I love having a warm and cozy fire in the flip of a switch. I think Missy likes

I love having a warm and cozy fire in the flip of a switch. I think Missy likes it most of all.

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Really Late Birthday Post

I am ashamed. Not only have I not been the greatest blogger in general, but I TOTALLY forgot to post about Simon's birthday. Poor Simon has totally been neglected. But even though it's late, here we go.

The first birthday is usually smaller scale and we only invite family and very close friends. We were honored by all the people who came to celebrate.

Here's the spread. Because I'm usually so ambitious in crafty things, small scale turned into slightly larger scale :)

I, at the last minute, decided I "needed" to make a cupcake stand for a fun addition. Everything was purchased at the Dollar Tree! On the day of the party, Luke caught Isaac behind the table sneaking in a cupcake. He thought it was so cute and funny that he should take a picture. Silly, sweet Isaac. Here's a picture of the birthday banner I made for Simon. It matches the crown you'll see in a minute.
Now to the guests. His future wife Grace (who was born one week after Simon) was there along with the rest of the Thompson family.
Tom and Cathy, who are dear dear friends (really family) came representing the Watkins family. Simon's BFF Silas was also there! And my sister and her kids. Here's Malikhi. He loved holding Simon. Cupcake Time!!!
This is the collage that we gave for everyone to take home. I have to admit, I miss the mohawk!
After a hilarious afternoon playing Cranium (it's so different and fun with big kids) we all went out to Moe's for dinner.

Since Luke's parents couldn't be there for party day, they took Simon and us out to Red Robin the next day for another birthday party. (As a side note, this was the day before Sharon's big car accident. It's amazing how quickly things can change.)
There Simon got a birthday sundae. He didn't know what to do when everyone came clapping and singing! Afterwards, we came home for more presents!!!
It was a special weekend full and joy and disbelief that my sweet SimonBoy was 1! I was also humbled as I looked back and remembered the goodness and grace of God to Luke and I on the day he was born.

Oh SimonBoy! I love you so so so much!

A small picture of God's grace and goodness to us....a free playset! We never th

A small picture of God's grace and goodness to us....a free playset! We never thought we'd have one of these.

Simon's First Step!

Technically, it's his second, b/c he had JUST taken one before the camera was turned on, BUT he still played his role and took another one! Hopefully, he'll be walking around for Thanksgiving when both families come to visit.

Isaac "Playing" the Piano

Here is a video of Isaac playing some of the demo songs from the keyboard (thanks Drew and Jamie)!

I just love matching these boys!!

I just love matching these boys!!

Mother & Son (Double) Date Knight at Chickfila

There are so many reasons to love Chickfila but little events like this make even more special! I took my two boys and doubled with Leah since both our husbands were working at the event. It was a fun night. It was also special to see teenage boys out with their moms and to imagine my 15 year old Isaac and Simon. Jeepers. I hope they still want to go out on dates with me by then!

A Day at the Park

The weather this weekend was so amazing. AH! Fall is coming! Sure it's going to get warm again, but this little taste was great. It was too nice to stay cooped up so we went out to the park. We took a walk around on the path then took some time to play on the playground. Isaac is learning to ride the bike so we brought that too. Simon will only walk with a push toy so we also brought that along. Even Missy, who is very often neglected, got to come too.We could have stayed out there all day. I value our time as a family so so much and a day like this fills my heart with so much joy and a humble thankfulness for all that God has blessed us with.
I'm also so very thankful for my husband. Luke not only values our time together as a family but puts it as a top priority in his life and supports (sometimes reluctantly) all the silly little traditions I want to incorporate into our family including my not-so-crazy obsession with family pictures. He loves our boys so much and boy do they love him!
Can't wait for the fall weather to stay for good!