Winter Parade

Last Friday, Miss Savannah came to play. She and the boys had a blast. Here are a few pictures from their parade! Always a great way to keep them all busy lining up all the cars and trucks for a good FIVE minutes or so =)

Football Party

Saturday night family and friends joined us to celebrate Turner's first birthday! In honor of his linebacker-like qualities we decided to have a football theme. Turner did great - loved his cake and loved the action! More birthday wishes for our little man, he is growing up!!

Happy FIRST Birthday, Turner!!!

We love our little man and can't imagine how we survived without his smiles, giggles and cuddles. He is full of charm, persistence and a whole lot of chub!

At one he's just taking his first steps, loves eating more than anything else, can already tackle his big brother, hates being cooped up (aka in his crib or swing or exersaucer, etc), is a daddy's boy, loves trucks and trains and anything with wheels, and can melt his momma's heart with just one look!!!!

Have a great birthday, TW!
We love you!!!

I still say I do....

I'll never forget the moment I laid eyes on Todd Hohlen. I was walking to class in the Smith-Curtis building on campus at Nebraska Wesleyan. It was the beginning of the 2nd semester of my freshman year. He was standing there outside of my classroom talking to one of my closest friends at the time, Mike Vech. He was wearing.... ok I'll spare you some of the details.

I didn't talk to him for a few more weeks, I just started asking around - who is this guy?? All I heard were good things and I became more and more infatuated with him. I could not quit talking about this guy.

That summer I was headed to Minnesota for my summer job.
My friend's coerced him into coming to Ord for my going away party AND to Minnesota for a few days to visit me!! I was on cloud nine - and we had barely talked.

When he got home from visiting me in Minnesota he started emailing me and this continued the rest of the summer and into the beginning of the fall semester at Wesleyan. I guess some of the feelings were becoming mutual... He finally =) called and asked me to go for a walk sometime in early September however our first official date wasn't until late October.

By December we had decided we were meant for each other and he proposed in late January. We were married the following year, January 5, 2002!

We were so young then, sometimes I wonder if we really could know what we were doing - but I always end up amazed and in awe of how God worked - He created us for each other, there is no doubt in my mind about that. God is good, I am blessed.

Thanks babe, for seven wonderful years making all my dreams come true.

I love you,
Stephanie

Almost one....

One week from today (Wed, Jan 7 - though I started this on Jan 2 - so it's "posted" on the 2nd) Turner will be one - thought you'd enjoy a little year-end review....

















and nakey style....

Family Christmas Time

Here are pictures from the time we spent with our families over the Christmas holiday. The times were memorable for sure. My favorite was Carter waking up "early" Christmas morning while Turner was still sleeping and saying "Turner no cry last night, I so proud of him" - it just about melted me!!! We were all thankful that Turner hadn't cried and slept great at Nana & Papa's house! Or maybe my favorite was being at the Christmas eve service and every time we started a new song Carter began singing "Away in a manger" over and over! Gotta love the toddler years!

Hope you and your families had a Merry Christmas!

Visiting Fireman Dan

Tuesday we had the privilege of visiting our friend, Dan, at his fire station. We met Dan and his family this fall at our church and they have started coming to our small group. They have a son, Seth, who is Carter's age.

Once we found out he was a fireman, we knew we had to get Carter down to the station with Seth to visit Dan! So, we met up with Ripley's down at the station this week and Dan gave the boys (I guess Seth does this often, but still was excited as ever) a tour of station and firetrucks.

Carter was a little hesistant at first (you can probably tell in a few of the photos), but loved every minute of it. His favorite was pushing the button to put the big garage door up!! Of course he wanted to go for a ride then, but it was a little too cold out for that. His other favorite part was holding the big fire hose - but he didn't understand why no water was coming out =) Thankfully there were no emergency calls while we were there - I wasn't very anxious to see how the boys would react to that!

Thanks Dan and guys at fire station #1, we had a blast coming out to see you all!!

Dan sitting Carter up in the big fire engine!

Carter was a little unsure when the door got shut and he was by himself in the driver's seat!!

The boys looking at the fireman's camera (forgive me, Dan, for not remembering the technical term)!

Carter with Fireman Dan

Fireman Trent (?) with April

Dan all geared up with Carter and Seth

Holding the fire hose!

Carter trying out the fireman's pole!

The ambulance - if you look really closely you'll see Carter in the driver's seat.

The family in front of the big engine!

Carter & Seth in front of the fire engine wheels!!

We'll have to take this again in a few years and see how long it takes for them to be as tall as the wheels!