Abe's 5th Birthday!

Abe turned 5 this week! Time flies. In case we haven't told you already, Abe is in love with Star Wars...... in LOVE! So, since this year it was his turn to have a birthday party he chose a Star Wars theme. He has had such a fun time with his new preschool friends and was super excited to have them over for his birthday. We invited about 11 boys from his class (he was very particular that there be NO GIRLS, except Ella of course). Planning 2 birthdays in one weekend has proven to be pretty hectic. We stayed up late Sunday night constructing this...

We have a great system for parties.... I plan and Matt entertains.  He did his job leading the boys in some light saber training.

I love how Ella is front and center with the boys. She is our party girl!

And he kept them entertained while I served up cake.

When it was all over Abe was happy, but exhausted. I think this picture says it all....

Party girl was still full of life of course!


 I think Abe felt really special and loved, which is sometimes hard when you are a middle child who has almost the same birthday as your older brother. Abe is such a talented, loving, passionate, sensitive and all-around wonderful boy. He keeps me sane when things get crazy. He brings Gavin back to earth when his head is in the clouds. He loves the life out of Ella and he keeps us all laughing. Happy Birthday Abe!

Gavin's 7th Birthday

I can't believe he's 7! Both, because it seems like just yesterday he was my baby and because when he talks he sounds like a 50 yr old college professor. I am so grateful for birthdays because it gives me the chance to reflect on how grateful I am for my children. Gavin is such a blessing to our lives. It is hard to put into words what an amazing soul I think he is. It is exciting to watch him grow and to imagine the impact he will have in this world. 

His two requests for his birthday were donuts for breakfast and a cake in the shape of Handy Manny's toolbox. Both not easily fulfilled when you are on a gluten-free diet, but Matt and I improvised.

We spent most of the day at the Chicago Children's Museum. It was the perfect spot for Gavin because he could touch every button, explore every object and ask every question he desired.

You'd have a better chance of capturing Sasquatch on film than of getting Gavin to look at a camera.

After the museum we headed to Ed Debevic's for dinner with the g'rents and then home to enjoy the cake.

We love you Gavin and can't wait to see what year 7 has in store for you!

Christmas

I know, I know Christmas was a month ago, but things are busy around here. I am dedicated to catching up on my blogging today... mostly because I am exhausted and need an excuse to sit on my rear for long periods of time. So here goes.....

We had a wonderful Christmas at home. We spent lots of time together and with extended family. We relaxed. We shopped. We gained lots of weight eating delicious holiday treats (technically, that was just me). We listened to the Osmond Christmas album many, many times. It was everything Christmas should be.

(for some reason I can't log in as myself.... K wrote this post)