who still wants to snuggle & hold my hand & give me kisses even though he's about to be two. Which basically means that I'm a total sucker for him.

Ruby picked this hat out herself & I couldn't say no when I saw how pleased she was when she saw herself in it. She loves it & wears it almost every day & I think she's the cutest in it.

 

Noah has been loving all thing planes, trains, & automobiles. Which is the reason why I can now explain the difference between a backhoe loader & a giant excavator.