penn liam - 4 years old

Happy Birthday Penn!

You are FOUR!

How on earth did that happen?!?

Penn was super excited for his birthday this year!! He kept saying "it's my birthday number 4!" He's a big fan of The Muppet Babies these days, but they don't sell those party supplies, so we went with PJ Masks. It's been neat to see him start to have his own interests this year...and not just like what Keaton liked. He actually has a very strong opinion about most things 😉 

One of Penn's favorite things to do is be outside and ride his "thomas bike." He got a bell for his "birthday number 4" and it's fantastic! He would ding that bell and ride all over the neighborhood if I let him! He also loves his scooter, plasma car...basically anything on wheels 😜 No fear either. I've watched him fly straight over the handle bars and get back up and keep going. I've also watched him bump his knee into a pillow and need me immediately for a hug and kiss.

Two words: the dog. 😑

He was pumped about his presents! I wasn't entirely sure what to get him, but these locks were a hit (I got them on sale!)

And this razor kit so he could be just like Daddy 😁 He talks about using Ryan's razor all.the.time and so we thought he needed his own!

Penn also likes to do yard work like Ryan. He asks every day if he can mow the lawn or use the weed wacker. He knows all the outdoor tools (inside ones too...adjustable wrench or plumb bob anyone?!)

Penn is one special boy. He's had a big year this year and we've seen a lot of growth in his maturity and development. When he was 2.5 we had him tested by early intervention and he qualified for speech and OT. He's behind across the board and we're doing all we can to help him succeed!

I don't want to go into too many details right now, but it's been a hard, yet awesome year for Penn! We're constantly trying to figure out what works best for him and how he learns well.

He's recently figured out he can get out his bed at nap time and nighttime and so that's our newest adventure!Along with the potty training journey that's ever evolving 😂

He's our firecracker and definitely keeps me on my toes all day long! I'm not sure I've been changed by anyone else as much as I have by this little guy in the last 4 years!

Love you P-man!

keaton mark - 5 years old

Happy Birthday Keaton!

You are a whole hand! FIVE!

K was ready to celebrate! He talked about his birthday for a looong time and the day finally arrived {I knew it would 😉}

His love for Mario is strong these days and so of course he had a Nintendo themed day! The boys didn't have parties with friends this year and so we tried to make it a special day for them.

A present before school.... it was an etch a sketch and not super well received. HAHA Doesn't make noise. Doesn't light up. We went old school and then had a little lesson and being grateful 😊.

Birthday waffle! A candle makes everything better!

It was a beautiful day - we spent a lot of time outside!!

I LOVE THESE BOYS!!

Then Keaton picked dinner....McDonald's. DUH!

We came home from dinner and found some neighbor friend's playing outside and so we invited them to sing and have cake with us. 

Honestly, this birthday was hard for me! He's just growing up and will be starting Kindergarten in the fall. I blinked and 5 years went by. I try to tell myself constantly that they are little for such a short period of time. To slow down and take it all in because it doesn't last.

Keaton is fun, empathetic, and a stellar older brother. He is smart and learns quickly. He asks questions and wants to know how things work.

But most importantly! He told me that 5 year olds are sillier than 4 year olds! I have a feeling we're going to be hearing a lot of fart jokes this year. 

We love you, Keaton! Keeping shining bright!

easter 2019

We spent Easter in NJ with Ryan's family this year :) It was a beautiful weekend!

The boys had fun riding their bikes...

checking out the pond....

And playing games :)

Easter Sunday was gorgeous!

Cousins came over for an egg hunt and a little birthday party for the boys! Keaton and Penn's birthdays are just a few days after Easter.

 Found all the eggs! And all the redheads on the block!

We went straight from eating all the candy in the eggs to cake and presents for the boys! Keaton was BEYOND excited! 

Sweet cousin Landon being so interested in Keaton's gifts 😇

Penn loved the attention too 😉

 And I loved that my boys got to celebrate with a special family party!! We're not doing a party for them at our house or with their friends this year, so this was perfect!

HeyHey!

HEY HEY!

 It's so weird to be back writing here....I cannot believe that it's been almost an entire year since I wrote last!

I just celebrated Easter with my in-laws {although they feel more like just "regular" family} and my blog came up and you know what?! 

I miss being here.

Life just got busy and will continue to be busy, but I absolutely love looking back on my old posts and so I'M BACK to keep the memories of our regular old days alive!

The boys birthdays are coming up this week and next and so we're getting ready to get our party on, Nintendo style! 

Stay tuned...

penn liam - 3 years old

Happy Birthday Penn!!

Year 2 has been a big one for Penn! It's hard to believe he is 3! THREE!!!

I think one of the things that stands out to me about Penn's 2nd year is how much he's become obsessed with Keaton. He's always loved his big brother, but seems almost lost without Keaton around.

Penn is the best little brother....he torments, surprise attacks, wrestles, tries to take Keaton's toys, etc 😂

All that said...he also shares very well and wants to be by Keaton's side when he's in time-out or not feeling well. If K is crying he'll follow him around asking "What's wrong Keaton?" Penn always wants to give K a kiss before nap, bed, and getting dropped off at school.

Penn had/has some challenges this past year. We're working so hard to help him progress and each day I see that happening!

He's problem solving more on his own and his patience has grown by miles!
Trying to get a vitamin gummy from the upper cabinet...

He's always been my wild child. I don't think that will change any time soon.

Penn is especially small in size for his age, but does not let that stop him! 

He's not afraid to try new things {except food} and loves making new friends! 

Penn thrives around other kids! If we're at a park and other kids show up, it's like his whole body lights up! He's the one extrovert in our family 😁

Penn loves music, coloring, painting, and anything artistic! He does everything with his entire body and that includes paint...I've never seen a child make such a mess! 😂 He learned all his colors a long time ago and even goes into the more abstract ones...peach, purple, gray.

Penn has a BIG personality! When he's happy...you know it! When he's not happy...you know it! He does not hold back. I'm not sure I've ever been squeezed and loved on so hard in my entire life. Or yelled at 😆

This little boy loves me big time, but not as much as I love him. He has helped me change in areas of my life I didn't even know needed changing and is constantly s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g me, which is making me a better, more empathetic, and loving person. I never knew a 3 year old could have that kind of impact, but Penn does. 

We met him 1 day after he was born and I remember the first time I held him like it was yesterday. Most days I forget that he is adopted - he's just one of us. We were all made for each other. 

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" Matthew 22:37

Fun Facts - 2 years

*Weighs- 24lbs

*Length- 

*Sizes-  24 month shirt, 18-24 month pants, 5 shoe

*Says - everything we say - repeats a lot

*Favorite toys/activity - Bubbles, swinging,   

*Favorite foods - lebanon bologna, pepperoni, applesauce packs, yogurt, PB, veggie straws, teddy grahams, fruit snacks, donuts w/sprinkles, ice cream

*Favorite place to visit - Chocolate World

*Favorite books - Pete the Cat, Thomas, Thank You God

*Favorite TV shows - Paw Patrol, Umizoomi, PJ Mask, YouTube Playdough

*Favorite songs - Jesus Loves Me, Caspar Babypants

*Favorite animals - dogs

*Favorite bath toy - paint

*Favorite character - Paw Patrol

*Favorite brother - Keaton ;0)