Stuart turns 6

Sweet boy, why does this keep happening? This whole turning one year older thing.

You are such a treasure to us. Your sense of humor, your sensitivity to life in general, your imagination, those are just a few of the qualities that make such a good fit in our family.

 My bear who loves to snuggle up close, who loves to color and draw, who loves to help in the kitchen, sometimes I would love to be able to stall time, to investigate more and more what makes you you, and yet I don't want to do that because I love watching you come out of your shell and grow into your charming, funny self.

 We pray you know what a gift you are to us and that you will know the breadth and height and depth of Jesus' love to you. 

Stuart Graham, happy 6th birthday. We love you so very much.

Christmas Cookie Day

Aubs got to invite a couple of friends over for Christmas cookie baking today.

 The crew: Annika, Aubrey, Ruth

Eleanor, Makayla, Alice

 They worked hard baking, decorating, and taste testing lots of cookies (and sprinkles!).

 And they had fun playing Duck Duck Goose on the trampoline...

 The effects of SUGAR...

 Sweet, sweet friends and I am so very thankful.

And He's 4

I'm pretty sure I say it every year but this feels so much like yesterday. I'd been up for quite a few hours, feeling so ready to meet you. By about 7:30 in the morning, with Frosty the Snowman on for your brothers and sissy, we headed to the hospital.

At 11:29am you made your happy arrival. And look how cute you were. This is how I think of you, Emmett boy, because I spent hours studying your little face and your sweet disposition.

 You've tagged along to everything we have done since you were born. That's a lot of "things."

 Now that you are turning four you are ready for your own things. Like baseball and karate and swimming and basketball and the list goes on and on and on.

 You love your siblings fiercely and they love you so much, too.

 Our little monkey, we love you so. We love the mischief in your eyes, the fire in your belly, and the immense love you have for those in your little world. Jesus can turn all of those wonderful qualities into world changing characteristics if you let Him. And we pray that you will as you understand His great love for you.

Happy 4th birthday, mister man. We love you with our whole hearts.