HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABBEY!

Last week (April 10) was Abbey's birthday. She turned seven years old. Since we did a joint party the previous week for Jude and Abbey's birthday we had a simple celebration on Saturday (April 9) since her birthday fell on a Sunday. We had Marisa, Maliya, Grandpa and Grandma come over for pizza, cake and ice cream and presents. It was nice to have everyone over to celebrate Abbey. She got all kinds of gifts. Some included Calico Critters, Littlest Pet Shop, books, a wind chime making kit, Zootopia stuffed animal and many other things. The present that was the biggest hit was the hula hoop! Both kids haven't stopped hula hooping since they got it.  

Being a typical middle child Abbey brings peace and calmness to our family. She is extremely sweet and shy. Over the past year it's been fun to see her gain more confidence. I think having a best friend in Maliya and getting her hearing at 100% has made a huge difference for Abbey. When we visited her first grade teach for Parent Teacher Conferences a few weeks ago she mentioned that Abbey continually gets 100% on her math tests (one of only three kids in the class). She loves to read, play with her Critters and stuffed animals and of course play with her BFF. We are so grateful for Abbey, she brings us so much joy. 

Thank you to all of Abbey's friends and family who helped make Abbey's birthday a special day. 

Abbey with her birthday cake. Grandma photo-bombing.

Abbey showing off her Calico Critter set. Also notice that Abbey and Maliya are wearing matching shirts. It was Maliya's gift to Abbey. The shirt says "My BFF makes every day awesome"

Jude trying to Hula Hoop

Fail. Don't worry both Jude and Abbey have hula hooping down now. They are pros. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUDE!

This past Saturday (April 2) was Jude's birthday. Our oldest is nine years old! We've always said that he is the heart beat of our family. I believe my wife said it best: "Jude threw us into the challenging world of parenthood. His imagination is still alive and well. He still fights 'bad guys' daily with the plot getting more developed everyday. He is a spirited, stubborn, hard headed, active and a smart boy. He is one of the most fun kids to be around, always up for doing something fun." 

Since Abbey's birthday is eight days away we decided to do a joint birthday activity but only celebrated Jude's birthday (if that makes sense?). We took Cooper, Jackson, Maliya and Marisa to Provo Beach Resort for a few hours. After that we had pizza, came home and opened presents and had cake. Provo Beach Resort was surprisingly empty, which we were happy about. Probably because it was Conference weekend. Jude and his buddies did laser tag twice, spent their $10 arcade cards in a record five minutes, and played in the giant playground. All in all all the boys and girls had fun. We are grateful for all the friends both Abbey and Jude have. We're also grateful for the grandparents, aunts and uncles who thought of Jude on his birthday. 

From left to right back row: Cooper, Jude, Marisa, Jackson. Front row: Abbey, Maliya.

Enjoying the birthday present Jude received from his great Grandpa Willis and VR. 

The day before Jude's birthday, Grandpa Willis and VR dropped off some birthday presents.

The obligatory goofy picture.

I didn't get a lot of pictures of the kids at Provo Beach Resort, but I did snap this beauty. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAX

Today is my nephew's 1st birthday! Max is loved by all, especially his cousins. Max currently resides in North Carolina where he's slowly becoming a Duke fan. 

Max at our house during Christmas 2015