A Year Ago Today

It is hard to believe that a year ago today we were in Illinois celebrating the fourth with family. We loved the time we spent with Aunt Lori and Uncle David, Uncle Dennis and Aunt Kim, Brian, Shellie and Nate. Whenever I see this picture it makes me smile. Matt decided to cuddle up to cousin Brian and take a little afternoon snooze. We miss all of you!! Thank you for some amazing memories.

Emily's Teaset

As one of her birthday gifts, one of her friends gave Emily a tea set that she could paint. So, one afternoon she decided it was time to get crafting. She made quite a colorful set. No two pieces are alike. The one teacup is the world - blue ocean and green continents. Already she had a tea - apple juice - party with Matt. Oh, unfortunately we've had one casualty, the teapot top but we are using the sugar bowl top as a replacement. Emily loves these crafting/creative kits.

Stepping Stones

Well the stepping stones the kids made have made it into the garden. We had a lot of fun making them. Matt's says "Matt "hearts" God" and Emily's says "God is Love". Emily came up with her "thought" first and then Matt followed along the same line. It is nice to see that God has made his way into our kids thinking. Both stones also have their hand prints on them. This is definitely a project we will do again in the future - uh-oh I used the word that disturbs Matt.....you have to laugh.

Matt's Birthday

It is hard to believe we just celebrated Matt's 5th birthday. What made it even more unusual is that we were home. Since Matt was born, his birthday has always occurred while we have been on our early summer vacation. This year his birthday fell on a Sunday so it was a full day. It started with presents and a birthday blueberry muffin. His presents had a theme "Lego". He was most excited with Emily's because it is the Lego Toy Story 3 train - Legos & a train who can go wrong. Emily got a huge hug for such a great choice. We spent the morning at church then went out for lunch with family friends. If you know Matt, you should know his choice of restaurant - Chinese. He got his dumplings and sushi. The restaurant gave him a birthday ice cream plate. After a short afternoon at home building a few Lego projects with dad, Matt and Emily went with Dave to the Meadowlands Fair. They must have been having a great time because they didn't get home until after 11:00 p.m. (they left at 6 p.m.). All in all it was a great day and I still can't believe he is 5.

Matthewisms

This kid cracks me up. Yesterday we were in the car on our way home and I said we would do something in the future to which Matt said "don't say that". I asked him what "future" and he replied "yes". So I asked "don't you like that word" and he said "no, it disturbs me". Disturbs him - how hilarious. Matt has expressed before his dislike of the work "future". We haven't been able to figure out his disdain for the word. This is the first time though he told us that is disturbs him. Like I said he cracks me up!