Peach Perfection

While you were not nearly as excited about our little impromptu photo shoot, I think we can both be pleased with the outcome. And really, you looked too beautiful in this second generation, homemade dress to not capture the moment, even if it took a garbage truck and some choking hazards to get you to stay still. 

Bubbles

When you boys were little, I always had so much fun showing you new things.  You would get excited about everything, and it always made my day. With Susanna, it has been double the fun because I've had the pleasure of you boys' company as we together watch her discover her world.

Bubbles!

 Trying to blow like big brother, Luke

 This picture cracks me up every time I see it!

 So fun that her big brothers teach her new things.

Susanna loves a ride, and Eli loves to give it.

  (Rides are a lot more enjoyable now that the big brothers know to keep her toes up. Her toenails are finally growing out, too.)

Pumpkin Patch 2014

I really am trying with every fiber of my being to capture memories and write them down. They're just happening so fast! I am proud to report, however, that we did make it for our annual pumpkin patch visit and picture session. The results:

Sweet little faces peaking through the background never gets old to me. I love it every. single. year.

These blue eyes also get me every single year.

Susanna loved every second of the pumpkin patch (that I wasn't trying to get her to be still for a picture). This gal is the belle of the ball wherever we go anyway. The tutu sent us over the top in adoration.

The best I could get of the three stooges. Luke seems to think rabbit ears are hilarious, no matter how many times we assure him they are not.

This kid and his lips. I wish it was possible to really show what they look like live. When he's telling a story, it's all I can do not to grab his little face and smush his lips with mine. Sometimes I fail to restrain myself.

Eli has taken to posing with his face propped on his hand, kind of like how girls pose with their hand on their hips. It suits his serious face...

...which is only for pictures. This is the real Eli.

A family photo. A real, everybody's looking (almost) family photo. Nothing short of a miracle, folks.

Belle of the ball, I tell you.

Susanna's Dedication

On Mother's Day our church had a baby dedication. We put Susanna in the family heirloom dress and had her dedicated. (Which makes me so stinkin' nervous every time since I have babies who spit! She did great and only left a little drool on it.)

The baby daddy

The dress

The whole family

Kris' parents

Eli's Baptism

On April 27th, the day before Eli's 7th birthday, we were sitting on the back porch with the boys, talking about Jesus. Kris was talking to them about how Jesus took all our punishment, all our guilt, all our shame, and that we had to experience none of those things.

I was watching Eli's face while Kris was talking, and I could see it. I could see he was dialed in. I could see the heavens warring for him. After Kris finished and he and Luke went inside, I pulled Eli into my lap and started asking him questions. Did he understand what daddy was talking about? Sort of. Did he have questions? A few.

Kris came back out and joined our conversation. He explained, "Eli, it's like Jesus is holding a gift in his hand. It's free, and all we have to do is reach out and grab it." Eli's hand shot up in the air, and he said, "I want that gift!"

Writing this, I'm weeping. It was as precious and uncomplicated as it sounds. As is the gospel.

We prayed with him, feeling confident he understood the gravity of what he was saying yes to. Eli is our silliest child. I've never seen him more serious in his life.

He wanted to be baptized at the beach like Luke, and he chose Memorial Day for the day. Truly it was a Memorial Day for us!

 A new man.

Eli is Seven!

Eli's birthday got celebrated several times. We had a party when we were in Georgia for Easter, cupcakes as a family on his actual birthday and then cake and presents again this past Sunday with Kris' family. He's still saying it's his birthday. And why not? He's pretty awesome and totally worth celebrating over and over again.

I got a gift on his birthday too. I got to have him all to myself. My neighbor watched Susanna while Judah and Luke were in school. After his check up we went to Walmart to pick out his gift.

Then Susanna joined us for lunch at Chili's. Which is why the picture is blurry.

It's so rare that I get one on one time with Eli. The child is just fun. He's funny, he's polite, he's easy. In the chaos that abounds in our household, sometimes those qualities get lost a bit. It's amazing how much more settled he has been since that day. Almost like he knows himself again. I love it.

Eli, you sweet, fuzzy-headed, second baby bear of mine, you light up my life! I enjoy you! I'm so proud of who you are, you're very own self. There isn't a thing about you I would change. Not one thing. I can't wait to see what fun things this next year brings for you. I know that you will be brave and take the challenge. You have what it takes! Thank you for loving me and wanting to spend your day with me. I treasure that time, and I treasure you!