six

Hayes, this sixth year of your life has definitely been a year of growth. Physically, you are getting to be such a big boy. Nothing in your closet from last year fits.

But more than that, your little mind is growing with knowledge and creativity. You are learning to read, draw, tell time and have become quite the little swimmer.

You've got a way with legos. The creations you come up with continue to amaze me.

Your little quirks may just be my favorite thing about you.

You are determined to be a bachelor when you grow up. All things girl, marriage and kissing are gross. But just between you and me... I know you still like getting kisses from your mama. :)

If your shoes are not tied in the appropriate double knot, you. freak. out.

I hope I can take you to Rhode Island someday. For some reason, you fancy that little state.

Your jumping jacks are killer.

I feel like this past year of your life has also been quite the change for me, as your mom. It seems I've crossed over into the land of having a big kid. It's almost more than my heart can take. I look back at your baby pictures and my eyes fill up with tears. Where did the time go? Oh, to hold that precious baby again.

I'm so proud of you for the little guy you are becoming. And I'm so thankful that God chose me to be your mom.

I love you so much.

Happy Birthday, sweet boy.

Speaking of birthdays, we've had some pretty fun birthday parties in the past. Something tells me you're gonna like this one too. :)

wait for it...

wait for it...

wait for it...

looking back...

I haven't seen this video in so long. Hayes loved to help Grandpa and Nana feed the cows. It nearly killed me hearing that sweet little voice... in a good way, of course. :)

happy birthday nana!

banana muffins

looking back

february 2007

today

It's simply amazing where three years will take you.

sweet kisses


my handsome boy


pretty in pink flowers

and because i couldn't choose from all of the sweetness...

been a long time comin'

Embry is finally potty-trained! There have been several failed attempts, but he finally decided he was ready to wear big boy underwear for good.

It just goes to show that if you let them do it when they are ready, it makes for a fairly easy process. Hayes didn't have a choice. He was required to be potty-trained for preschool. Oh the misery of forcing a kid when he isn't ready. And Ellie is such a go-getter that she conquered it pretty quickly.

He has done extremely well for several weeks now... we've just waited until the perfect time (read: brother and sister were elsewhere) to celebrate with a trip to Toys R Us.

Way to go Paddywack! I'm so proud of you!

break from reality

A wonderful Spring Break, I tell ya. Kyle FINALLY got to use some of his vacation days, thanks to his attending being on vacation. Yay!

We were able to spend a bit of time with Drew and Liz and watch their wedding plans come right along. A couples' night out thanks to Grandpa and Nana.... hibachi with Laura, Andrew, Drew and Liz. Good times.

I was so excited to meet a sweet friend of mine, Jessi for the first time in person! The blog world is a funny place. I knew her without ever meeting her, so finally seeing her and being able to give her a hug was pretty special. She and her family stayed with us a couple nights and we had the best time getting to know them. Jessi and I were able to sneak out one night to meet up with some of our buddies for a girls' night out. Thanks Randy and Kyle for watching all six kids the whole night... with knowing each other barely two hours. :)

Kyle, Hayes and I then escaped to Antlers for the weekend. Somebody has really been missing his Daddy and needed some one-on-one time. Thanks Minnie for keeping our little ninja and princess in line.

Friday evening was beautiful. We roamed around, fished and made a fire.

The cold weather rolled in on Saturday and kept us cozy in the cabin. There were movies, video games, naps and frito chili pie.

There may have also been some doughnuts, eggs and a boy on kitchen duty.

It was a pretty special trip... just taking Hayes. The first time Kyle and I discovered this ranch, Hayes was in my belly. Six years ago. Wow.