Eleven

Eleven years ago, I became a mom for the first time. 

Scary but exciting.  

Some many unknown

Lots of trial and error.

 Over those 11 years, I have grown to love this young man

yes, we have had many conflicts.

we don't always see eye to eye

but I love him every moment of every day.

Happy Birthday Brendan!!!  

His birthday this year, was celebrated quite differently.  We went over for supper on the night before his bday with G & G Geerlings.  He pick Braun Steakhouse because that particular night there was a fundraiser for the YAK team that's going to Guatemala in the Spring and he wanted to help them out.   He was quite surprised when he got a ipod touch for his gift...He was super excited!!!

On his actual birthday, we celebrated with cinnamon rolls for breakfast and a Oreo ice cream pie for dessert instead of cake. A boy after his dad's own heart.  

Then the celebration continued the following Saturday when he spent the day with G & G VanDam.  They took him to Crazy Horse for lunch and then shopping for his gift.  He spent the rest of the afternoon with grandpa out in the woods.  Ending the day with dinner with us at Logan's

6

My baby is 6.  

Where has the time ago?

We celebrated is actually with an afternoon mommy/son date and then supper together which Connor picked out.  His choices were Cheeseburgers, bumpy fries, fingerjello, and cupcakes with blue frosting.  

Connor, we are so proud of you.  I can't believe you start 1st grade next week, what is mommy going to do with all her free time.  

You love puppies, mostly the stuffed animal type...15 to be exact.  

You like to play with Legos and ride your bike.  

You have no problem keeping up with your boys, you have even started a fight or two.  

You love to read...Biscuit the Dog books are some of your favorite.  

Your favorite food is cheeseburger 

Your favorite colors are blue & yellow

Your bff's are Gerrit and Kyle

We pray that you will have a great time being 6. 

 We pray that you will continue to love God, your family and friends.

Happy Birthday Connor!!!

Whitecaps game

For Connor's party with the grandparents, we went to a Whitecaps baseball game.

Connor starting to open his gifts before the game

someone thought the card was super silly

the Green Magazine from G & G Van Dam

still laughing about the card

His newest puppy, Nugget

His gift from Aunt Kelli, Uncle Dave, Dylan and Trevin

New Shades from G & G Van Dam

and now that he's 6, Grandma thought Connor needed a watch, decorated with puppies...SHOCKER!!!!

Ready to go see the game.

waiting in line for food

the birthday boy and his mommy 

Connor got ahold of the camera and took a bunch of pictures of the game

Happy Birthday Buddy!!!!  Can't wait to celebrate with you tomorrow!!!

Happy Birthday Mike!!!

Tonight we celebrated Mike's birthday with some very amazing friends at the campgrounds!!!

A Birthday SURPRISE!!!!

So do you remember about a month ago and posted a bunch of pictures from all the twin's bday parties and wrote that there would probably wouldn't be anything on here about my birthday....well I lied.

I got quite the surprise, when Mike picked me up from Church after my GEMS meeting and headed out.  I wasn't in control and I didn't like the feeling.  There was no lie about where we were going.  There was no blindfold to see me from where we were going.  Mike just drove and didn't say anything until he drove into the parking lot at Sam's Joint in Alaska.  

I must say I have the best friends and hubby. They planned a party for Natalie and I...our birthdays are one day apart.

 I had so much fun. 

 I loved the party. 

I loved the party goers. 

I loved having cupcakes for MY birthday. 

Thanks to Michelle and Jamie for putting the party together.  Thanks to Mike for getting me and the boys to the party.  and Thanks to everyone who was at our party for celebrating our birthdays!!!