Gray Turns TWO!

I don't know HOW it happened, but two years have passed since this cuddly, gentle, tender-hearted little man entered the world.

I tell him almost everyday that we waited so long for him and that we love him so much.  His blue eyes pretty much have my whole heart and I've never met another little guy that is so loving and compassionate.  

He's not only accepted his role of big brother, but totally embraced it.  Saying hello to his brother is one of the very first things he does every morning and at least twice a day, I hear, "Hold you brother?"

Grayson, we love you beyond words and you truly brighten every single day.

Nana and Papa weren't in town on his birthday so we celebrated with them a couple days early.

On his birthday weekend, we invited some friends to join us for cupcakes at the park.

His birthday loot on his actual birthday (a new scooter, a bucket of Duplo Legos, and Zhu-Zhu pets... His fave).

Of course, a birthday donut.

We took a trip to Disney on the evening of his birthday.

For this child we have prayed and the Lord has granted what we have asked of Him.

1 Samuel 1:27

Legoland for Birthdays!

Last week, we took a day to celebrate Grayson's {upcoming} 2nd birthday and Landon's {belated} 3rd birthday at Legoland!

Of course, it's more fun when the kids match!

Grayson didn't really "get" that it was for his birthday but he was still excited!

And really, it started out fun.  In fact, it was fun for the first hour or so.  

See, everyone is smiling!

But the problem was that Maddie and Grayson had gone to bed WAY too late the night before and then we'd had to wake them to make the drive down.  And our kids NEED sleep.  When they don't get a full night of sleep, it's not pretty.

I actually can't remember a day that was filled with more tantrums and tears.

And don't get me wrong.  It WAS fun and Legoland is such a cute place.  I definitely want to go back.

Aaaaaaand... 

This is when Mike and I just about snapped and headed home.  He screamed for about 30 minutes on the way home (and so did Maddie).  I'm just NOW recovering.  :)

Birthday Celebration... A little late

Back in July (whoops!), we celebrated Maddie's 5th birthday with friends at Ariel's Grotto.

Maddie and Emma were SO excited!

We had gone last year, but it's so much fun to go with your best friend, too!

A group shot of all of us.

The princesses come to your table, chat, sign autographs, and take pictures.

It's magical.  :)

Grayson was pretty much unimpressed with the parade of princesses, but he enjoyed the super yummy food.

Pretty girls!

They even brought the birthday girl a special cake and candle.

Happy 5th birthday Miss Maddie!

American Girl

Oh my.  Today was a day of dreams come true for Miss Maddie!

Nana has always told Maddie that for her fifth birthday, she'd take her to the American Girl store and let her pick out a doll.  Well, it always seemed SO far away... until today!

We headed out to the American Girl store with Nana, Annie, and Megan.  Papa stayed behind to watch Grayson (and they had a blast hanging out at the beach together!).

After a lot of thinking, Maddie chose Marie-Grace.

She was so, so excited.  Annie, Megan, and TT (and maybe her mommy and daddy!) bought her extra outfits that she selected and Nana and Papa bought the doll.

Thank you Nana!

She just fell in love with it and I loved watching her fix her hair, change her clothes, and just love on her.

Then, we got an extra treat and ate at the American Girl cafe!

How cute is it that they bring the dolls their own high chairs?! 

Uh, she was thrilled.

Yummy pink lemonades!

Maddie and Marie-Grace (with her Bitty Baby there in the background).

Hi Annie and Megan!

They even brought out a candle in her cake and we all sang to her.

She said it was "the best day of her life."

Cutie pie desserts: chocolate pudding, cookie, and cake.

What a fun day!

Thank you Nana and Papa for such a memorable day!