Papa Steve's 70th 4/29

My Daddy. 

What a blessing it is to have a father and even more so, an active, interested, loving, kind, and caring father. We have been immensely blessed to have Papa Steve as the head of our household throughout childhood now, as an ever-present and loving support in adulthood.

He had a big birthday in April and we had even bigger celebrations. Since this was his big 70th birthday, Mom and I schemed and got his friends, family, and anyone who wanted to participate to send a card to him. My goal was for him to get at least 70 cards and by the time it was all said and done, he had over 70! It was so much fun to sit with him and Mom as he opened and read each of them. Thank you to everyone who took the time to write about their favorite memory or to share encouraging words for the year ahead. You helped make this birthday especially sweet. 

The busyness of spring took over and we didn't get to have our family celebration until a week or so later but, it was well worth the wait!

Ann Hatten & James loved getting to help put the candles on Grando's cake--they were pros.

Grando, Mimi, and the boys

Dad, you have the brightest smile, the best laugh, and are the ultimate Dad. You are a treasure and such a blessing to us all! The Lord has given us such a sweet blessing in giving you the gift to share His love, His truths, His grace, and His mercy. We love you so much and pray for the most joy-filled year ahead!⁣

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“May they invest their moments well in the coming year and in all years to follow, loving life always with the end in view, in pursuit of that eternal prize that will allow them to look ever with gladness and never with regret upon the passing of their years, as each subsequent birthday will be but the marking of a step nearer to the final fulfillment of all they have so long hoped and labored for. Amen!” An excerpt from "Every Moment Holy"

Happy 70th to Papa Steve!

Spring Breakin'

We have had a much needed week off for Spring Break and it has been so rejuvenating!

There's been some William Carey work being done, prepping for National Board Maintenance coming up, some springtime yard work, house cleaning, plenty of yummy eats, some leisure reading, a few neighborhood walks, and lots and lots of TV consumption going on this week. 

In addition to all those things, we had the best time celebrating Ivy Lynne's 2nd Birthday!

They had the Chunky Dunks sweet food truck there and they had the most fun and unique dessert items. While it was freezing cold outside, who doesn't love ice cream at any time of day?!

I can't believe this little miss press is two years old already! Time flies and we love getting to watch you change and grow so much over the past two years. 

I love the cheese in this picture. She was definitely feeling herself in her glasses and costume. 

It is the best!

Another fun Spring Break activity we had was taking Ann Hatten bowling! 

She is the oldest out of our niece and nephews and she's definitely at the age where she can enjoy things like this and we had the best afternoon experiencing this with her. 

I mean, look at that pose. I noticed that she was looking around and saw people on the lanes next to us doing that with their feet and so she did the same thing. It was too, too cute!

I honestly think her favorite part was keeping all of our bowling balls on our side of the holder. Hers was likely too heavy for her but, she was dead set on having the purple one. She was able to use it at least!

Little lady figured out how to take a selfie with the Instax camera and it's golden

This is her mozzarella stick face. I think it's safe to say that she liked them.

All in all, Spring Break was both productive and restful. I felt like it was the perfect break and I am ready to get back to work on Monday refreshed and ready to take on the last 9 weeks of school! 

SURPRISE! Mary Claire's 30th (2/4)

We did it!

We pulled off surprising Mary Claire with a dinner for her 30th birthday. 

We had a fun night celebrating the start of a new decade for Mary Claire with family and friends.

Ann Hatten and Bennett were in on the celebration and all Ann Hatten wanted to know was where we were going to hide so we could jump out and yell "SURPRISE!"

Mary, Mary, if I've said it once, I've said it a million times. It is truly a blessing to have you as a sister and a best friend. I look up to you and it has been a joy watching you become a mother. You're fun, you're funny, and you have the biggest heart. I love you and pray for the best decade ahead!

This little cutie pie. We had to keep him entertained until his Momma arrived!

I'm sad to say that Ann Hatten didn't get her wish to hide and jump out and yell surprise since we were seated right near the entry way of the restaurant but, nonetheless, Mary Claire was surprised when she walked in and saw us all there for her.

James is TWO! 1/29/22

James man is T W O and I can't believe it! 

He had the cutest party the last weekend in January and it was the best celebration for him. 

He has grown so much over the year and it's been so sweet watching him grow and change so much. 

I feel like they change so much going from one to two and even more from two to three so I am looking forward to spending more time with him in the coming year. 

James is talking so much and I can say that he has the cutest little grin that lights up the whole room. 

He is inquisitive and loves getting in to things. He is precious and we love him so very much!

Little brother, Luke, chilling with Mimi. He got to watch all the action happening around him. 

Jason and I brought Ann Hatten to the party and she was loving getting to use my old digital camera. 

The party theme and decorations were so precious--construction/work site theme!

Cousins enjoying some sweet treats and time together.

Too much sweetness in one picture. 

Ann Hatten LOVES holding "Baby Luke" and she's gotten pretty good at it.

Those sleepy eyes are too much to handle--sweet, sweet boy!

The birthday boy enjoying some snacks with his Papaw!

I always love watching their reactions to the whole room erupting in song and staring at them--HA!

James wasn't sure what to think--he kept his cool and took it all in. 

He was SO PRECIOUS while opening his gifts. 

He did it very slowly and carefully.

"What Aunt Ellen? Why do you keep calling my name?" Is what I'm sure he was thinking by that point!

Checking out his new kitchen! He seemed to really like this one. 

Instagram (above) vs. Reality (below)

James, HAPPY BIRTHDAY you little cutie pie. 

We love you and love celebrating with you!