Happy Birthday Ellie

I am happy to share my birthday with our cute neighbor girl Ellie. She was turning 5 however, and I am a bit older. She was nice enough to invite us over for her first real birthday party. It was nice for me because the kids got to play, and I had someone else cook dinner for me that night. We had a lot of fun. It was a luau theme, so the kids got to play in the water, have a water balloon fight, and eat cake and ice cream. They were so happy. We hope you had a wonderful birthday Ellie, and thanks for sharing it with us!

33!

I hate to admit it, but I am now 33. We celebrated my birthday on Sunday, instead of Monday because Chad had school and work on Monday. So once again I got to share my birthday with Father's Day. We had some friends over for dinner (which was actually for Father's Day), and then Chad made me a cake. He surprised me with the camera that I have wanted for awhile. Apparently he bought it months ago, but he won't tell me where his hiding place was. Claire was so happy because my new camera is pink - I think I will have to keep it up high. We had a great time, and I am so grateful to have such wonderful kids and a wonderful husband.

Clayson Birthdays

The Clayson family has a lot of birthdays in June, although I think May is becoming a close contender! We got together for Kerry and Jason's little boy Matthews baby blessing, and were able to celebrate some birthdays too. The kids had so much fun because all of their cousins were there. It is always nice to get them all together. Plus to make it even better Grandpa Clayson has been working on his swing, and now has 4 swings, and it goes a little faster. My kids were in heaven! Especially Grant who had never got to ride on it before. They were all so good about taking turns, but couldn't wait for another chance.

Big Sister Claire

Yes, I fear for Ava's life. Claire thinks that she is her own personal doll - she is not. I figured that she would be safe in her bed since she is in a pack and play, and it is pretty low. I was wrong. Then I discovered how Claire gets her out. She hoists herself over the edge, then grabs Ava's arm and pulls her up - yes, she did get in trouble! Claire is now learning about Ava getting exercise (basically peace and quiet time to lay and stretch on the ground!). I am so grateful that she loves her sister, and she is already talking about sharing her room with her someday. Although we all know when the time came (if it ever does), that she would not be to happy about it. Claire is a great big sister, and is sooooo happy to have a little sister. I just hope that she is always this happy to have her around.

Brotherly Love

I am so happy that the boys love their new sister. Grant is infatuated with her, and now whenever he sees a baby it's name is Ava. I love hearing him say it. Owen would sit and hold her for hours if I let him. He is constantly reminding me that he was right (meaning it was a girl), and I was wrong. I was just trying to prepare them for the possibility of a boy. I am so grateful that they love their new sister, and hopefully they will protect her as she gets older.

Ava's First Bath

My mom didn't get to come until Ava was over a week old. Since I had her early, and was told to cross my legs while in labor, she had other things to do like my little sister's graduation. I was sad to miss it!! But, the good thing about a grandma coming later is they get to give the first real bath. Ava loves her baths, that is until you take her out!! Grandma loves giving them, so it was a win win situation.

1 Week Old

Despite keeping us up past our bedtime, Ava is the perfect baby. We don't get to see those eyes much, so of course I had to snap a picture to prove that they exist!