We have been busy around here! (This post might take me a few days to finish...I have a lot to catch up on...)
We had a major storm two weeks ago--lightening struck the tree across the street from our house (we saw flashes of red!)--and knocked out our router so we've been internet-less for a while. In the meantime, Daniel's parents, brother, sister-in-law, and niece came to visit. We loved having such a full house! Noah will likely talk about it for several more weeks! While they were here, we celebrated our sweet boy, who turned three! Unbelievable. Everyone says "it goes by so fast" but you don't really grasp what that means until it does. And it does. Go by so fast, I mean. He is such an incredible three-year-old. He learns new things so quickly, he is exceptionally observant, he is a sharer, a protector (especially of Lyla), and a helper (especially to Mommy in the kitchen). We love seeing him grow and are so thankful for his part in our family! Love you to the moon and back, baby boy!
The Sampsons arrived late Thursday night after a long day of driving.
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| Lyla tried to stay awake to see them, but she just couldn't make it! |
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| Noah lounged in the chair like a teenager until they arrived. |
Friday morning, the crew took a trip to the zoo while I worked a half day. Noah and Grace loved holding hands while they walked down the path. Adorable!
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| Pressing pennies! |
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| Happy baby Lyla! |
Friday afternoon we all loved some outside playing time while Daniel and David grilled for us all.
The boys apparently used to race each other and Daniel always won...they decided a re-match was in order...
Saturday was Noah's birthday! Friday night we filled his doorway with balloons so they spilled into his room when we opened the door the next morning. We are still finding balloons all over our house!
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| I had wonderful helpers in the kitchen. Our pancakes have never tasted better. |
We took a trip to the Botanical Gardens where there is a great kid area. Grace and Noah especially enjoyed the splash pad! The heat/humidity didn't let us stay too long, though, so we packed up and headed to Lambert's. The roll thrower was so nice and gently tossed rolls to Noah and Grace, which Noah said was his favorite part of the day when I asked him at bedtime. After we got home, Noah opened a round of presents before bed.
Sunday meant Grandma and Grandpa Shoemaker joined our festivities, and we got to have Noah's party at Incredible Pizza. Sunday also brought a phone call from the police, who found Daniel's Jeep!! It was full of trash, smelled like smoke, had an additional 2000 miles on it (sheesh! Where did this lady drive?!?!), and was missing the carseats, but the lady is in jail and the Jeep is back in our possession. Hooray!
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| Food coma! |
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| We loved his expression when he realized money was inside! |
We loved celebrating with everyone!!! Thanks for making our boy feel so special! We'll miss you, Sampson family!! Come back soon!
