Anna's Sweet 16

We had Anna's Sweet 16 party last week.  Anna doesn't really turn 16 till mid-May, but my mother was able to be here this week, so we had it early.  It was a very special time for ladies and girls, as we encouraged Anna and welcomed her into "adulthood".

 This cake was amazing. (Thank you Pinterest!).  It is a chocolate pound cake with ganache frosting.  It came out delicious and HUGE!  I read on the pan later that it can serve 40 people.

 Mom and Anna sharing a laugh.

 The ladies that attended.

 The punch, cake and food.  It was all delicious!

 Nana, Paul's Mom, giving Anna some words of wisdom and advice.

 My mom doing the same.

 Me, trying not to blubber all over.  I couldn't even look at Anna or I knew I'd lose it.

 Anna received so many lovely things for her hope chest.  Beautiful crystal pieces, dishes, cookbooks, glasses, red neck wine glasses (ha) and so much more.

 The quilt I made her.  I wasn't sure I liked it because it was so busy.  She assured me she loved it because it was busy!

 Cutting the cake.

 Grandma getting ready to leave.

 Grandma, Ben and Emma.  Her two youngest grandchildren.

It was a great visit, but as always, too short.  I don't understand why God has us living so far away from each other, and alot of days, I don't like it.  But I have come to the conclusion that I am exactly where God wants me to be and so are my parents, so this is how He wants it and I have to be ok with that.

Thanks for coming mom and dad.  We love you!

Grandma and Grandpa's Visit

 The effects of eating a peep.  Daddy and Emma love them.

 This part is not the part we love- she gets so sticky, but loves them!

 My parents came for a visit last week.  Their visit from Christmas never materialized so the first thing on the agenda was to have Christmas with them.  It was a fun, wild night!

 Emma took right away to Grandpa, whom she calls "dada".  We're not sure why!

 I do look tired here!

 Ben and Sam got new umbrellas for Christmas and they were thrilled the next day when it rained and they could try them out.

I came outside and he was sitting, just like this.  It's a good thing he's so cute!

Softball/Baseball

(Ellie wasn't feeling well this day)

Samuel Isaac is 7!

 Sam's seventh birthday fell on Resurrection Sunday this year.  He was so excited that it was on a church day.  He looked so handsome in his suit, even though he tried not to.

 His serious look.  Samuel loves to play and everything is a sword or a gun.  He loves baseball and is pretty good at it.

 His sisters can get him to smile!  He is doing great in school and is reading like a champ.  He still enjoys doing his schoolwork and is an enjoyable student.

 He is a sweet boy and loves his siblings.  He loves spending time with Paul, Jr., doing manly things.  He and Paul share a love of superheroes and star wars.

Happy 7th birthday Sam.  I love you and pray God blesses this year in your life.

Resurrection Sunday, 2012

Sam and Ben looked so handsome in their suits.  I failed to realize that Ben's coat was blue and paired it with black pants.  I don't think he cared!

 Emma was having none of it.

 This is kind of how the picture taking went for a while.

 Everyone was so happy.  NOT

 Aha.  The reason for her being upset?  One of her sisters put this headband on her at the last minute and she did not like it.

 Now that's better!

 So cute!  The hat, the purse, the socks, the dress...nothing like dressing up a little girl!

 These two babies were having fun comparing shoes.

 And giving hugs.

 Family picture take 1

 Family picture take 2

 Family picture take 3.  Oh well.  It is what it is.  (I think someone deleted some off the camera.  grrr)

 The only pic I got of my kids together.  Again, some were deleted.  Grrrr

 Paul and I.

 Paul Jr. and emma.  Youngest and Oldest.  Both have loads of hair!!

 Not sure what Ben's problem was here.

 The birthday boys!

 Ben. 

What Emma's hat looked like the day after.