Fwee!!

I can't believe how quickly time flies. I feel like I catch myself saying that every year at birthday parties… but it's because I feel like every year it is more true than the year before. Time speeds up with every year that passes.

Well today this guy turned 3. We have been asking him all day, "Buddy—what does it feel like to be 3?" And he says, "Oh, wike vis (like this)… FWEE!" and shows us three fingers.

It's pretty unbelievable that just a little over three years ago we were just moving into our home in Oregon, we were gearing up for the first "Oregon winter", prepping Noah to be a big brother, and getting ready to meet the little guy we had been feeling every night from 8-10 do jumping jacks and summersaults in my belly.

Levi, you changed our family. We needed you. God knew that you would be the perfect addition to us—and He is never wrong. You taught all of us things that we didn't even know we needed to grow in. You taught Mommy patience and grace and how to truly depend on God, you taught Daddy how to be firm and consistent both in discipline and love, you taught Noah how to stand up for himself and also how to nurture and care for younger kids… and you showed all of us that our hearts were not completely full until we met you.

We love you so much. We love your belly laugh. We love your shifty little eyes that tell us when you're about to do something you're not supposed to. We love your enthusiasm for being with people and having fun. We love your snuggles… even in the middle of the night. We love your passion and confidence that is woven into every fiber of your being.

Before you were born our prayer for you was that you would be confident. God answered that prayer—and I believe that He will answer the other half of our prayer, too. And that is, as you grow we pray your confidence would turn into deep rooted trust in God and His plan for your life and that you would know your value and confidence comes from who you are in God's eyes and that other peoples' opinions and disappointments in life wouldn't phase you. We know that you are capable of big things… and we have a confident hope that those big things will be for Jesus and His kingdom.

We are proud of you, and proud to call you ours. Happy birthday, buddy!

Virgina!

We have the best family in the world. No really-- we do. And a few weeks ago, we got to get on an airplane and go see them in Virginia. It started off as an adventure of oversleeping our alarm clock and panicking to get the boys up and dressed at 4:30 in the morning. We were worried that it would be like waking the dead, but as soon as they heard the words "airplane","Virginia" and "cousins" they pretty much tap danced into the bathroom to get ready to go.

It was a wonderful, fun, memorable week with everyone. We even all squished into the same house so we wouldn't miss out on any fun that anyone else may have been having. Here are some of the pictures from our trip.

On the airplane!

Levi couldn't wait to play with Aubrey...

and these guys couldn't wait to play Legos.

We got to go swimming...

make silly faces...

silly hairdo's...

and when all our sillies were out, Drew wheeled everyone home. 

 There was lots of snuggling...

lots of popsicle eating...

lots of bath time giggles...

and lots of book reading. 

We also got to go on a couple fun adventures away from the house. 

These handsome fellows are all set to go see Yorktown!

It was a HOT day (hence everyone with rosy cheeks), but the kids 

were such troopers. Pun intended.

The next day we got to go to Williamsburg. And yes, if you are counting 

that is day two in matching shirts. 

While we were there we got to go on a scavenger hunt...

watch soldiers march...

and shoot cannons.

The cannon was pretty loud. This little guy needed a safe place 

to snuggle and cover his ears. Good thing Grammy was near by :)

While everyone else was watching the cannon demonstration, 

I got a sweet view of this beautiful girl. I just adore her. 

Here is the whole gang outside the Capitol Building. 

What a great trip... can't wait until we are all living in the same state!!

It's pronounced, "zucchini".

Remember our garden bed post a while ago? Well here is an update: Our zucchini's are huge, the carrots that the boys and I planted are just starting to pop up, and everything else looks healthy... I am hoping that it stays that way!

I feel like I have seen some birds start to notice our blueberries... but we own water guns and I'm pretty sure I could nail the birds from our bedroom window if I needed to. Back off birdies.

So here are some pictures that show what we started from... and where things are at now.

Our very first "zucchenises" (their word, not mine... no I did not correct them 

because I could barely keep a strait face). 

 The faces in this picture are priceless. 

Fathers Day 2014

We are so lucky that we get to celebrate Fathers day with one of the best Daddies that I have ever had the privilege to know... and I am so beyond lucky to get to call him my husband. Drew radiates God's love, patience, grace, and sacrifice for us daily. He treats us all so tenderly and that to me is a real man. One who can love his family fiercely... without exception.

Drew and Levi (Levi was 1 month)

Drew and Noah (Noah was almost 2)

Alright, so enough of the mushy stuff...

The boys and I went to Target to get something for Drew, and they chose a Batman lego set. On the way home from Target we had to make two other stops and at every single one Noah made it a point to tell someone that "Sunday is a day we are going to celebrate my Daddy... and we got him BATMAN LEGOS!!!"

The boys just knew Drew would love what they chose for him.. and he did. 

Happy Fathers Day husband!!! We love you!

The best of both worlds

My boys are complete opposites. Complete opposites. Which is why, I'm convinced, that they are such great friends. Noah has always been a contemplative, cautious-yet-brave, cooperative, sweet natured guy. Levi has been assertive, curious, confidant, and passionate. Noah loves building new lego creations and coloring pictures, and Levi loves being outside running around the backyard and getting dirty playing in the mud.

Yesterday we built something that both the boys could enjoy... well, actually-- all of us could enjoy! We got a picnic table for our backyard! Noah can sit and color outside... and now Levi can enjoy coloring because he can do it outside. It's the best of both worlds :)

Ready to work! Noah with his toolbox (thanks Uncle John!) 

and Levi with his... water gun? 

Focusing hard... 

Trying to copy what he saw his big brother do...

Levi using a real tool... with his water gun nearby incase he gets bored. 

So proud of these boys. They helped the whole time!

I love this picture. Two boys coloring outside, both in blue underwear. 

You can't stage this kind of cute. 

Working so hard to stay in the lines.

Coloring is one of Daddy's favorite things, too. I love how these two 

understand and enjoy each other so much. 

We are so blessed :) And I am grateful for simple things like picnic tables and coloring.

Easter 2014

Drew wrote a great blog over here about Easter. He is so wise, and it was so good for me to reflect on this Easter and be reminded of what the first Easter was really like.

I feel like every year as I grow in my faith I appreciate Easter more and more, and in turn, need more and more kleenex at our church service as I think about the cost that was paid for me on the cross. How death has been overcome, and how deep God's love is for people. I am so grateful to know, love, and serve such a good God.

Here are some of our highlights from Easter this year in pictures.

Our morning started with a surprise Easter egg hunt, because of this
note on our front door... 

Then Daddy made "Easter pancakes" which were empty tombs, and crosses. We know it's a little cheesy, but the boys thought it was awesome. 

Then we went on a hunt for Easter baskets hidden in the house...

And then we got to go to church and head over to Nana and Papa's house for another Easter egg hunt (Uncle Blake was really excited). 

We even got a cousin picture where everyone was looking at the camera! 

We are blessed. Far beyond what I ever could have imagined.