Monday, October 25, 2010

Happy Anniversary to us!

Josh and I recently celebrated our 4th anniversary! It was a wonderful night including a nice hike up to Stewart Falls, followed by dinner at one of our favorite restaurants--Outback Steakhouse. I hadn't been hiking since becoming pregnant with Stockton, so it felt great to be out there again enjoying nature! I loved breaking a sweat, seeing all the beautiful colors, and talking to Josh uninterrupted for multiple hours. It was the longest conversation we'd had since Baby Stock got here! :) It was definitely the best date night we've had in a long while, and it felt great to break out of the dinner/movie trap, and do something active together.

I'm so thankful this year brought us Stockton--certainly the HIGHLIGHT of our 4th year together! I'm very grateful for Josh and all he does for our family. I'm thankful for our 4 years together. I'm enjoying our journey. I'm excited to see what lies ahead! Happy Anniversary!

Beautiful sky!
Up at the top
The gorgeous leaves along the trail


Look at that tree! The color is so vibrant!
A WONDERFUL night celebrating commitment and LOVE!
4 years! September 13th, 2010


Monday, October 18, 2010

Annabelle's 3 yr. Old Photo Shoot!

Is it any wonder why I'm so in love with her?







































Thank you Erin for capturing all of her sweet, funny, and adorable expressions!

We LOVE these pictures and we LOVE Annabelle!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Happy Birthday Annabelle!

Happy Birthday Annabelle! Annabelle was SO excited for her birthday this year! She began talking about it in August, and mentioned it almost every day up until the magic date. It was so fun to watch and listen to her get so excited about getting older and becoming a "big girl." She was actually more excited about turning 3 than she was about getting presents and treats! When the day finally came, I said "Annabelle! It's your birthday!" She replied "I'm Three?!" Her eyes lit up and she was so happy!

Annabelle's birthday fell on a Sunday this year, but there was no shortage of fun and love for her special day. We were on a camping trip with the Bos family, and they made sure she had a wonderful birthday morning. As she and I came out of the trailer, everyone sang to her and made her feel very special. Then she got to open up some awesome presents including a darling princess pillow, 2 prince barbies (she has all the girls, and is now on to collecting their true loves), and tinkerbell dishes. She was more than thrilled with her new toys!

Then it was on to Grandma and Papa's house for more celebrating! She had an adorable princess cake waiting for her, and everyone sang "Happy Birthday" (including her). Who can blame her...it's a catchy song and she's just barely learned the WHOLE thing :) Too bad she wasn't as excited about the candles...she made Paige and Daisy blow out her candles because she was scared of the fire :) After eating some yummy cake and ice cream, she got to open more thoughtful gifts such as Cinderella and Snow White dress-ups, a doll house, princess and tinkerbell puzzles, a personalized princess CD, and a Prince Phillip barbie! It shouldn't be any surprise that she had a wonderful night!

We're so glad you had such a happy day Annabelle! And more importantly, we're so blessed to have you in our family, and to share days like this by your side. Thanks for being our beautiful, 3 yr. old Princess! Happy Birthday!

"I love this!"
"That Cake is AMAZING!"
"Mmmmm...even more amazing than I thought!"

"Happy Birthday dear Annabelle..."

"I get to keep all these little princesses from the cake!"

"Puzzles!"

"I want this on...yes before I continue opening presents"

"The princesses are hosting a delightful Royal Ball...And proclamations have been sent one and all! The visitors are eager for the merriment to start--they await the guest of honor who is dear to every heart! This fancy ball will celebrate the birthday of a star...And who is that celebrity? Why yes, of course--You are!"

Our little Cinderella

"Whoa! A doll house! My 1st one!"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNABELLE ALYSE!
SEPTEMBER 3RD, 2010