Gavin's Birthday

Gavin had a birthday weekend last weekend. He thought it was really neat that Griffin got to pick out his birthday gift so when we asked him what he wanted, he said he wanted to pick it out and won't give any ideas. So on Saturday, we went to the store to buy his birthday gift. He got a really cool car trailers and a tow truck with a car. There are seven kinds of them but they are all really neat. He is his father's son... totally Kerry. Then Sunday before Gavin's birthday, we headed to Mama Dolphin and Papa Steeler's house for supper and cake. Mama was nice enough to make supper and we brought the ice cream cake from Dairy Queen. Yummy!! Since we didn't celebrate with Kerry's side for Griffin's birthday, I put five candles on one side of the cake and three candles on the other side of the candle. We sang Griffin Happy Birthday first and then sang Gavin Happy Birthday second. Gavin was really happy to be sang to.

Griffin on the other hand, hid for our singing. He just still gets so embarrassed. You see he will hide under anything, including the table.

We had a really great time and it was really nice. We enjoyed our time all together. Of course Matt Matt had to get to football training in while we were there. I think this is him teaching Griffin how to side step. It was really funny!!

Matt Matt is going to have them ready for any sport. LOL!! On Monday morning, he was so excited. He woke up early and asked if he was five yet. He was just thrilled to be five and I was a little sad. Also, it could have been that he was super excited about taking snacks to school for his birthday. His teacher even gave him a little special gift. Gavin got to pick what we did that night as a family and of course, he picked to play the two Wii games he got. One is a monster truck game which Gavin thinks is totally awesome and loves to play it. We ended the night with five spankens from everyone and a pinch to grow on. He just laughed the whole time. Oh man, if only time would slow down.... but I don't think that will happen.

Happy 5th Birthday, Gavin

Today is such a special day! Gavin turns 5 years old. Boy, does he look so grown up today. He was thrilled when he woke up because he was 5 and not 4 any longer. He has become such a big boy lately. He isn't a toddler anymore but a little boy. Yes, it may sound strange but there is a difference. Man in the last year there has been big changes. Gavin's eating habits have become really great in the past year, he has become quite the clean plater. And we are thrilled about it. He still loves his hugs and kisses but they are done a little quicker so he can still remain cool. I love that he still likes for his Mom to walk him inside school but once he is in and can see his friends, he is a goner. Gavin is the best big brother ever. He is so caring and loving towards Griffin, it is so amazing. Gavin tells Griffin, he is his best friend all of the time. Gavin will willing give up something so Griffin doesn't get mad, upset, or just gives it to him because he thinks he will like it. I'm enjoying every single minute of it. Gavin has really gotten into racing this year along with monster trucks. He drove his first combine this year and loved helping on the farm more. It is simply amazing how much he is learning everywhere and how much he remembers it all. He is usually always laughing and smiling. We are just so blessed to have him in our lives and although his start was a little rough and scary, I would do it all over again because he is so worth it all. Gavin, we love you so much!! Thank you for all that you bring to our family.

All In A Weekend

This past weekend was really busy but it was all good family time. We decided after Gavin's last soccer game on Saturday that we would go to the Brookfield Zoo. I packed a lunch and off we went. It was a perfect day and it was hot. We usually go every year, it just so happened that this year we went in the fall rather than in the spring or early summer. Gavin's favorite animal this time around was the bear and Griffin's was the giraffe.

We had a lot of comments about our train that we borrowed from a friend. Everyone loved it!! It worked out really well but Kerry would say that it was a little heavy to pull but probably because we had a cooler full of food and drinks.

The boys are checking at the camels...

Griffy cheesing it!!!

We had a great dinner at a little park area, saw more animals, and then it was time to go. It was a perfect day at the zoo and we left about a half hour before it closed.

On Sunday after church, we headed up to Starve Rock. I had never been there and I have always wanted to go. We were talking on the way to church how beautiful the leaves were in all their colors so Kerry thought of the idea to head up there. We got up there and it was a mad house. There were so many people but the weather was perfect and there was a festival near by so it was understandable. I had no clue how well the boys would do but it was worth the shot. We went on a couple of trails and the boy did awesome! I didn't have to carry either of them anywhere and let me tell you there was a ton of stairs.

They loved to overlook either the water or the rocks. It was so nice.

They even did a couple of photo shoots for me.

We thought we would do it again. Kerry and I may go back up there without the boys when more of the leaves have changed colors but we will have to see. We all really enjoyed it. Gavin said he liked it better than the zoo which surprised me a little. After our long day, we headed to our first wiener roast of the year. The boys played football and we got to catch up with some family friends. I had planned to head to another pumpkin patch on my day off on Monday but we were all too exhausted so we spent the day at home and playing outside. It was really great!

Cousin's Wedding

My younger cousin got married on Saturday. She had a beautiful wedding and reception. She was a picture bride, I never got a picture though, whoops. I got a photo of my two cousin with me. There would have been more in the picture but it is way too difficult to grab everyone in the midst of it all. Believe me, I tried... My cousin, Stephanie, is on the far left. We both have two boys around the same age. My other cousin, in the middle, was the bride's sister and she also has a little boy the age of Gavin. These girls are simply gorgeous, drop dead pretty!! Stephanie helped me pick out my dress and shoes. I wore the same dress to the wedding in early September. I love it.

These girls are my sister that I never had. They are just super sweet and always there to lend a hand or a ear to listen to.

Just love these girls.... I do love the rest of the family too... They are all a lot of fun and know how to have a good time. There is never a dull moment when they are around.

Griffy's 3rd Birthday

Griffin turned 3 on Saturday. We had a family wedding that we had to attend so we couldn't celebrate on his birthday with him but we did celebrate the day before and after his birthday. The night before we took him to Big R and Wal-Mart and he got to pick anything he wanted to for his birthday present. All he wanted was a little monster truck. We were shocked that that was all that he wanted and we mentioned several times he could have a few more but he just won't let go of this one monster truck. We found a package of four so he decided it would be way better than just one monster truck so that is what he got for his birthday. We talked to him about wanting more farming equipment or something along with these monster trucks but he just won't let go of these and he didn't want to look at any other toys. He wanted to take his trucks and go home. So we got one more monster truck that he liked and threw in a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse video with it.

We went home and he was overjoyed with the gift. We spent the rest of the night watching the video and playing with his monster trucks. I let them both stay up a little later than normal too so that we could enjoy the family time. Bedtime came quickly needless to say and Griffin even slept with his trucks. Gavin can't wait for his birthday now because he thought it was neat that Griffin got to pick out his own birthday gift.

On Sunday, we celebrated Griffy's 3rd birthday and Mama Kathy's 102nd birthday (Oct. 7th is her real birthday)out at my parent's house. I made supper and then made a cake. It was a really nice day. We discovered just how shy Griffin is; when we started to sing "Happy Birthday" to him, he got really upset and tried to hide. He yelled at us to stop singing or he just thinks we are really bad singers which could be very true. This is the face that he made when we told him to blow out the candles. Classic!!!

We lit the candles and he got mad again so Gavin blew them out along with Mama and Papa. After the candles were blown out then he wanted to blow them out so I relit them and he got mad again so then we gave up. He didn't have a nap so he was tired too so that could have been a big part of it.

Gavin on the other hand, can't wait for his birthday and can't wait to blow out his candles and EAT MORE CAKE. He loved it all. Now he keeps asking everyday when his birthday is going to be. Good thing his birthday is this month too.

I let Gavin lick the frosting off of the spreader. I was a little bummed that we couldn't spend the actual day with Griffin on his birthday but we had a great time spending the day before and after with him.

Painting Pumpkins

Back a week or so ago, I mentioned that we got little pumpkins at Tanner's for the boys so that they could paint them. Well, they did paint them and really enjoyed it. They put on Dad's work shirts got their little pumpkins and started to paint away. They even painted the stems. Griffy loved to paint his orange and Gavin loved the green and red. I guess Gavin is ready for Christmas...

They did really well on their first time painting on a pumpkin. Gavin wanted to know how to paint the bottom without messing up the top and middle. I think we are going to be doing this again. I just realized I didn't get a finished product. I love them and they make great decoration pieces.

Happy 3rd Birthday Griffin

It is my baby's 3rd birthday today. Boy, where has the time gone, really? It is difficult for me today but today isn't about me it is about our precious baby! He has brought so much joy to our lives and we love every minute of it. We are cherishing these moments. Griffin is seemly shy around people that he doesn't know. He loves to hide behind someone's leg, as if you can't see him. LOL! I don't know where he gets his shyness from, probably me. Just kidding! His favorite things right now are the races, monster trucks, anything that deals with farming, and his brother among many other things but I would say those are his top list. I love that he is a huge snuggler and loves to give kisses and hugs. His daddy would say that he is a big Momma's boy but that won't last for long. He plays really well by himself but prefers to play with Gavin and for the most part he loves to share with him as long as he can tell him what he can have or not have. He is not a huge eater other than candy. Griffin's favorite meal is cereal (he takes after his mommy)and he would eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He still loves and takes a nap. I think his most favorite thing to do is follow after his brother. The blonde hair is fading fast into a darker brown but he is still a little blonde. Time is going so quickly, I wish I could stop it but it will continue to go quickly. Griffin is a healthy and happy 3 years old. And we love him so much and can't wait to see what the future holds for him.