Happy Birthday Hayden

7 years old. I can't believe it. One more year until he is baptized and he is already talking about it and can't wait. This has been a challenging year for him with Daddy being gone all the time and his Celiac diagnosis. I have to say I am so proud of how he has handled both.

His party was crazy, a little too crazy actually, we will tone it down a little next year. He was spoiled with friends, family, and presents, but hey what is a birthday without a little spoiling.

He had almost every one he invited come and we had meat sandwiches, chips, and of course cake and ice cream.

We actually had a pinata too, but for some reason I didn't get any pictures. His party was Pokemon this year, he is so into Pokemon and says when he grows up he wants to be a scientist so he can make a watch that can turn him into a Pokemon.

He got some really interesting presents, including a big dragon with Hiccup from How to Train a Dragon, some Ben 10 things, a air hog, a cool 3D puzzle that is a globe and more. Like I said spoiled.

Friends.

More cute friends.

Cake and ice cream.

Some free play time.

Cute Birthday Boy!

Hayden wanted cupcakes this year, because I found a gluten free recipe that he likes. So I printed off a bunch of pictures of pokemon characters and taped them to toothpicks for cupcake toppers. He was happy so so was I. We love you Hayden. I told him I was really sad at how big he was getting and I wasn't just playing I was having to control my emotions. And he said "don't worry Mommy when I'm big I'll come back and visit." Unfortunately that didn't make me feel better it made me want to cry even more. I'm so proud of who he is becoming and so happy he is growing and getting big, but I would be lying if I said it didn't also make me sad.

Santa Chase

My parents, I guess, couldn't resist this outfit for Chase. They love him almost as much as we do. I told them now they have a Granddog.

Happy Halloween

Hayden is Iron Man, Coy is a dinosaur, and Grady is Spider-Man.

Pumpkin Carving

The tradition lives on.

Coy picked the witch.

Hayden picked the monster, again.

And Grady picked the cat. I off course finished them, but they get better and better every year.

Meet Chase!

So here goes the story. Travis called about the beginning of October and says "hey one of my co-workers is selling some pugs and their way cute do you want one?"

To which my response was "no way no how, forget it. When we get a dog it will be hypoallergenic and Hayden will be 10."

Travis comes home a week later and at the bottom of his basket I find a picture of 5 of the most adorable pug puppies I have ever seen. My lecture to myself was "be strong Shannon, NO DOGS!!!!"

Two hours later, I confess I couldn't stop thinking about the adorable apricot colored pug in the picture and told Travis "so you killing me with this picture." He reveals his master plan and says "I know that's why I brought it, just do some research Shannon."

OK what could a little typing hurt, apparently it can seal a deal because I learned that pugs are a low maintenance dog. They don't require a lot of exercise, they don't get very big, they are good with kids, and they are sturdy, and all around friendly.

I find the personality traits in a dog I have been searching for.

We find out they are available the Thursday before Halloween. We tried to keep the kids up the night Travis came home with him, but they all passed out. So these are pictures of them half awake the next morning trying to figure out what was happening.

Coy and Hayden both said he's to keep? They thought we were dog sitting or something. They still thank me, and tell me it was the best surprise ever and love Chase so much.

I adore him as well. He is a perfect fit for our family. I have never been attached to an animal like this before and am so happy we have our new addition to the family.

Cider Fest

Thanks to my girl Amy, who watched Grady, I was able to go with Coy to his first field trip.

Play-doh, some of the best home made I have ever seen.

Face painting, Coy got a pumpkin.

Learning how to mold chocolate. This was really cool they showed us how to make a rose and then let the kids play.

Eating our sugar cookies.

Learning how to toss the food for a good saute.

Learning how to make home made applesauce with a food mill.

Trying different types of apples. Dough for cinnamon rolls.

Trying to peel the dough off his hands.

We got there a little early so we took the kids out to the track and they all started running. Coy did three laps. It was such a fun time. They also learned how to make cider, peel carrots, and zest oranges. I was so happy to be able to be there with him.

All I Want for Christmas.....

A few days later I could not longer call him snaggle tooth. I did however sing him the the Christmas song a few hundred times.