Molly's 4th Birthday

We were FINALLY able to help Molly celebrate her birthday...it only took us 4 years, but none the less, we were sooooo excited to make the trip to partake in the festivities!!! Molly is very into Toy Story, which was the theme for the big event. Becky did an amazing job prepping for the celebration and the food was delicious! The weather held out and the birthday party goers had a great time! Thanks for everything Becky...we had a great time!

Fellow party goers gathering for the big celebration
Taking turns in the car
Ford, chillin in Molly's new chair

Aunt Mary showing Olivia a thing or two
Lexie found some entertainment
(This is one of my favorites--Molly and Christopher) "Stick with me kid!"


Looks like everyone is having fun!

Lexie and Christopher...such a sweet picture!
Time for the pinata!
It was a hot one...time to relax with daddy
Molly's Grandpa, Brad Sr. enjoying the party from under a shade tree.
Miss A having some fun.
Getting a good seat to watch the birthday girl open her gifts.
The moment she was waiting for....presents!!!
She couldn't get the paper off fast enough!
Proudly showing off one of her new present.
Cake time...does that look like the face of an excited kiddo or what???
Blowing out the candle--make a wish!!!
The birthday ice cream cake compliments of Becky.
I think she's having a good time!!
Molly's Mimi helps cut the cake.
Ohhhh, red icing....
...yummy!

Terrific Twos...ehem, Here We Come!

It is so incredibly hard to believe we are already celebrating Olivia's second birthday!!! I say it every year...but where does the time go? The last two years have been filled with joy, love, laughs, a few tears, some trying moments, and tons of ENERGY---at least from the 4 and under crowd! While EXTREMELY different from your big sister, you have brought a level of love to this family we couldn't imagine living without! Happy Birthday "boo-boo", "Miss O", Olivia! Here's hoping that "two" is just as fun as one!


Mickey birthday banner for the birthday girl
Getting the party started...and trying to find some shade
A chocolate fountain with all kinds of goodies to dip
Goodie bags for the kids along with a few cookies on the ice cream bar
Special thanks to Eric and Tanya for the use of their tent and table...we certainly needed it on this sweltering hot day
Centerpieces
Some of the girls relaxing on the picnic table in the shade
The Tobin/Minich crew taking advantage of the tent to get some shade! Thanks for making the trip!!!

The birthday girl getting her fill of chocolate chip cookies...I think she had more on her face than in her belly! She sure did have a good time chowing down!!!!!

Olivia's Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Cake...it didn't turn out as well as I would have liked to thanks to the black fondant...will have to try different black gel next time!
Singing to our little birthday girl...she sang along! It was adorable!
Time for more ice cream!!! Thanks Daddy!!!
Grandpa brought home a pinata during his shopping adventures..."How does this thing work...let me give this a try!"
After a couple of tries, Olivia passed the bat to her big sister...two whacks from Lexie is all it took and the candy went flying! Such determination and sheer force!
After most of our guests left...and GG& Nini made it back from their cruise, we ventured back inside to open presents.

Olivia loved tearing though the paper...and Aunt Allie was more than willing to help her out!
Lexie can't wait to try out her new goggles!!! Thanks Aunt Allie!!!
After a long HOT day...she is still going strong!

Thanks to everyone for your kindness, generosity, and thoughtful birthday wishes! Olivia had a wonderful time celebrating thanks to your efforts!! Special thanks to Aunt Marsha, Granny and Mrs. Tobin for all of your clean up efforts!!!

Another Year Older...

..and incredibly blessed! Russ was able to relax, play golf, eat like a king, and was showered with gifts, hugs and kisses on his birthday! Happy Birthday Russ!!! We love you more and more every year!

Lexie and Olivia were anxious to help daddy open his presents after dinner! Olivia really wanted to get down to business...good practice for her big day!
Russ getting a 'little help' from the girls.
"Ohhhh, I love it....what is it daddy?"


Golf was the 'theme' of the day! After playing a round with my dad at the club...in a new shirt he bought for himself with some birthday money, he got this festive shirt! I love the color and was completely surprised he picked it out! (Thanks to 'grandpa' for suggesting it!)
Another golf shirt???? In blue???? Wow! (This one was NOT a surprise to me...he loves his blue golf shirts...this one makes number 8 I think!)
Showing off his BIG new Tommy Bahama beach towel the girls picked out. Russ was tired of sporting the hot pink ones the girls and I use so we picked out a 'slightly less feminine' one.

Happy 1/2 Birthday to my Big Girl!

She sure does love school...and she loves picking out her outfits! I just can't get over she's only/already 3 1/2!!! She looks like she is about 5, but I feel like we were just welcoming her into the world!!! Where does the time go????

Birthday Blow-out

Lexie couldn't actually believe we got to celebrate her birthday AGAIN! Not only did she get a fabulous party at the house, she also got to take treats to her friends at school to celebrate...AND we celebrated at home with a more intimate crew (Daddy, Sissy, Mommy, and Granny). She is already starting to talk about what is going to be on her birthday cake next year! (A planner like her momma--a kid after my own heart!)

The look on her face when we sang to her again brought yet another tear to my eye!!!

Three Cheers!!!

Another year has FLOWN by...it seems as though it is becoming a trend! I don't know where the hours in the day go...and then all of the sudden you blink and your baby is 3 years old! It really doesn't seem possible! The last three years have been full of excitement, laughter, accomplishments, and LOVE!!!

October 5, 2007---the day our lives changed forever when we were blessed with this precious, sweet soul!
Celebrating a year of milestones in 2008

Bracing for the 'terrible two's in 2009

Anxiously awaiting what "3" has in store for us in 2010!

We are so incredibly blessed and love you so very much Lexie! Here's hoping that '3' is your best year yet!