Aunt Brooke surprised me by sending these photos a few days ago.

They are absolutely ADORABLE and heart-felt.

I tore apart our house minutes before O's tea party to take photos of this Angel.

I was so consumed with the task at hand that I missed the opportunity to capture this precious moment of the two of you doting on our sweet Abigail.

(I am so thankful that Uncle Michael and Aunt Brooke were observant!)

I found this note on my pillow one day last week.

Thanks for the words of encouragement sweet boy!

Olivia's Official Birthday Photos

Olivia's Birthday Tea

We celebrated Olivia's 5th birthday by having a tea party.

It was great fun decorating and putting together all of the special details.

We made party hats, played games, and sipped (and poured) tea.

It was beautiful and perfect just like the sweet little girl who was born 5 years ago.

Brady brought Olivia flowers.

Uncle Michael surprised Olivia by changing Abigail into a matching dress.

I LOVE you Olivia Grace. You have brought so much joy, laughter, and love into our home. I am so very proud of the young woman that you are becoming. You are a gift!

Root beer floats...the Andrew and Olivia way!

Grandma and Grandpa bought you this adorable dress for Christmas.

Dare I say....YOU LOVE IT!

Western tea Party

Olivia has been begging (for weeks) to have a tea party.

When school was cancelled due to the snow storm, the preparations began.

This was a tea party that any manly cowboy could appreciate!

Extreme Family Fun Day

Andrew decided to trade a LARGE birthday party for an extreme fun day.

We visited Krispy Kreme, played basketball, partied at Chuck E Cheese, built a friend at Build A Bear, painted pottery, and ate at Denny's.

I am tired just thinking about it!

It was an EXTREME day filled with family fun! (Ellie)

(Fluffy)

Most days, Skipper makes me question my sanity!

However, I never question his love for the boy and girl!

This Picture Speaks For Itself

His dream of becoming a roller coaster designer is definitely taking shape!

Breakffast in Bed

Olivia decided (on her own) that she would make daddy breakfast in bed on New Year's Eve.

The menu included oatmeal and toast.

It was so incredibly sweet! Daddy returned the favor on New Year's Day. Sweet, sweet girl!

Celebrating "Lasts"

I recently read that parents always celebrate "firsts", but we fail to celebrate "lasts" because we never really know that we are encountering them.

Last week, you sweetly asked me to rock you to sleep.

Of course, I took advantage of this offer.

As we snuggled, I could not remember the last time that I had this precious opportunity.

I also contemplated the fact that this could be the last.

I pray that I get many more opportunities to rock you to sleep.

But, I did celebrate this very special moment just in case.

Very bitter sweet....

I am determined to celebrate firsts and lasts!