birthday boy

My sweet Simeon just had his 5th birthday.  He is such a fun little man!  His excitement and laughter and joy are so genuine!  He has been riding at tiny little bike for way too long and never complained.  For his birthday, he got his dream bike!  A huge, no training wheels, kick stand, 20 inch bike!  He was beyond happy!  He has been racing that thing around our basketball court like crazy.  So very thankful for his life and that we are blessed to be a part of it.

He decided he wanted a Ninja birthday party.  So we invited 6 little boys to a park to have a ninja party which only included sticks and black bandanas.  However, it rained.  So the pack of boys invaded our house and had a blast!  They ran around all over the house and pretended to be ninjas.  Seriously, we planned nothing.  The idea of a theme was enough to get them going!  It was so fun to watch.  So thankful for his buddies!

Simeon

Over the last few months God has been teaching me A LOT to say the least.  I am working on putting it into words here but time seems to be shrinking in my world right now :)!  Soon though I will come back here with a little more to share on knowing God's goodness, how unbelievable big and intricate He is, and what it means to flourish where I am.  Until then, enjoy this awesome video of my sweet boy.  He has no idea he's being videoed at first.  He's indescribable!

Madeline's Graduation & the Homefront

While we have been in Ukraine the kiddos back home have had lots of very full days!  Our sweet Madeline graduated from pre-school last week.  We were very sad to miss but thankful for Gram who went, took flowers, pictures & videos, and loved on Madeline.  This year was the first time any of our kids have been away from me for school.  It was so sweet to watch her learn and grow all year and we are very proud of her.  

And here is what else has been going on while we've been away...

 spend the nights with the Schwo's

 park fun with Aunt Lauren

baseball games with the Halls watching Eli

Anna being Anna

 Snuggles with Shawn

 Water play at Mrs. Jenny Beth's house

 Candy Land with Mrs. Jenny Beth

swingin'

more swingin'

car rides with the Walker crew 

fun times with Nana 

 treats from Nana & more Anna being Anna

Boingo Bounce with the Schwos 

WE MISS THESE KIDS!

silly song

Madeline learned this silly song at pre-school & quickly taught it to Simeon.  They think it is hilarious & I think they are absolutely precious!

big boy hair cut

This cute boy is too much for words sometimes!  He wanted his haircut by his Aunt Lauren for weeks.  When I finally got around to it his hair was a bit out of control, to say the least.  But oh my, he looks cute with a fro!

preciousness

 in progress...

 handsome little boy

finished & unbelievably big looking! 

trip to the dentist

We are super blessed to have a local dentist give all staff families of Andrew's job free dental work.  So, with a 4, 3, & 2 year old, we headed out to the dentist...be jealous.  But, actually, it really did go well.  All 3 got x-rays & cleanings and all 3 did great.  Anna was like a pro with x-rays considering she had done them several times already because of her skull fracture.  They all like champs relaxed in the dental chairs & got their teeth cleaned and then were sent home with fun goodie bags full of cute little tooth oriented things.  Very proud of them all!  And since then Anna has been OBSESSED with brushing her teeth.  

he wasn't a super fan of the x-rays but was still very cute sitting there.  blurry but i had to keep it.  madeline went first and did so good. she looks so big!

oh.my.goodness.

my little guy is four now

So very glad to celebrate the life of our little Simeon!  He just turned 4.  He brings so much genuine joy and laughter and love into our home and we are so very thankful for him.  Some things I want to remember...
1. He rides a bike without training wheels and has for about 9 months now.
2. He likes to say, "Why do you be so silly because you be so silly?"
3. He loves guns, light sabers, any item that can be a warrior weapon.
4. His favorite worship song is Give Me Jesus.
5. He eats a pb&j daily for lunch.
6. He can write his name.
7. He prays to Jesus with thoughtful, kind words.
8. He plays with his sisters.
9.  He loves wrestling with his daddy.

10.  And he still loves his 'mama snuggles' every night.

For his birthday we had a little boy battle birthday party.  Andrew took five little guys to a park, dressed up in Star Wars costumes, and they all battled against the enemy (Andrew).  They had a blast!  Then all our families met up there for pizza & cake.  On his actual birthday we had family over for more cake and again, he loved ever second!  Thanks to everyone who loves our Simeon!