Noah turns 4

Noah,

Today you turned 4 and this past year has been a year of much growth. Now that Chloe is older, you are learning what being a big brother really means. You started school. You played soccer, your your first sport.  And the most thing we've enjoyed is seeing how your heart has grown to be more loving and compassionate.  You love helping others and care for others without being told to.  You love to comfort kids younger than you (& make them laugh).  If I cough or sneeze, you ask me if I want water or need a tissue and bring it to me.  When Chloe cries, you hug her and tell her it's going to be okay. Last time we went out, Tayta told me you held her hand for 20 minutes trying to comfort her because she was crying when we left.  And when she was crying in the car the other day, you reached over and held her hand.  You spontaneously tell Daddy and I that you love us all the time, which we never tire of hearing.  You love initiating hugs and kisses with us, which Chloe has learned to do from watching you.  You always talk about all the the things you want to teach Eli to do.  You also have learned to encourage us all.  I love hearing, "Thanks for dinner mom," "Thanks for coming to my Christmas party," "Good job Chloe," or "Good, job dad!" You simply melt our hearts with your love and kindness.  What a sweet little boy you continue to be! I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for you this next year. We love you so much!

Love,  mom & dad

 Birthday Brunch

Donut Skewers made by Daddy

 They were a hit!

 craft time

final product-reindeer ornament

 Noah's new favorite treat in cake form :)

 the anticipation

nap time :)

                                     

soccer jacks for everyone

and a small glimpse of your heart :)

sweet big sister

I asked Chloe where Eli was while she was eating.  She walked over to my belly with a french fry and kept trying to feed him saying, "E-i, some?"

Noah's soccer buddies

Nathan

Joseph

Makenna

1st Trophy!

My favorite time of year

Carving pumpkins...

 Gaver Farm...

Apple Cider Donuts

 Photo shoot with Bekah Maka...

 sweet Jace

 Us & Eli

 best buds

 Butlers Orchard...

 Chloe lost in the maze

 Preschool Party...

 McQueen & Thomas

And flying lessons...

For me...

From them...

Danny took the kids out for a walk and I was so blessed by the leaves the kids picked for me. Danny knows how much I just love the fall. Oh how excited the kids were to hand them to me. Thank you Noah & Chloe.

 From him...

Danny has traveled a lot lately. He's gone this entire week.  I walked downstairs on the dreaded Monday and found 2 dozen roses waiting for me.  Thank you. The kids and I miss you tremendously!

Elijah

Eli,

We just found out a few days ago that you are next to join the family! I am so thrilled to have another son! I just started feeling you move & practicing your kicks.  Noah is looking forward to playing soccer with his younger brother.  You have an older sister too who will smother you with her hugs and kisses when you arrive.  Chloe already kisses you from out here and she loves little babies.  Daddy & I have gone through a season of grieving and the gift of your life has brought us so much joy.  February seems so far away, but in the meantime we are praying for your health and safe delivery into this world.  We love you so much already!

Love,
from all of us :)

Williamsburg, VA & Lake George, NY

This year we did a weekend trip to Williamsburg with our parents. I love the quaint town, and my parents have been wanting to go for years.  The camera stayed in the car the whole time :(

And my cousin got married at The Sagamore in Bolton Landing, NY.  It was a 4 day event and it was an incredible time away from our kids and catching up with my 1000 relatives. The ceremony was outdoors on the lake and it was the most beautiful wedding I've been to.  It was the perfect time of year and the views were breathtaking.  This time the camera was left at home :( Thanks to our iphone we were able to capture some pictures that just don't do it justice.  

 Hopefully more pics to come of the bride & groom, but here are there names:)

 rehearsal dinner

 My mom with her brother (father of the groom)

 oh to relax here again

too quick a learner

I was at the post office last week with Chloe.  I had her and my open wallet in one arm and a package to mail in the other.  The cashier weighed my package and told me my total.  Before I knew it, Chloe had slid my credit card out and handed it to the cashier with a "he ya go!" The cashier was impressed and stated, "wow, you taught her young!"

my little prince charming

Noah,

Today I picked you up from school. I felt so bad I was running late. You were the last one in the class.  As I approached the door you still ran to me with so much excitement. With a little purple flower in your hand, you said, "Mom, I picked this for you today at the playground!"

You make me so happy :)