My Babies are 3!

This past Friday, Emma & Payton turned three. It was a day I can't believe has happened. The time has flown by and has me a bit overwhelmed (and itching for another baby). I will say that they have to be the most beautiful kids I know ... funny and smart to boot. God blessed us with such wonderful miracles.

Their birthday began with Mommy & Emma attending a tea with some women from church. Payton & Daddy went to breakfast. Then we all met at the doctor's office for their check-ups and flu shots. There is a whole story in itself there, but I will be posting more about that when test results come back. Afterward, we ate lunch and went to the store. One thing I want Emma & Payton to do is care deeply for one another. Therefore, it starts with things like Mommy taking them to buy gifts for one another. This year ~ they had actually talked about it without us knowing. We got to the store and Payton insisted on getting Emma a doll. Emma insisted on getting Payton a firetruck. I heard Emma ask Payton in passing "Did you get me the doll?" After shopping, nap time came!!! Daddy (and a little of Mommy) did some cleaning. Then, Emma & Mommy went to get Gram & Pop from the airport.

Saturday was their big party. Each one was allowed to invite one person (and I invited the rest). Payton requested two brothers, J-Man & Bretters. I was surprised, because it had been awhile since he had seen them. But J-man has been around since the beginning ~ so I quickly understood. And he hasn't stopped talking about them and their awesome present!! (Ker ~ I have some awesome memories of your family during that first year! Thank you for continuing to be a part of our lives ~ in spite of it all) Emma invited my close friends, Renee & Stephanie. (Let me just say thank you to those two for coming to my little ones party. It meant so much to Emma as well as me! Love you two so much!) The party was fun ~ jumping, running, pizza, cake, kid throwing up, and presents. Now for those of you out there that noticed Emma got ALL ponies ~ I wanted that. She does not have a toy that she is involved in. I wanted to introduce her to something that would allow for her to be creative and imaginative. So far it has worked ~ she adores all those ponies! Then came the much needed naps ~ while Pop & Daddy painted their bathroom and Gram & Mommy painted their dressers.

Out of all the presents this year ~ my sister had the best one. She bought them Bibles. From the moment we opened the Bibles, Payton has been begging to read it by himself. Well, Bibles have such thin paper that I won't let him look at it alone. But we have read it several times each day ~ what a precious heart Payton has! Thanks, Aunt Robin!!

The weekend wrapped up with the promotion to the three year old Sunday School class. They are now back in with their little friends they know (from our small group). Plus there is a Thomas train set in there!

Andy and I appreciate you all for what you are to our lives and the lives of our children. Through gifts, prayers, and time spent with us ~ our lives have been truly blessed. This past year has gone by so fast. I am so blessed when our children remember the people that have been there from the beginning, it shows how much you mean to us! You are in their hearts. We love watching them grow daily ~ especially watching their love for God grow. It is truly awesome! We look forward to this year as they will be potty trained (among other things). We invite you all to continue this journey with us. We love you all!!


ps Tomorrow is our friend's third birthday! Head on over and wish her a great day! Happy Birthday, Hailey!!!