Family Party

Saturday Kaden celebrated his birthday with our extended family. He had looked forward to the day for months and it did not disappoint. He was surrounded by grandmas and grandpas who adore him and they showered him with love, attention and gifts. I always love getting to see my children interact with our families, but as they grown older it's even more fun to listen to the conversations that take place. This year he REALLY liked all of his gifts (even the clothes) and was able to play with each and everything he received. I'm so proud of the little man he's becoming (but more on that in another post) and the happy, fun, polite (usually) boy he is to be around.

**My dad is the only one who I didn't get a picture of! Ugh! Hate when that happens. Sorry dad! Unfortunately he spent the better part of the day trying to convience Marin he wouldn't pretend to use her new pony tissues again! Who'd have thought that would upset her.

Friend Party

This was the first year Kaden invited friends over for his birthday. We just had 4 and 3 of them were our neighbors. They came after dinner and played, ate cupcakes and then Kaden opened his gifts. It was neat to watch Kaden learn how to treat his friends like guests, see them all play and interact, and help Kaden practice showing genuine appreciation to each of them for their gift and for coming. I never imagined what a hands-on learning experience it would be. At all ages, I'm so aware of the joy friends bring into our lives.

Little O turns 1

We have been babysitting little O part time since last June. In March she turned one and we had the honor of being invited to her birthday party. The kids were very excited to be included. Marin ended up having a fever, so she stayed home and Kaden and I went. It was so sweet to see her reach with excitement to Kaden. It's like he's her brother too. She squealed when we came to the door. What fun it has been to love on another baby and watch her learn and grow! We love you little O!

Rain Walk

Love this. I pray these two can always stay close and enjoy the simple things like walking to the mailbox in the rain.

Pirate Party

Kaden went to a fun pirate birthday party in early March for a friend from his old preschool who we stay in contact with. What fun!

Indoor Water Park (Feb 2011)

Not much time or motivation to blog lately, and for some reason, I'm having trouble adding pictures where I want them. However, we've had lots of fun life events to share. So...these next several posts will be mostly pictures!

In late February we enjoyed a fun weekend at our local water park with Grandma & Grandpa Steckel. It was a great break from the ordinary (and getting dull) activities of winter.

Thanks for a fun weekend Grandma and Grandpa Steckel!

A Dream Come True for Kaden

A couple weeks back Kaden got to do something he's wanted to do since Christmas...ride on a snowmobile. He loved it! I have a feeling we'll have more photos like this in our future!