My how they've grown!

Ben at Cherry Blossom, 2009 Ben at Cherry Blossom, 2011

Sam at Cherry Blossom 2009 Sam at Cherry Blossom, 2011

Cherry Blossom Festival

We went downtown yesterday to enjoy our town's annual cherry blossom festival. It was a spectacular day- absolutely beautiful.

Ben getting a ride from Dad.

Dad and Emma. (Sorry I took so many pictures of Emma, but she was just so cute. If you think there are alot here, you should see all the ones I didn't post!!)

We're so glad she's finally feeling better.

Cute chubby hand on Daddy's shoulder.

Silly boy.

Daddy and his two youngest children. And to think, we were done having children after Ellie. Look at the blessings we would have missed.

He loves her! I hope it always stays that way.

Ahhhh! Cherry ice cream- the reason we came!

Sam enjoying his.

Ben. What a mess but he did enjoy it!

Even Emma got to try some.

She did not want to give it back to Dad- she LOVED it!

At the big cat show- lions, tigers and even a liger.

The boys got a front row seat.

Anna and Ellie. I know there are not many pics of them anymore, but they are not as happy to let mom take their picture all the time.

Yes, that is a big ferocious lion less than 6 feet from my little boys. Only a small fence was separating them.

They loved it.

What a great day. It was nice to get out as a family and have everyone well.

Glad that's Over!

I think we are all better.

After a 3 week bout with the stomach flu, the real flu, ear infections, sinus infections, coughs, runny noses and allergies I think we're back to healthy.

I believe this is the longest that my family has been sick. It has been almost 3 straight weeks of intense sickness.

It sure does make you thankful for the good health we enjoy the majority of the time.

I find it very strange that I was the only one who didn't get sick with the flu. I was exposed to everything and every germ, but I avoided it. Why? I couldn't tell you. My theory is I built up an immunity to it by being exposed to it so much.

Who knows. But I'm thankful. Cause everyone knows that when mom gets sick, everything falls apart. I'm just glad I don't have to put it all back together. Again.

Happy 12th Birthday Ellie!

Happy Birthday Ellie. I can't believe you are 12- how did 12 years go by so quickly? It seemed you were a little girl and now all of a sudden you are a young lady. You have always been special to me, partly because you share my name and partly because we were joined at the hip for several years. You were attached to me and we spent lots of time together.

I hope your birthday is great, even though you are sick. 12 is a great year- use it to bring much glory to God.

I love you!

Samuel Isaac

What could be more fun to an almost six year old boy than...

killing carpenter bees...

on the front porch of the church.

SUCCESS!!

(Anybody notice how tall this kid is getting??)

Benjamin Robert Anthony

"A boy is noise with dirt all over." I don't know who said that but I know who they were talking about. :)