Happy Birthday, Isabel! It is hard to believe my little girl is 8 years old today! Where does the time go? I wish I could freeze time and bottle it up. You are growing up too quickly. A very special little girl with a zest for life, a radiant personality, and an infectious smile. Things I want to remember about your 7th year: - trip to Niagara Falls - losing your two front teeth - big trip to Hawaii with Nana - win 1st place in a pie eating contest at Linvilla Orchards - love to shop at Justice - love wearing Jean shorts and tank tops (dresses and skirts are not your style) - love the tv shows Good Luck Charlie and iCarly - love being a big sister to baby Kellen - love riding roller coasters (LOVE almost all rides) - dance at From the Top (hip hop) and swim all year at Episcopal - favorite dinners are Taco night and Broccoli/Cheddar Quiche - you LOVE to jump rope Today, we all went to Episcopal to watch your swim practice. You are an amazing little breaststroker! It always amazes me how you love to try new things and are willing to work so hard at everything you do! There is no question you are a girl who will always persevere!! We celebrated at grandma and grandpa's house tonight! Memories from the day: ping pong with you and daddy, amazing breaststroke laps, playing cranium, Kellen eating lots of birthday cake (at 7 months old), and when you opened your presents... You opened a jewelry box with a ballerina. Grandpa said, "Brady, do you like the ballerina?". He quickly replied, "No, I don't like girl stuff!!". We all yours laugh! You got your picture taken with grandma under the magnolia tree! We love you and are looking forward to many more birthday celebrations! Love, Mommy

Please be careful Chloe!!

Just like any other day, I pick up Chloe, Casey, and Nora from school. The girls pile in the van and we talk about their day. The girls chatter about normal happenings like mystery reader, lunch, and friends. Then Chloe says, "oh and mom, I broke my front tooth at school today". Surprised, I ask, "You what.....when?" Nonchalantly, she replies, "At rest time". Ugh.... How I ask. While putting my head down on my rest mat. I ask this question over and over again as I am unable to make sense of her answer. From our conversation, I learn that she never did tell her teacher. Instead, she found the broken piece of tooth and put it in her desk which was eventually lost. This was upsetting, given this was a brand new, permanent tooth coming in! Off to the dentist we go! Luckily, the dentist was able to file the tooth. Chloe was very lucky! Two days later I get a call from the school nurse.... Chloe got hit in the mouth with a football and her tooth/gums are bleeding. Really?! No more football, Chloe, please!?

Brayden celebrates Number 4 at Jumper!

We just celebrated Brayden's 4th birthday party at Jumpers! This was his first real party with friends. He was so excited to celebrate with his classmates from Trinity! He shared his party with his buddy, William Gearhart,on April 16th, almost 3 weeks before his actual birthday. This was a tough concept for Brayden (and probably any 3 year old),he couldn't figure out why after his party he was still just 3 years old! He finally accepted the notion it was his "fake birthday"!

The kids had a blast running around and jumping on the moon bounces! We had pizza and cake. While the kids were eating cake, I was trying to take some pictures. Brayden looked at me and said, "Mommy, could you take a picture of just the birthday boys?". Such a Cutie Patootie!

After the party was over, the boys and I took the girls back to St. Annie's. In the hallway, we saw Mrs. Hofmann. Brady was beaming and told her all about his party and his "fake birthday!". She sweetly wished him a very happy "fake birthday!"

Then it was time to open presents! Brady was very excited. At Jumpers he got to pick a monkey...he chose green. BTW...he loves the monkey (and so does Chloe). She convinced him to let her keep the monkey...the little stinker! Anyway, the first present he opened was from his buddy,Jimmy Stagnaro. He was so happy to get the game Angry Birds Knock on Wood. Next, he opened a gift from Kerri O'Reilly, it was Cars for his leap pad. He then opened a puzzle and kite. Perplexed he looked at me and asked, "Who are all the other presents for
mommy?". I explained that his friends had brought him presents to celebrate his special day! He was genuinely surprised...so innocent as a child. He had so much fun opening presents that day.

It is hard to believe Brayden will be 4 years old on May 4th!! Happy Birthday Brady Boy! You melt my heart little boy. It is such a joy to be your mommy! Like I tell you each and everyday, "I love you very, very much!"