Sunday, January 25, 2009

Fifth Birthdays and the fourth child...

Well, I guess you know that you have 4 kids when someone finally asks you when you're going to post those birthday pictures and you realize they're still in the camera. In my defence, it has been an especially busy week. In reality, it's just kind of what our life is like these days.

So here goes:


Amelia Lillian turned 5 on January 21. My baby is five. FIVE! Wow!

I had no idea how I was going to squeeze a birthday into an already crazy week so I put on my thinking cap and...had an afternoon party, just with family AND pulled the older boys out of school. She was delighted!

(here are Maddy, Amelia, Isaac and Emilee decorating for the party)


She had one request and it was to play this balloon game we'd played at a friend's birthday, so daddy dutifully blew up 100 balloons the night before (don't worry about his lungs, there was a compressor involved!) and the kids went for it. It was a hit!

Maddy and Emilee in front of the hallway of balloons:


Here's Emilee hunting for candy in all those balloons.



Opening presents....

Yes that is a Camp Rock Barbie but before I get any snide comments, she loved it! AND it was cheap. HA!



Gramma and Amelia checking the balloon prizes out...


And it's cake time....(Isaac decorated it)



Each year that goes by adds to my amazement at God's rich blessings in our lives. We have 4 kids who truly love each other. (No. sorry they still fight. We aren't perfect! Sheesh!) and 3 cousins who are more like siblings. It's pretty amazing to look over and see my 15 (almost 16) year old nephew who looks more like a young man than a kid every day, taking time to spend with his 10 year old cousin or to snuggle with his (now) five year old Cuz. It's pretty great actually! And to see the two 13 year olds really enjoying watching and filming their youngest sib/cousin getting her presents. I am struck by our riches that have nothing at all to do with money. Thank you Lord!

....and happy fifth birthday baby! I thank God everyday for the surprise blessing that you are. He knew that we needed you in our lives!

9 comments:

beyond the desperate housewife said...

Looks like a great birday party for A!! so hard to believe our babies are growing up so fast!

xox
Y

Klin said...

Looks like a fun day. I'm giving you credit for remembering to take pictures. I wasn't so good with my older kids. Never had the dang camera with me when I needed it.

InTheFastLane said...

It looks like they had a blast!

Badness Jones said...

What a gorgeous family! Happy Birthday to your littlest one!

And cousins are a wonderful thing. My sister came over with my nephew yesterday, and he and Bad had SO much fun. They're only 6 months apart and people always think they're twins. I wanted to get a photo of them cuddling on the sofa, but I couldn't find my camera, again. It's hard to imagine them at 15, but I'm so glad they have each other to grow up with.

And nice to see you back, stranger!

Unknown said...

Hi Shay...

When I saw the first photo of you from the side, I said to myself, "I wonder who that teen girl is?" then I saw your face and knew it was you!

It sounds like you have a family situation similar to ours...you're right, it is SUCH a blessing! Your baby looked like she had a blast! Happy birthday!

LoriD said...

I love having cousins close-by. My niece and nephew live in England now (they used to live about 15 minutes away), but the kids are always talking to them over Skype, so they're keeping their strong connection.

Happy Birthday Amelia! Five is such great age!

Mom said...

Looks like a great birthday! Happy 5th birthday to your baby.

Mighty Morphin' Mama said...

Our sweet Amelia! Jude's belly buddy. Happy Birthday sweetheart, we thought of you all day. Judah and Bella send you huge hugs and kisses as do we all.
I can't believe how grown she looks here Shay, wow! What wonderful family you have.

Chey said...

The cake is decorated in Mini Eggs. Didn't it get decorated in mini eggs last year too??? Or wait. Did you eat the eggs before they made it to the cake??

I'm feeling a bit of Deja Vu with the whole mini eggs thing though. LOL.