Once upon a time, several months ago...

...My kids had birthdays!

I didn't actually realize until early last summer that having 2 kids in 2 years - with birthdays just 2 weeks apart would mean that I'd be planning 2 birthday parties every year. Within a couple of weeks of eachother. I have a few friends who are in the same boat with kids who've got birthdays close in the calendar, so I asked around about what to do. The results were mixed- some had a rotating party in the family, for example, we'd do Preston one year and CeCe the next. Some keep it small until age 5. Some combine and do one big party. Us? ...I am still undecided, but have a feeling we'll be completely inconsistent with whatever I choose, anyways. This year, Preston had a 3rd birthday party and CeCe had a first. And they were both wonderful!

Preston chose a fire engine theme and we celebrated by having a bunch of his little buddies over. His red and yellow invites said, "sound the alarm! Preston is turning 3" with a cute little fire truck print. I only got a few pics, but thankfully got a few more from Holli (THANK YOU!) He had an absolute blast and Kevin and I had an absolute blast (read: irrational freak out) while making his fire engine shaped cake. However, the look on his face when he saw his cake was something I'll never forget. It was worth every last drop of Wilton true red professional food coloring.
Here's a look at my sweet 3 year old boy on what he repeatedly called his "fire engine day."



His friends having fun!!



Cecilia's big day was all about pinwheels- turquois, pink and orange, in fact! It was mostly family and we went all out with food and cake. I had a lot of fun putting some fondant on while decorating their cakes. It was actually the easiest part of the process and it was my first time, so I felt like I was learning a new skill. She wore the most adorable outfit that came from her Aunt Natalie (Love you!) and then had a complete costume change after her cupcake. It was such a great day- she got amazing stuff and we felt really surrounded by the love of friends and family for our special girl on her special day!

Gimme Candy

Happy belated Halloween! We had such a great time this year. Halloween is one of those holidays that is about 1,948,730,629 times better once you have kids. Kevin and I both got into the "spirit" (haha) of things and dressed up- he was a cowboy and I was a witch, complete with green face and all. We had two awesome gatherings to attend before trick-or-treating started at 5.

First, the Erb family has an annual tradition where Judy makes an enormous, delicious meal for all of us. Considering there are 13 grandchildren, it's a perfect time to get them all together while having fun in their costumes. I wish I had gotten more pictures. Everyone was so stinkin' cute, but alas, I was busy stuffing my face with the food and chasing around two toddlers.

From there, we traveled a few blocks away to a friends' house with even more little ones, and then off to trick or treat! Preston had a blast pretending to be a fireman and was so cute collecting his candy. He thanked every person who gave him a treat. CeCe was anxious to get out of the stroller, but was a showstopper in her bee costume, nonetheless. Such fun- already anxious for Halloween next year!

So exciting!

Last month, we had family pictures done for Preston's 3rd birthday, CeCe's 1st birthday, and our seven year wedding anniversary by Vilma Deckena of Gem Photography. Vilma is a saint who, must also be a miracle worker, because she was able to get some great shots on a day that my kids were.... well.... let's just say, not at their best. Thank you, Vilma! Here is a link to our sneak peek on her blog!

Click HERE to see our preview!

More pics!

...Just because! :)

catch up!

Where to begin, haven't blogged, so busy, blah, blah, blah... you know the drill.... I'll skip the formalities and apologies and just say that I've been lacking on time. Check out some pics from this past summer and early fall!


Here we are at the Three Rivers Festival Parade back in July! Preston got to sit in the garbage truck, as National Serve-All is a big client of Asher's and they were the major sponsor of TRF. And CeCe got her pic taken with the Ball State cheerleaders. Go Cards!!





For YEARS, I have been badgering Kevin to go to the Elkhart County 4-H Fair and FINALLY, this year he agreed! We got to meet the Byers girls and enjoy some fair food, rides and animals. Preston is still talking about it! :)






A fun visit from the Pryors!



Kevin took me to the John Mayer concert! (swooning) And we loved The Avett Brothers, who opened for him. We even ran into my dad and stepmom. :) FANTASTIC SHOW!




I have so many pictures from the kids' birthday parties, that I have to save those for another post, but here are some other pics from the past couple of months. Highlights include: our backyard as we hosted the 2010 Illsley Place Ice Cream Social, a trip to the Grabil Fair with the Spitlers, Kevin and I before the Fort 4 Fitness 4-mile run, and me crossing the finish line, Preston starting soccer class (!!!), a girls night out, and just some other general cuteness. Enjoy!