Monday, May 30, 2011

7 Wonderful Years with My Best Friend!

7 years ago we were on the beaches of Kauai, Hawaii.
I never thought I could this man more than I did on that day.

Wes, You are the most amazing husband and
fantastic dad and I still feel like I am living a dream
because I don't deserve you! I can't wait to love you more
in 7 years than I do today!


I gave Wes this box full of 100+ memories from the last 7 years.
We spent the day remembering as many memories as we could.

Sam took this picture of us. It isn't that great of a picture of me (really bad tan lines and all)
but Wes reminds me all the time to capture the memory.


Happy 7th Anniversary Honey!
I love you to the moon and back!!!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

A Day of Remembering Austin

We lost my brother Austin 6 years ago.
Austin was adventurous, spiritual, intelligent, and loyal.
I loved him very much and miss him every day!
We named Sam, Samuel Austin, after him. I am so very glad that we did.
Sam reminds me of Austin all the time.
I love so much that I am reminded of Austin through Sam.

Every year my family spends this day together. I am so thankful for them.
It really doesn't matter what we do, as long as we are together.

On our way to Mom and Dad's, we stopped to put flowers on Austin's grave.

The boys had a lot of questions, but I think it was good for them.
They ask about Uncle Austin all the time. We talk about him quite a bit,
because I want them to know him.

We had a meal together and then just spent the day being together.

A few months ago, Sam had the idea that he wanted to write on a balloon and send it to heaven to Uncle Austin. What a great idea!!! And for my 5 year old to think of it. I am sure others have been doing this, but we have never done it before. He wanted to do it on his birthday, but I thought it would be great to do it this day because we were all together.
So I got white mylar balloons and sharpie pens and we wrote notes to Austin.

The boys just drew pictures and we helped them write notes.


I think it was really good for everyone. I especially found it helpful to be able to talk to Austin. I told him all about the boys and things we have been doing. Of course, it was emotional too. But I hope to do it every year so that I can tell him all about the boys as the grow.



Once everyone had written on their balloons, we all went outside to send them to heaven.


Sam watched them for a long time, making sure they went all the way to heaven.

We spent the rest of the day enjoying each other.
Uncle Taylor and the boys had a great time playing together!






I love my family so much and I feel so blessed that we all have each other.
Austin, We love and miss you very much!!!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Sam is done with Pre-K and on to Kindergarten!

In Sam's little world, it is a big deal to be graduating from Pre-K.
To his Daddy, it was silly to make a big deal out of it.
It is just Pre-K, he kept saying. But I wanted to make it special for my
Sweet Sweet Sam!
I didn't do a lot, just enough for him to feel special!

I made these yummy oreo pops.




Very easy to make and they turned out so cute!!

Sam and Daddy at his program

Sam and Mommy

Singing for us in the program

He was so funny because I think he was nervous, so he kept making these faces.

One of the songs talked about helping your brother,
and Sam was pointing to Micah in the middle of the song.

Making the faces again. It was so funny!

After the kids sang, we went to their rooms and they received diploma's.



Sam and Claire, his school girlfriend!
Isn't she precious???

Our little graduate!

Sam with BeBop and PopPop

Aunt Audrey

Uncle Justin

Very proud parents

We made a few for our friends too!

We love you very very much, Sam!
We are so proud of you! It makes me sad to think that
you will be graduating from high school before we know it!

Can't wait to see you in Kindergarten!
You will do awesome!!!

Last Day of School

Well, somehow the school year is already over and it is summer again.
Time is going by so fast with these little muchkins!
I am loving every minute, but they are getting too big too fast!
Looking back on the first day of school (click here), they have changed so much.




Sam had swim day on the last day, if you are wondering how he has his swim suit on.



So glad Daddy got to be with us.

My boys are getting so big!

Micah with his wonderful, fantastic, amazing teachers!!!
Mrs. Norton was Sam's teacher last year. So sad not to see her every week!

And Micah just adored Mrs. Vehslage!
Such a wonderful lady!

I am so proud of my boys! What a great year!