Friday, March 23, 2012

Birthday #6

Hard to believe it's been six years since I first laid eyes on this sweet boy.  It was love in an instant.  Today, he's grown into a full-blown mini-me.  Sometimes this is a true joy, sometimes a little bit of torture (the non-stop talking part!).  


To my dear Carter, I love the way you explore the world around you and leave no stone unearthed.  I love your passion.  I love the way seize a task and give it your all.  I am trying to cherish the fact that you cannot stand to be alone in a room for more than 2 minutes.  I love seeing you interact with people, you are beginning to shine in such a unique way.  I love hearing you sing.  Even more, I love it when you laugh.  I am learning to appreciate the fact that you forget nothing.  I love that you are my biggest helper and often remind me of things I have forgotten.  I love watching you love on your little brother and your baby sister, you are indeed the best big brother ever.  I am settling into the role of referee and helping you boys learn to "play nice".  I love your smile.  I love it when you act tough even when I know you are hurting.  I love the way you love to make other people laugh.  I love that you think your daddy is the funniest guy in the whole world.  I love that your heart is softening and you are seeking to do the right thing.  I love the way you handle your allergies so matter-of-factly and don't let them slow you down.  

You, my son, have taught Daddy & I so much in your short six years of life and we can't wait to see God's plans for you.  Keep seeking Him and His Word daily and you will find much joy.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." 

James 1:2-3


You are a true gift from God and we love you so much.

Love,
Mom
aka Steph 


Thursday, February 23, 2012

A taste of paradise....



Thanks to our amazing parents who agreed to keep the kiddos for us, Todd & I were able to sneak off to  Cancun, Mexico with our dear friends, Tyler & Leslie, to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversaries (ours was 1/5/12, theirs was 8/4/11.  It was definitely a taste of paradise... no laundry, no cooking, no changing diapers, SUNSHINE, beaches, waves, friends, food, fun, laughs, adult conversation, adventure.... we feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to go!  

THANK YOU, THANK YOU Mom & Dad, Don & Jeannie for making it possible!!!






We are all ready to book another one.... who wants in?!
(also taking kid-keeping reservations for that trip!)
Steph







Saturday, February 18, 2012

Going Vertical

Finally, on attempt #87, I caught a video of Greichaly walking!  It helps that she seems to be using her new found skills more and more frequently these days!


We officially have a "toddler"!
 

Monday, February 13, 2012

Fun times at the Amazing Pizza Machine

Finally, a month later, some pictures from Turner's 4th birthday celebration (we were also celebrating Uncle Justin's birthday), held in Omaha at the Amazing Pizza Machine! A pretty fun place to party, with a pizza buffet, indoor go-carts, bowling, games galore, and more.  It made for some pretty happy boys and it seemed their Papa and Uncle Justin enjoy it as well.... and maybe I did too, just a little!

Birthday Boys!

Presents!

Start your engines!

Carter and Papa

Bowling time!

Greicha taking a ride!

More racing!

Me, a little too happy to be on the roller coaster!

Birthday boys on the Roller Coaster!

Greichaly watching!

Papa and his boys!

Momma vs. Daddy... guess who won?

That's how we party.
Happy 4th Birthday, Turner!  Happy 33rd, Justin!


Monday, January 23, 2012

American Idol at the Hohlens






Carter's first audition.  
What do the judges think?

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Happy 4th Birthday, Turner!

Turner's 4th birthday was spent waking up to a new movie, Cars2, which he and Carter watched immediately with a quick break in the middle for homemade cinnamon rolls!  Later in the day, Nana and Papa arrived and took us all out to dinner at Las Margaritas (Turner's pick!), he enjoyed his food but was OVER THE MOON excited about his free birthday dessert the manager (Luis) brought him!  Of course, he was still ready for cake and ice cream once we got home!  I not sure anyone could appreciate having two desserts more than this kid!


Excited about his new movie, Cars2!

Dinner at Las Margaritas with Nana & Papa!

FREE birthday ice cream from manager Luis = HAPPY boy!

Finn McMissile cake

Happy 4th Birthday, Turner!!

Turner, you bring so much joy to our lives, we are so excited for you to be FOUR and pray this would be a year full of new adventures and an even greater understanding of God's grace on your life.

I love you past the moon buddy.
Mommy

ps. we also celebrated a little early with a trip to the Amazing Pizza Machine in Omaha on Uncle Justin's birthday, pictures from that to come soon!



Tuesday, January 10, 2012

A purple polka-dot affair...

There was family


and friends


and of course, some cupcakes, 
 ((no hesitation by this sweet girl to devour one!))


some wonderful, extra girly, gifts 


and most importantly, a happy, newly turned 1, birthday girl!!



Such fun memories capping off an incredible year with our sweet girl!!

Blessed to be her momma,