There was a baby in this house!

A few weeks ago we had unexpected guests due to a sudden death in their family. Events that are unforseen to us are not a surprise to the Lord. We were so thankful to have been able to provide a place for them to stay during the time they were here......it was a blessing to have old friends in our home. Many of the days we had the privilege of babysitting! I couldn't help but snap pictures left and right of sweet Amelia. The kids enjoyed EVERY minute of having her here.....feeding, bathing, playing, putting her down for naps, and taking her on errands. "Mia" provided great entertainment and joy to our family......oh and we like her parents too!

Couldn't believe the way this girl sat so quietly all the time!

Amelia loved Aslan and he was good to her....

She followed Madison all around....

Jonathan loved acting as big brother!

Allie couldn't stop loving on Mia

Here is to hoping we get another visit sometime (under better circumstances) - but the door is always open here!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Birthday Party - Day.....

Jonathan's 5th birthday was loads of fun! It was a full day beginning with Dunkin Donuts and ending at Joe's Farm! It was a nice family time off from school and with friends! It was neat to see the Madison again was the primary party planner - I can only take credit for a few small details.....It was a wonderful party to take pictures of!!!! I couldn't stop!

The night before the party Ryan helped paint caterpillars....

Jon and Madison made the cupcakes....

Madison helped Allie and Jon paint a sun for the wall! I loved it so much!

Table centerpiece......

On Thursday he ate through four strawberries.....

On Friday he ate through 5 oranges....

On Saturday he ate through one piece of chocolate cake......one lollipop.......one cupcake, etc.....

The whole weeks' spread.....

The boys had a great time playing in the treehouse. I got so many great shots of them! Too many to post here!

Samson and Jonathan.....

Wyatt so loved the treehouse!!!

Birthday boy.....

I took pictures of each of the boys with Jon and then they made picture frames to put them in....This is Quinn concentrating!

After Madison's caterpillar "hunt".....

The boys loved playing football with Ryan.....

Barefoot runner.....

Sam's creation he gave to his buddy.....

There is no better way to cap off a night than at Joe's Farm Grill! We got there just at sunset......

Beautiful ending to an amazing day!

It's #5 for Jonathan!

Our little one is not so tiny anymore.....he is growing up to be an amazing fellow! I love his cuddles, kisses, and missing-toothed smile!

This kiddo is always moving and feels the need for speed! I am not kidding when I say I am constantly "behind" him! He has mastered his rollerblades in just a short month. Jonathan is also running an under 10 minute mile! As we run around the track I have a nice view of his cute compact frame.....the back of it! He is athletic for sure - can't wait to keep moving with him!

Like the typical youngest child.....Jonathan is always "along for the ride" as we drive to our activities. He is a good sport! He has also been "tagging along" in school.....learning his letter sounds, spelling, and writing! Jonathan's favorite subject is math! He often wants to do a whole lesson in one shot. I enjoy watching him work and think........and listening to his questions and thoughts.

Some of Jonathan's favorite authors are Eric Carle and Beatrix Potter. Heavily influenced by his brother's music choices.....he knows many Newsboys, Skillet, and Switchfoot songs! But no worries - he is doing great on his Catechism memorization too and is now participating in this class on Wednesday nights with the older kids.

Yes - it is sad to see the last one grow up....but I have to say - I delight in watching him change and do new things! And as I look through the photos I have of him, I realized - he is so expressive! Hilarious faces and mannerisms! He keeps us laughing and smiling.

Crazy clown!

Surprise! It went in!

I know, Aslan looks mad - but actually he had just licked Jonathan's face! This is his I have the dickens face.......

Always gotta watch this boy!

Happy Birthday, Jonathan! We love you and are thankful for the joy you bring to our days!

football party!!!

I figured I'd better get to posting some pictures of Ryan's birthday party before we get to Jonathan's on Friday! What a busy week! Ryan enjoyed spending time with his good buddies (his book club friends) on Saturday. The time was fairly simple: pizza, gatorade, football, legos - fun.

Carefully selected football cards for each of his guests.....

Isaiah, Joey, and Matthew make their pizzas....

Zach's creation....

Lined up and ready for baking.....

Madison's colorful plate......

Ryan just slips out of Matthew's grasp while Madison runs from behind!

Huddle.....

Cool gifts....

What a great group of boys - fine young gentlemen and incredible friends!

And that's a wrap on the celebration for year #11........

It's #11 for Ryan......

Ryan has had another year of energy, fun, and firsts! Happy Birthday, son - we are so proud of you! Ryan is not afraid to try new things for sure and is always looking for a challenge. I love his desire to go for it and do things well.

In the spring, he built an amazing treehouse with Grandpa Spence!

This summer Ryan ran his first 5K with dad......

It is encouraging to watch Ryan develop rich friendships! He is fortunate to have so many who love him. Most of us are drawn to his passion and enthusiasm for life!

Isaiah and Ryan at a Diamondbacks game

The three musketeers watch Latin American soccer!

Ryan and Matthew with his new treasure....

As parents Merl and I appreciate Ryan's commitment to his siblings as he loves, cares, and seeks to protect them. Jonathan especially looks up to his brother and loves to play football, legos, and rollerblade with him.

Huddle in the backyard....

I will admit......one of my favorite things about Ryan is his passion for sports and competition! I could sit and watch him play all day! He plays soccer, swims on swim team all summer, runs, plays football with friends, rollerblades - you name it - he is game!

He always has a smile on his face!

It is also wonderful to see his selflessness on the field - passing the ball to his teammates so they can score. He seems to have a great balance of giving 100% all the time but not being overly concerned with the win or points, etc. I appreciate his kindness toward the opposing team's players as well!

Quite the rollerblader!

Ryan is also a servant and loves to help his dad and pitch in where needed. He is beginning to reason and think through his faith on a different level and it is a privilege to discuss the questions of life with him. We are blessed to call him son! Happy special day, Ryan!