Happy Birthday Elias

Our oldest son, Elias, is six today. It's hard to believe that the little baby we brought home not that long ago is now 6! He is a sweet, boy who has brought many joyous moments to our life and our house. He posses a great ability to make those around him become friends with him. He has a heart for the Lord and wants to please those around him. He's gone from a quiet, observant baby boy to a vocal (not loud just vocal) boy who doesn't miss a beat. His kindergarten teacher told me he never lets her forget anything. Which is what happens here too. :) He loves his bible story time and he has memorized some scripture that makes us so proud. It's amazing this kind of love you can have for a child and how it increases as your relationship increase and as you watch them grow. We have added 3 more kids to our family in these past 6 years and each one of them is special. Elias is the best big brother and friend to the other 3 kids. He loves Jonah and they have a special friendship that gets better as the days pass. It's great to see them as friends now who fight much less than they used to. Of course we still have to do a little separating at times but they love each other. And he is the sweetest he can be to his sisters. He is always hugging & kissing them and treating them like princesses. I can't wait to continue to watch him grow and mature. He is learning so much and changing and the years are passing so quickly. Dan and I talk about how we can't believe we have 4 kids now and a 6 year old. The Lord has truly blessed our home with each one of them. We are so thankful that we have been given the task to raise a family. I pray that Elias is a shining example of that blessing and the love we have for our family and the Lord. Thanks for listening--or reading--my ramblings. Sorry if none of it made sense. :)

Here is a slide show of just some pictures from the last 6 years. Enjoy!

Here are some pictures that Aunt Becky took of Elizabeth. She's a great photographer and has taken pictures of each of our kids at a young age (okay well, she didn't start this hobby until after Elias was born so we don't have one of him like this but the other two we do). These pictures came out wonderful and I can't wait to get one printed and on display with the other pictures she has taken of Jonah and Anna. I just wanted to share these beautiful pictures.
Now for a quick kiddo update...Elizabeth is doing wonderful, she's such a good baby. Hardly makes any noise. I think she only really cries when she's really hungry, and sometimes when she has a messy diaper. She will be 12 weeks tomorrow and if we count from the date she will be 3 months old next week. Last Thursday (1/10) she weighed 12 lbs 6 oz. She's started sleeping through the night and still sleeps a lot during the day. We are all completely in love with her. I have never seen three older siblings more in love with a baby than mine are. (I am sure every mom thinks that but it's true here!) Anna and I are enjoying our days together when the boys are at school. But she is very happy when she gets up from her nap to find that Elias and Jonah have returned! She also is a great little girl. She loves to watch Mickey Mouse Club House, and play with each of her babies. Jonah is doing great in school and enjoys his days there although each morning since Christmas break is over he asks to stay home so he can sleep more. Elias is doing wonderful in Kindergarten. He's learning to read and spell and write and how to add. He got all E's and an S on his report card and loves his teacher. He will be 6 next Tuesday which is hard to believe! Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know how the kids are. I must go feed Elizabeth and get a few groceries for the day! And do some laundry and clean up toys...ah, the life of a mother never slows down! :)

Elizabeth (taken New years day)

Climbing Trees

We went to Jacksonville for New Years and went to a great park. The trees at the park were awesome and the kids had a blast climbing them.

Here's Elias perched on a branch!

Anna had a great time on the tree too.

Here are both boys exploring the trees. Daddy even climbed to great heights but that picture was sideways and I can't figure out how to get it to turn the right way on here. :)