Trey Turns Two!

We had a great family day with Trey for his Birthday. I was surprisingly a nice day and we took advantage by going to the park. This boy of mine has a TON of energy and this was the perfect place to let it all out. I loves playing with his sisters and this was a win-win situation. I really do love getting to go on family outings like this (even small ones like this), I love being all together and not having any time factors.

This was by far the favorite activity at the park. They wanted to do this over and over and over, but so did all the other children taking advantage of one of the last beautiful days of the year.

After the park, a quick nap and the Christmas tree pick up we had the monkey cake. I went back and forth with this and was glad I ended up making it. It turned out really cute and Trey thought so too!

He of course loved getting some new "boy" toys (there still are not a lot of those around this house). The girls loved the new toys as much as he did. It's so fun to watch them all play together they have such a good time together!

I had more fun pictures of our Christmas tree find, but in trying to "learn" about the new camera I erased them. At least I didn't erase the birthday pics! (by the way all these photos are on the old camera, I'm slowly learning and getting use to the new one, while it takes much better photos the users has to learn a thing or two for it to be better)

This shirt pretty much sums up Trey!

He is:

1) Head strong (VERY)

2) Loves to help and clean up!

His smile is contagious and is so cute I just can stand it! I love this boy so much, and pray daily that I can keep up with his energy. I'm grateful for the privilege to be your Mother Trey and thankful for what you teach me about our Heavenly Fathers love for each of his children.

I Love You!!!

BOO

We had a fun Chinese Halloween! The girls loved wearing their Chinese get-up and it was really easy for me since we already had all of it, thanks to Mema for outfitting us!

Brynlee thought she was so grown-up looking carrying that fan. "Grown-up" looking is her goal in life, ya know.

She actually looks the part in this shot...

All Trey was interested in was the candy, of course.

I think it's so funny that the girls get so excited about dumping the candy on the floor and picking out the favorites!

Stinky Diaper

I had to add this picture. Trey's diaper was just a little too stinky back there!

The Mill

During our visit with my parents we made a trip up to North Carolina to visit the Jacobi Family. When I was growing up we went to Missouri many summers to visit our dear Aunt Junie and Uncle Bob. These visits bring back wonderful childhood memories. We would pile in the big blue van and make the 10+ hour trip to see some of our most favorite people. We loved spending time with June and Bob, because of their love of life and people. They always made us feel at home and while the vacation was simple it was exciting to be with family.

So we were fortunate enough to visit with Aunt Junie and Uncle Bob's son Wick. Him and his wife Sabrina were excellent hosts and made us feel right at home just as his parents once did. They are restoring a 1800's mill and it was breathtaking to see where they lived. The pictures don't do it justice! It was an amazing place with incredible history.

Wick, Sabrina, Dakota, Parrish, and our crew!

The girls had a great time playing with there "new found" cousin Parrish!

I'm telling you this place was amazing!! I wish I was a good photographer and could have gotten some awesome shots!

I'm grateful that we had a nice relaxing trip with Ethan and my parents. I could get use to having 4 adults around!

Weber's Cider Mill Farm

My parents came to visit and one of the #1 requests from not only the girls but from Grandpa was "the place with the big slide". So down to the farm we went. We had so much fun with them!

Brynlee was trilled to finally go on the big slide!

For Grandma's sake we won't post the picture of what happened right after this (she got a little carried away and right in the mud puddle she went) I have to say it was kinna funny...

Needless to say we LOVE the big slide!

There were several things for the kids to do and this was a favorite. I'm glad Brynlee still enjoys things like this (wagon/tractor) ride with was slower than all get out!

Good times for all!

Get-a-way

While Mom and Dad were visiting Ethan and I got to take an overnight trip which we have not done in LONG while. I really love being with that guy. We always have so much fun together and it's amazing how stress free we are when we're not wrangling children.

Brynlee got sick with a fever while we were away, and the best part is that I didn't stress about it because I knew she was in excellent hands, and she was, they all three were. I'm glad too that the kids got some great one-on-one time with Grandma and Pa!

Visiting the Holocaust was humbling experience to say the lest. No words to describe the feelings there...

The Library of congress was an AMAZING building, I'm glad we went. (W unfortunately ran out of time and did not get to tour the capital.

Chinese dinner in DC was yummy!

After going through the temple together, we stopped by the National Museum of Health and Medicine. Ethan of course loved it and wanted to read everything!

A trip to DC is not complete with out a stop by Cafe Rio! We have a wonderful time, thanks mom and dad for making it possible.

Brynlee's Six

Brynlee had a birthday party with her friends at Chuck E Chesse's a few days before her birthday and the day of her birthday we did an ice cream sunday family party. She loved every minute of her birthday!

6 Things I Love about my girl:

1) She is very helpful, always willing to help me out with anything I need:)

2) She talks to me with her hands like she's an adult, but then again Brynlee has been doing "adult" like things most her life!

3) Her nick name is "The Reporter". This is a term of endearment that Nathan started and it has kind of stuck for the past little while. She wants to tell every detail and ASK every detail about every situation, it suits her perfect and the funny thing is she kind a likes it.

4) She is very eager to learn.

5) She loves being outside and almost always prefers to play using her imagination rather than watching TV.

6) She wants more than anything in the world to please her parents. She is naturally kind and accepting of others. She is a loyal girl even at age 6!