smiles all around

This moment yesterday made me smile for so many reasons. 

1) obviously that Lauren is learning to ride a bike 

2) Curtis is helping her - It has been a long winter for Curt and his back. He is 3 weeks post surgery and doing amazing - praise the Lord! 

3) I think we can safely say winter is behind us - we only have a few trace spots of snow left - the creek in our back yard is flowing and there is green popping through my flower beds. 

I have big hopes for Spring - we get to travel to WI for Easter and to IA for Brett & Jaclyn's wedding in 2 weeks. Spring makes me happy, family makes me happy, a healthy husband makes me happy! 

Life. is. good.

-allison

I love snow.

nope it didn't work. I thought maybe if I typed 'i love snow' then I would lead myself to believe that I love snow - but I don't. I'm over it, it's pretty, but I'm definitely over it. The kids do like it though and I broke out my camera for a few minutes the other day. Enjoy! 

2 years of Elaina

This sweet little 4.5# baby came into our lives 2 years ago today - Elaina means 'bright light' and she is indeed a bright light in our lives.

Happy birthday sweet baby girl!

We love you!

a photo shoot

with this little girl pretty much went like this...

then I may have bribed her a little and she gave me a couple pretty smiles!

her little mind is ALWAYS going....

Oh how I love this sweet little 4 year old! 

It's a party

Last weekend we partied... like it was 1999... (this morning's class at the gym is still running through my head) or I guess we more partied like it was two special little girls' birthdays :) 

They loved it - after the candles were blown out Lauren gave Elaina a great big hug... of course I missed that moment - preciousness

this was the end of the heart warming hug

lots of cousin love

hugs, spoils and love from all the aunts & uncles...

grandmas & grandpas!

We are so thankful you all made it here to celebrate with us - THANK YOU the girls had such a special weekend!!!

4 years of Lauren

When we met this little girl for the first time 4 years ago we would never have been able to predict the way she would change our lives. She challenges us and teaches us every day - such a blessing Miss Lauren is!

You love to play babies, gymnastics, coloring, drawing, writing, singing, making up stories, baking, hanging out with mommy, you have many make believe friends & many made up words that only you understand. You love Jesus & if you could be any animal you would like to be a lion. You are full of personality, one liners & give the best hugs ever!

Last night when you were blowing out your candles you said, 'I just love my family so much.' You are such a sweet 4 year old with an independent, firey little spirit. I pray that you don't let anyone 'dull your sparkle' because you are fearfully and wonderfully made. I am so blessed to be your mom and thank God for you every day! 

Happy Birthday Lauren Kathryn - we love you to the moon, to the stars & back again. We love you with all of our hearts and with all of our souls. Love, mom & dad 

A Christmas Wrap Up

This year Christmas at mom and dad's wasn't quite the same - Curtis wasn't able to make the trip down to Iowa with us because of some back problems he's been dealing with. But we still had a wonderful time, I just missed my Curtis :) These kids always have so much fun together & they all have such different budding personalities I just love seeing them. 

We were all spoiled. There were happy tears shed which always mean the gifts are good! Jaclyn claims she's not a cryer... but may have teared up... That's a sign she's ready to be part of our family :) 

  

many snuggles

snowmen, snowball fights & sledding

But most of all there was lots of family time together.  

Thank you mom and dad for a wonderful Christmas, we love you!