NINE

I have no idea how my baby boy is nine today!! 

Some of our very best friends came for a visit today and I kept it a secret from my kids. I picked them up and we headed to school where I had Jake and Cara called to the office for early dismissal. When they walked in they were shocked to see their buddies had come all they way from Iowa to see them!!! HUGS all around. It was a sweet moment. Jake reached out and hugged his friend and Cara did the same with Reagan.

It was a blast!!!

What an awesome birthday surprise for Jake!! We had lunch and headed to their hotel for some pool time and then back to our house for awhile before having dinner at Marion's. 

We didn't have a party this year for Jake and I think this made up for it!! 

Jake, I love you so much!! 

You are a fun little guy who has had my heart since

before you were born!!!

I am so thankful that I get to be your Mom. 

You are pretty much a carbon copy of your Daddy. He loves you so much too!!!

I can still hear him announce, "It's a BOY!" and see his proud smile. 

Here are a few of my favorites of the two of you. 

I am thankful to have you boys in my life even though sometimes you can 

make me a tiny bit crazy!

You are a joy to us.

I remember some of the phases I thought we just might not make it through, but we did!!

Oh, the Tigger phase. 

That costume was worn everyday for a very, very long time. 

Not only did you wear the costume.....you totally thought you were Tigger and were in character most of the time.

 

This picture of you heading off to preschool seems like yesterday. 

Now you are a big third grader and I can hardly handle it!!! 

Love you so much, Buddy!!