Emily Anne turns 5!

I can't believe I have a 5 year old!

Yesterday was Emily's birthday. She is getting so big and grown up.

During the weekend, grandpa Lakey and Kelsey, Travis and Audrey all surprised us for mine and Emily's birthday. It was a great surprise and so much fun to see them again. On Saturday we went to the OC Zoo and rode the ponies. Audrey loved it!

 After we came home and relaxed for a bit before going to dinner.

Ben was being so cute with Travis. He was smiling and cooing like crazy.

 

 Kelsey took this cute picture.

 

After dinner we decided to walk around Downtown Disney. All the girls holding hands.

Unfortunately, like every other year of my birthday, it was Prom weekend. It was really packed so we didn't stay long.

 Before grandpa left, we took a picture of him and the kids. I thought it turned out great!

 

Yesterday, I let Emily open one of her presents, this dress.

She looks so big!

 

After a pretty normal day, we had her favorite dinner. Breakfast--waffles with whipped cream and strawberries, eggs and bacon.

Then we opened presents.

 She was so excited to get this movie. Hotel Transylvania.

 

It was a great day.

Emily has really grown up so much.

 

Some things about Emily:

She loves writing and is starting to sound out words. She is so excited for Kindergarten and is getting so smart.

 

She loves anything structured...school, primary, whatever it is. She likes rules and having something to look forward to.

 

She likes to play with My Little Ponies and watch the show. It's her favorite!

 

She loves to play outside. If I let her go outside at 7am, she would. She likes to ride bikes, her scooter and run around with her friends.

 

She absolutely LOVES her baby brother. She is so good with him and is so happy that he is in our family.

 

She spends a lot of the day playing with Allyson. (When they aren't bickering) Her preschool teacher said she can see how much she loves Ally. She lights up when we come to pick her up.

 

She is still pretty small but very active and has a big personality. She is kind and loving and we love her so much! I'm so glad that she was able to join our family 5 years ago!

Two months!

Ben is already two months old!

I can't believe it.

 His stats were:

Weight: 12 lbs 5 oz (63%)

Height: 22 1/2 inches (32%)

 

His two month bear picture

 

One month

 

 

Ben is such a happy, smiley baby. The poor guy got 3 shots today at his appointment and he cried for a bit and was right back to smiles.

 

I love this little progression of his smiles! 

 

I really thought his percentages would be higher since he seems so big to me but I forget that they have to grow a lot or not at all to be way down low or up high.

He is getting better at sleeping through the night. He has made a habit of sleeping from around 9:30 or 10:00 to about 4am. He wakes up for a feeding and then is up and happy and ready for the day around 5:30-6:00. It makes me really tired but now that I know that's his wake up time, I'm more prepared for it. This was Emily's wake up time for a long time too.

He loves to sit up on our laps and is doing well with his head strength.

He also loves to stare at the TV.

He is not a good napper in the morning but will sleep the afternoon away. So I usually get stuff done after 2pm. In the morning, he just catnaps.

He's such a fun little boy. 

Rain

It rained here on Monday. It has been a long time since it's rained. Emily and Allyson love the rain (as do I) and jump at the chance to use their umbrellas.

Ben's Blessing

On Sunday, we had Ben's blessing. All of Mike's family was there but unfortunately my family had to work so they couldn't make the trip from all of their spread out towns.

(I stole these pictures from my sister in law. Thanks Michelle)

 

Family picture
I guess I can see why everyone thinks Emily and Allyson are twins.

 

"Power to the people"

 

Brian and Ben

 

Great Grandma Lowe and Ben

 

The ladies

Natalie, Ava and Emily

Mike gave a beautiful blessing and we were so excited to celebrate with everyone!