Bartending Class

Our friends Mike & Heather hosted a party that included a bartender who taught us how to make drinks. These are friends we play soccer with so we also had to figure out how to entertain the kids during this time.   We were able to get two of Brad's cross country runners to watch the 14 kids downstairs while we mixed drinks upstairs.   

The bartender had a heavy French accent so it was a little hard to understand but we did learn a few things. 

Muddling the cucumbers.

Brad getting ready to shake his drink.

Taking a little sample. 

The kids downstairs watching a movie.

This is Brad's 3rd drink.

This is Darby's 1st.

His fourth drink. 

We always enjoy hanging out with this group of friends.  It was also something different than what we usually do so it made it quite fun.  

Happy 1st Birthday Darby!

I think I will always remember Darby's birth as the biggest surprise of my life. I was absolutely convinced that she was going to be my 4th son. When the doctor said "It's a girl!" I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. And I'm not even sure why. 

A few seconds later she let out an ear piercing cry and I just imagined her as a teenager.  What am I going to do?   Now I don't worry about her as a teenager, I'm just absolutely enjoying every moment of this sweet little girl.  She is such a blessing to our family and such a wonderful part of my life. 

And I'm pretty sure she has this one wrapped around her little finger. 

We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Darby Joyce!

Happy 1st Birthday!

Silly Leprechaun

The boys were excited for St. Patrick's Day and I'm not sure they really knew why. Brody was dressed in his green and even helped Colt find some green clothes to wear. The boys came downstairs and discovered that a leprechaun came to visit our house. 

He walked on the toilet seat and turned the water green. 

 

He also left a box of lucky charms and some green milk. 

Mom's note to self:  Next year the Leprechaun is going to need to find WAY more things to do to this house.  The boys were a little disappointed this was all he left behind. 

Lego Turtle

I LOVE LEGOS! I just love the creativity they inspire in kids. 

Brody made this turtle with no help from anyone.  We decided to take a picture so we can send it into the Lego Club catalog (hopefully I will follow through with that). 

Brushing her hair

After bath time, Brad brushed Darby's hair and then gave her the hairbrush. She loved brushing her hair. 

Preview pictures

We are having a dedication for Darby in a few weeks and our pastor asked for a few pictures. I wanted to get a few recent ones and was inspired to get one with all 4 kids. These are a few of the ones I got. I'm not sure which one they will use during the dedication. 

Cake & Presents

The Welke's joined us for Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup. 

Then it was Cake Time. 

Ollie helped decorate the cake (with my Christmas sprinkles). 

Brad took the older boys to the store to pick out presents for Ollie.  Apparently they had a very hard time staying focused and finding something for Ollie.  They did add lots of things to their own birthday lists. 

Brody & Colt got Ollie two new cars.  

He also got a baseball mitt and a baseball.

It was a perfect day of celebrating with Ollie! 

Love this little smiley guy!