Dillon is ONE DECADE!

My oldest is TEN YEARS OLD! That makes me feel old.  Hard to believe I've been a mommy that long.  His birthday celebrations lasted a couple days.  On Saturday the 16th he had a party with some friends.  We loaded 9 boys and Aaron into the van and sent them off to the Aquarium.

 Then back to our place for presents, pizza and cupcakes.

 Sunday morning his presents were waiting for him.

 He got mainly Legos and Star Wars stuff.

 He also got a fish!  We let him pick it out the day before.  His name is Flame.

 That night we went to our friends' (Allens) for smores and took cake with us.

 He felt pretty old lighting his own candles!

Dillon is great.  He has a super sweet side and I get compliments from others all the time about him treating their young children nicely.  He is such a great reader.  I am continually amazed how quickly he gets through novels.  He loves reading the Warrior and Wings of Fire series. He's improving at piano and gave baseball one more shot this year.  I'm glad I get to be his mom.  Love you Dillon!

Todd turns ONE!

I'm so far behind and have to at least document this huge milestone.  My baby (possibly my last) is a year old.  His birthday was May 5th.  We had a few family members and friends over to help us celebrate.  His nap schedule was a bit messed up that day and he started the celebrations a little serious but eventually warmed up.  He was such a cute birthday boy.

 Daddy had to help with the presents until he learned how fun ripping wrapping paper is. 

 He got a tow truck and car, and classic xylophone.

 Time for cake...

 he wasn't sure what to think about it at first.

 We didn't dare de-clothe since he was already nervous

 

 He started petting the frosting -- that was ok..

 and eventually tasted it

 

 ...and decided it was ok!

 He did a pretty good job finishing it off!

Todd continues to be awesome.  I think a little sweetness left at the year mark but we still really like him. He likes to scream when he needs something so I'm really working on quietly saying "more please" with the sign for "more".  Just today he did it!

His walking was just taking off on his birthday and his speed has definitely increased in the last couple weeks. He rarely crawls anymore and is pretty confident on his feet -- that is, unless he's on an incline -- that throws him off a bit.

He's really cute at waving goodbye and saying "ba".  He says "ma ma" when he's whiney and tired and wants something.  I'm trying to totally wean him.  I still let him have an early morning feeding but it's hands off the rest of the day -- he was starting to pull on my shirt!

His acid reflux is still a problem so milk isn't working too well.  We're using a toddler formula a couple times a day. We just have to be careful he doesn't guzzle too much liquid on a full tummy or it'll all come up.

He's confident on the stairs -- sometimes too confident -- and knows to turn around and come down backwards.

He's into everything.  Likes to stick his hands in dirt, mud, food, anything and he tastes it all.  He's a good mess maker!

We sure love our Todd Man!

 

A few more:

(He's had lots of firsts)

First time swinging!

 Making the garbage can a push toy

First time swimming

First time on the playground

 Loved the slide!

 First sucker!

 

 

 

Caleb is 4!

Caleb had a birthday! 

 He wanted to get right to the presents as soon as he got up

 

 

 This kid loves music.  He really wanted a cello for his birthday but I wasn't sure about that, so a toy guitar was as close as we got.  He loves jammin'

 New microphone too.  He got one last year and it broke about a week later.  Hoping we last a little longer this time.

 Some Ninja turtles and Star Wars stuff too.

I asked the night before what he wanted for breakfast and he said he wanted cake.  My reply "How about panCAKES?" We put nutella on top to make them extra special.

That evening we had a few friends over for the real cake.

 Such a cute kid.  We didn't even get through the song before he blew out the candles.

 

I've got to take a second to highlight this kid.  He continues to be one of a kind.  I always call him Capable Caleb. I really think this kid can do anything he puts his mind to.  He loves being four.  The day after his bday he hopped on a bike that has been too big for him and took off.  He thought it was pretty magical that he could suddenly ride it now that he's four.

 

 

I asked him a few questions:

Favorite color: He named a bunch and finally said blue

Favorite number: 4

Favorite food: hamburger and noodles, I'd like to add that he loves Nutella and unfortunately has a Nutella and PB tortilla almost every day for lunch.

Favorite toy: T Rex and Star Wars toys

Favorite Super Hero: Captain America

Favorite Star Wars Character: Darth Vedar

Favorite movies: Nacho Libre, Star Wars

Favorite song: Cello Wars

He really likes cello music.  He loves listening to different movie soundtracks and picking out the cello parts.  He also likes the low bass notes that sound like toots;)  He also loves watching Wesley's piano lessons.

He can do flips on the trampoline and likes to try to make his bike jump.  He's learning to throw and catch too.

He is a great brother.  He helps with Todd and is such a great buddy to Wesley.

This kid is capable of big things.  I'm excited to see where he goes. We love our Caleb!  Happy Birthday bud!