Miley's First Birthday Celebration

My Mom loves any excuse to buy the kids presents, and lets just say we all love it too.  My Mom decided for Miley's sixth birthday she could pick out an outfit and a pair of shoes.  When we go to Green Hills Mall, we always park at Nordstrom's and walk in past the kid's shoe section.  We never buy any shoes, but they are all so cute.  She could pick out any pair she wanted, and I told myself I would not say a thing.  I was going to let her decide.  I was going to let my clothes/shoes controlling issues go for the day.  

This is what she wanted.  They also light up.     

Luckily, I told her that they would be really hard to match with, and she also loved a pair of silver sparkle Toms.  Yes, my control issues did not last ten minutes.  

We had lunch at Cheesecake Factory.

 The fanciest corn dogs I have ever seen.

 We went to Gap too, and I let her pick out anything.  We ended up getting much more accessories than clothes, but she had so much fun.  Miley insisted on carrying her bags.  

Dex was so tuckered out, and he crashed on the way home.  

 I asked Miley what her favorite gift was from our shopping trip, and she said, "Bunny slippers."  Really?  

I love my four kids.

We have always wanted a big family.  Michael and I are from families of four kids, and we both loved it.  Over the last year, we have been talking about having a third, and we have just come to the conclusion that we are happy right now.  We love our little two, and we feel complete.  I told Marcie that once in awhile I may need to count Hudson and Maddox as mine so I can get that big family fix.  This weekend we watched the boys Sunday night.  They were so sweet together.  I really feel like a big family when I am with them.

My favorite part of the night was watching them read together.  

Valentine's Day

Michael and I have always celebrated Valentine's Day on any other night.  Therefore, Valentine's Day has become a family night.  The last few years we have rented a family movie, and we have ordered pizza.  This year, I wanted to do something different.  I decided to make the ultimate parent sacrifice: Chuck E Cheese.  The kids have been asking to go for years.  Yes, the only time Miley has ever been is at an MCE family night four years ago.  I also thought it was brilliant to go on Valentine's Day because everyone would be out on dates.  I was wrong, but the kids had such a good time.    

This was his favorite.  

Michael also got Miley and I flowers and a cookie cake.  It is such a sweet tradition.  Dex got jelly beans.

This morning I realized that I fell asleep last night early, and I never really thanked Michael for such a sweet family night.  I felt a little guilty for falling asleep, and I think I thanked him for the flowers, but I think it was a little rushed with the rest of the evening.  Michael was still asleep so I started walking around leaving sticky notes about the things that I am appreciative for that he does.  Sticky notes just seemed more sincere this morning.  I know I do not give him enough credit.  I know I expect a lot for him, and I do appreciate him so much.

Fun Weekend

 Miley had an exciting idea.  She wanted to have a picnic outside.  She and Dex played on the playground all morning.  It was so nice.  

 This is Declan's thinking face.  He puts his finger on his face, and says, "Hummm".

 Science night with the Nitschs and our five year old friends.  It was so much fun.  

 My little scientist.  

Superbowl party - I always end up watching the kids instead of the game, but I really do not mind.  I love them.  They were so sweet playing together.