Rock climbing

Brett and D got into rock climbing this year while in the States. The younger two would go from time to time but really didn't care for it so much. For whatever reason they all decided to go the last time Brett and D went, which happened to be the last day we were in the US. What better what to end our time than drop everything we should have been doing to go watch the boys have fun? So we went. It was really a special time, not only because all the boys got into it and really did well, but because it felt as though time stood still for a moment. All the worries and stress that had filled our lives in the last few days were put aside and we fully enjoyed the present moment. Another one of those special times. Added to the break from stress it was also sweet because both grandmothers were there to watch it all. 

D bouldering which is climbing without ropes. It was amazing to see what he could do!

S making it to the top of the smaller wall

And K doing the same

D at the top of a 5.9 (rated in difficulty from 5.5 to 5.12)

Taking a break to be loved on by their adoring fan, H.

or rather H being adored by her fans. :)

K made it to the top of the high wall! So awesome to see!

Brett got some climbing in himself as well.

Climbing buddies

Silas' 6th birthday

Our spunky, full of life, funny, incredibly cute and sweet Silas turned six in September. My mom encouraged us to have his party before we left for Mali, which at the time, I thought was just a bit stressful. However, once his actual birthday came around in Mali, I was quite thankful that we had done his party. Moms do know best! Brett and I were sitting in a room full of stuff working on something when Kenan came in and asked what day it was. I said, "The 7th." It was only then that I realized that the next day was S' birthday. So we celebrated with his meal of choice and cookies. And then the craziness of moving into a new place continued. So I am so very grateful that my mom decided to have his party with friends before we left, despite what my thoughts on the matter were. :)

His party was Avatar themed, which was fitting as that was their thing this summer. He was Ang.

 The cake had some troubles, mostly because I was impatient and tried to move faster than I should have. Haste does in fact make waste.

Thankfully with persistence, the cake turned into a fairly decent looking cake. (Yes, that is the same cake)

Brett was the Fire Lord. I get much pleasure from dressing him up as various villains for the kids' parties. I so enjoy getting to laugh at the terrible outfit we put him in. Despite our cheap dress up clothes, he always ends up being the hit of the party. What boy doesn't like saving the day and triumphing over evil on his birthday party?

Reading the directions of what they must do to master fire, wind, earth and water.

The final battle of Ang vs the Fire Lord.

Ang won, even before he had help from others. Brett was a really good sport.

A fun day was had by all and was followed with a sleepover with their friend, Nate.

Silas, you have truly grown up and are becoming such a big boy who can do so much! We are so thankful the Lord gave you to us. You make our lives better and more exciting each day. Love you so much!!

Another post of just my little girl

I told Brett the other day that while I know objectively that H probably isn't the cutest baby in the whole world, when I look at her, that is all I can think. She steals my heart each and every day.

The hat and matching blanket were made my mom for H. 

She looked so cute after church one Sunday that we just had to have an impromptu photo shoot. :)

This is the christening gown that my grandmother made for me when I was a baby.

A few days before we left for Mali I decided H should have a few pictures with grass since she won't see it for quite some time. I think she likes it. :)