Birthday Boys

This past Saturday we celebrated Ethan (4th) and Ben's (2nd) birthdays.  We had their shared party at an indoor beach volleyball place.  It was a very fun birthday and Ethan told me several times that it was his best party ever and I had to agree.  Here are some of the pictures from the party:

Birthday Cousins.  I love these two boys.

There were lots of trucks and cars to dig in the sand.  

We brought beach balls.  

Mom and Damian 

Lots of playing

Andrew digging a hole probably to bury a child in. :D

Nathanael was pretty chill and seem to love his feet in the sand.

Lots of food.

The birthday cake.  2 candles on one side and 4 on the other.

Blowing out the candles.  

I think Ben was too focused on the trucks on top of the cake to blow out his own candles.

My sweet beautiful nephew.

Good times had by all.  Looks like Andrew is digging another hole.

Hannah and the girls playing in the sand. 

Did I mention how relaxing this party was for me?

Damian and Ethan.

Hannah and Sanne-Lise and Adrianna dancing.

I think my favorite part of this party other than the celebrating of two very wonderful boys was the that there was so much for the kids to do and space for them to run around.

Ethan's New Pillow

Don't let the smile in the above picture fool you.  Like every parent, I enjoy choosing and making things for my children for their birthday.  I take joy in "knowing" my daughter and finding something that I think she will  like and even become special.  A week ago today was Hannah's third birthday.  To mark that special day I came up with a brilliant idea.  Not only did I think it was fantastic but all those I told thought it was great too.  I was jazzed.  So excited I pleaded with Andrew to give it to her on her birthday and not at her party.

You see I took Hannah's shirt, the one she called her favorite and most perfect shirt, in all the drama that only a 2 year can come up with and made it into a pillow. The shirt that had special meaning for me as well because "You Are My Sunshine" is our special song.  Here is a couple of pictures of her wearing her green shirt.

Recently, the shirt had become too small and I thought a pillow would be great way to keep this favorite around.  The night of her birthday Hannah was handed the gift bag with the pillow while I sat perched on the couch ready to snap that picture of her face when she saw it.  She was excited as she pulled it out and looked at me, smile stretched across her face.  Then she said it.  I knew she didn't understand.

She looked at me and earnestly and said "I love Ethan's new little pillow".  I tried to explain to her that it was her pillow and that I made it with her special shirt.  But she looked confused and repeated.  "I will put in Ethan's crib, its his little pillow".  Andrew tried to explain.  It didn't matter she already had it fixed her mind.  A couple of days later I tried to explain again.  But this time she wouldn't even entertain the possibility of questioning the pillow's ownership.

She put her hands on her hips, and wore an angry face.  If you know Hannah you know this look well and she said:

"It's Ethan's pillow and I.....DON'T.....WANT......IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope Ethan likes his new pillow.

Hannah is 3

This weekend was spent (in addition to Easter) Hannah's 3rd birthday.  The weather was perfect and I know that Hannah really enjoyed her party being surrounded by friends and family who love her.  Here is a look at her day with pictures.  If you make it to the bottom you will find Hannah's basket photos.

I love this photo.

Basket Photos:  I love taking these pictures.  I can see how much the kids are growing.

See the previous basket photos click here