Randomness

Nolan, wearing his helmet backwards.  A common sighting around these parts!

Mmmm... pancakes!

(She loves to lock her toes under the rim of her tray.)

So proud of herself standing on her own.

Talon and the dogs

Kallie loves the kids.  They could do anything to her, and she is so mellow, she puts up with it all.  She's a great family dog!

Happy 1st Birthday, Natalie!

It's so hard to believe our baby girl is already a year old!

She's such spunky kid.  She is particular and, in her own way, lets her opinion be known, but she is also very sweet.  She loves to cuddle and give kisses.  She is nuts over her brothers and sister, and it doesn't even occur to her for a second that she is younger, and that she can't participate in any game they might decide to play.  

She loves food.  And I mean REALLY loves food.  She will eat anything.  She burns calories so fast because she is always on the move, but at least she's not picky.  She only has 3 teeth so far (the two front bottom ones, and one on top on the left), but that doesn't stop her.  

She loves to talk.  She only says a handful of words that we can understand, but the rest is her own language, and she jabbers constantly! 

She is definitely a Mama's girl, but she does really love her Daddy.  

She has the biggest blue eyes, the cutest smile, and we sure do love this little girl to pieces!

She went out to Thai food with us the night before her birthday (the other kids were at Grandpa and Grandma Bauer's). It was fun to visit and reflect on the past year, and I don't think she minded having Daddy and Mommy all to herself! 

Getting loves from Daddy.

Mommy and her baby girl

Such a face!

I made blueberry pancakes for her birthday breakfast.  She loved them!!

We just had a little celebration at home after dinner.  We'll be having a big '1st Birthday Party' in a few days.
She got her very own cupcake.  Did she like it?  I think the pictures speak for themselves!

She was very dainty about it.

But it didn't take her long to dig in and get down to business.

Yes, she pretty much polished the whole thing off in a matter of just a few minutes.

Nolan-bug

Playing with her walking toy... backwards.  She does walk all over the house with it.  I'm sure she'll be cruisin' on her own really soon.

This kid is a NUT!

Sissy-bear

Everyone was just in a goofy mood, I guess.

Group hug!

Happy 1st Birthday, my sweet Natalie Danielle!  You are such a joy and blessing to our family, and we all love you so much!!!

Pictures of the kids

These are some pictures that I snapped of the kids after church.  They all cooperated really well... at the same time.  A pleasant surprise!

6 Years Old!

Talon just turned 6 years old this past week! He's so excited. He loves telling everyone that he is six, and he's gonna start school this year. It's amazing how fast kids grow. Just recently, I was looking at pictures of this tiny, 4-pound, blond-headed baby boy. 6 years ago, I couldn't even imagine what he would look like as he got bigger, and what kind of personality he would have. He is such a sweet kid. He loves people and loves to have fun. He always wants to be right where the action is, and doesn't want to miss a thing.

The day before his birthday, we went to The Original Pancake House for breakfast with Papa and Granny. He loves pancakes!

Nolan being his silly self.

I had to work the night before his birthday, so when I came home in the morning, I brought donuts.... another favorite!

Papa and Granny came over that night, and we had ice cream sundaes with all of his favorite toppings.

...and, of course, there were presents to open!

Amongst a few other things, he got a new mitt, a ball and bat set, and some new clothes.

The other kids were pretty happy with their little gifts

On Saturday, we had a small party for him with my family.

Aunt Melanie played ball with the kids in the front room. They thought that was pretty great!

He loves Mario, so I made a Bowser cake and cupcakes.

And we now have a fireman in the house!

Happy 6th Birthday, Talon Shade!