We enjoyed exploring fire trucks, drinking green milk and eating oreos, and having fun with our MOMs Club friends. Benjamin was really taken by the fire trucks – he did NOT want to leave. Even looking at the pictures afterward made him sad that he still wasn’t there. Future in firefighting perhaps?
“Gabriella, project time! It’s on the table, go ahead and get started, I’ll be right there!” 5 minutes later…
… and these were just the scrap pieces in the box. It’s actually a neat mosaic-by-number kit she got for Christmas (thanks Aunt Win!) Her and Ben enjoyed putting one together after her “free art” creation.
Oh Me Oh My, How Time Flies! Our little guy has turned 2!
We celebrated with brunch on Saturday, March 6th with our family.
And then on to the Big 2nd Birthday! We started with his favorite breakfast – muffins, cheese, and cantaloupe.
Next up, Playdoh – another favorite!
Muffin Tin Lunch (sister’s request, but Ben nodded in agreement)
Gotta open at least one present on your birthday…
And we ended with some fun at Space Aliens!
Mmmmmm…. good cake! Happy Birthday, Little Man! We love you!
Who knew that Kosher Salt on a cookie tray could be so fun? Gabriella and I practiced numbers and letters, we drew shapes for Benjamin, and then Gabriella and Benjamin took turns drawing pictures. It was a big hit!
Continuing the birthday celebration, we went bowling with our family & great friends on Sunday. 
Last but not least, a birthday would not be complete without a few friends over for a party. So Monday after school, we did just that!
Wow, what a birthday! We love you Gabriella and we’re so glad you enjoyed your birthday!
Five years ago tonight, Kirk and I were at the hospital preparing to embark on Parenthood. We had no idea how much the little being within me would change our lives; how much our heartstrings would be tugged daily. We have come so far in five years, watching our little girl grow from this tiny baby dependent completely on us for everything, to this beautiful, rambunctious, spirited child that wants to do everything for herself. I am struck by how reflective I feel on the eve of Gabriella’s 5th birthday. We spent a good part of our evening looking at pictures of her first year of life. And while I feel so hope-filled & so joyful when I think of the next five years of her life, I cannot help feeling a touch of sadness that the first five years are behind us. My little baby girl is growing up.
Gab & Ben enjoyed a few heart activities last week in honor of Valentine’s Day.
Making heart wreaths
We also took a camping trip (in our kitchen) & had Gabriella’s favorite lunch – Muffin Tin Lunch!
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| From Drop Box |
Driving home from church on a Sunday afternoon, Gabriella was singing "Gloria xx Gloria xx This is Chelsey's Day!" I tried to tell her the words were really "In Excelsis Deo " and what that meant (though I wasn't too sure myself). She tried to sing it that way, but then said, "I like my way better."
Benjamin is captivated by everything Michael Jackson. Putting on pajamas one night, he was asking to watch MJ before bed. Gabriella suddenly declared, "If Michael Jackson was dying when he had his pajamas on, I bet he is wearing them in heaven now."
We read a book about a family's favorite time of the day. I asked Gabriella her favorite time of day and she told me, "When daddy gets home from work!"
Gabriella looked in the mirror one day and said, "Mom, I'm getting a lot taller. I look like I should already be a 5 year old!" Her birthday is just a month away...
