Then and Now

We were enjoying our swing outside today so I thought I would take a picture to compare Blake from last year to this year. He is such a little boy now!

May 2009










March 2010

Our backyard

This past week we have had amazing weather here in Chesapeake. The sun has been shining non-stop and the world is in full bloom. God truly blessed us 5 yrs ago when he provided us this house. It is not a big house but it fits our family perfectly. One of the unexpected blessings of this house is the beauty found in the backyard. We have 2 plum trees, 2 peach trees and a magnolia bay shade tree. Well this week all of the trees are in full bloom and it is breathtaking! It is picture perfect and as the wind blows through the trees it starts raining white and pink flowers. The sweet aroma can be smelled even from the front yard. We have enjoyed going out each day just watching God's beauty unfold in our backyard. It has reminded me of God's goodness and faithfulness in our lives!

Weekend Visit

We had a fun filled packed weekend. Aunt Lori, Uncle Dusty and Cousin Rachel came for the weekend so we spent some quality family time. Rachel has gotten so big and it was cute to see her and Blake interact. On Sunday Brent ran the shamrock half marathon. He did a great job and was pleased with his time. Needless to say this morning all of us including Blake and Millie were dragging. Here are the pics from our busy weekend :)

Rachel and Blake posing for the camera

Uncle Brent with Rachel (I love her expression in this pic)

Enjoying the gorgeous weather at the beach

Watching the waves with the kiddos

Mimi with her two treasures!

Such a smiley girl!

Can't tell they're related at all

Aunt Kim and Rachel

Sunday's race support team

Here comes Daddy!

He was holding his shirt which he threw to us to hold for him if you were wondering :)

All done and still smiling!

Our future Shamrocker I am sure!

Precious! Such a happy little girl

Sweet cousins holding hands

Birthday pics

Ready for Blake's first friend b-day party!

All the kiddos eating snack

Blake blowing out his candles in his cookie!

Birthday morning. Aren't these superman pj's hysterical?
(thanks Aunt Bonnie)

Nana & Great Grandpa with us after church

The Birthday Boy!

Blake's b-day sign!

Cookie Monster Cake!

Maw Maw & Bobble with Blake

Mimi & Poppy with Blake

Noah, Samara, Caleb & Blake

Eating pizza with the big cousins

Opening presents

Mommy & Daddy with the birthday boy

All grown up, eating cake this year with a fork!

What a great 2nd Birthday!

Birthday Weekend

Blake is 2 years old today! It is so hard to believe. This year has flown by and he has grown up so fast. Recently it seems that Brent and I just look at each other in amazement every time Blake says a new word or gives a new facial expression. He is definitely coming into his own little personality. He loves dancing around, watching mooovies, learning new letters, exploring how things work, getting into everything. He is a busy boy who doesn't stop except to eat anything in site :) and sleep occasionally! He brings so much joy into our house. He's developing his sense of humor and loves making us laugh. I am also thankful for the sweet spirit God has given him. He is a loving boy who lavishes Brent and I with kisses and hugs. When playing with other kids, Blake seems to have a built in patience and kindness. He also has those special buddies that mean the world to him. He lights up when they are around and plays with them as if they have a secret game no one else knows. Blake is such an amazing little boy. I know God has his hand on him, I can see it every day and I am so thankful for the unbelievable gift of raising him. Happy 2nd Birthday Blake, Mommy and Daddy love you so much!

2 years old

Nana & Great Grandpa

We have been blessed to have Nana and Great Grandpa visiting us from Indiana this past week. They came to see us and be here for Blake's 2nd birthday which is this coming Sunday. We have been super busy all week doing lots of fun things! Here is what we have done so far...

Stacking blocks with Great Grandpa

Blake took this picture of Nana & Grandpa (with mommy's help)

Blake loves holding both of their hands!

Nana's special game with Blake, "There was a little bear..."

Nana spoiling Blake with his own ice cream cone :) Yummy!

Trip down to the oceanfront