It's Birthday Time!

Look Who Turned 9 today!

We love this wonderful boy...so lucky to be his Mom and Dad.

Since he was a baby he is a go-getter!  We called him the go go baby..because he was always ready for anything and excited to get in on whatever came his way.  He is a practically perfect student and is a good friend to others.  He and Michael are best buds and I hope that is how it will always be.  

For our birthdays, we always start out with a birthday breakfast.  Jacob chose waffles, cinnamon cream syrup, scrambled eggs, bacon and juice.  Mighty fine choice if you ask me!

For Jacob's birthday dinner he chose fried chicken and potatoe wedges.  He invited his good friend Keller to join us for his birthday celebration.  

At birthday dinners it is tradition that everyone say one or two things they appreciate or admire about the birthday person.  Some of those things were:  "I love Jacob's determination and drive to excel and do his  best."  "Jacob is fun to be around.  He makes me laugh."  "Jacob is competitive and into sports like me and I like that."  "I admire Jacob's tenacity.  He doesn't quit and works hard."    

Time to open presents.  That is a happy face!

One of our traditions is that everyone gives the birthday person a gift, small or large, but something they know will make the birthday person happy and feel loved.  This is a birthday gift and Jacob was so thrilled!  Brother gifts are the best.  Jonathan knew Jacob would be really excited to get this and he was right. 

This is the cool crocodile that Michael gave.

This is some silly stuff that made everyone laugh.  It is similar to a whoopy cushion. It is this goop that when squeezed it makes a disgusting noise...you get the picture.   Oh my......  I just hang my head .... (and giggle)  can't help it.  Everyone was busting a gut.

The Big Bro hanging out...

Jacob was so excited to get some Heelys!!!  

This was the present he had been waiting for..... ta dah... a scooter!!!  He has only been mentioning this to me about evey day for the past month.  What nine year old boy can live without a scooter?   He was pretty dang excited to get this... and immediately tried it out.

Yahoo!!  

Time to race around the circle.... and around and around...  

This time with his buddy Keller running beside him.  Could a birthday boy be happier?  

Cake !  This cake has become a favorite.  Everyone has asked for this cake since I first served it a year ago on Jacob's birthday.  It is an icecream sandwich cake.  It is easy to make and these boys just inhale it.  

Is that one happy boy or what?  I can't believe he is nine!!!  Slow down... whoa...  

We love you Jacob!  So glad you are our's.  

The three musketeers... Keller Wilhite, our next door neighbor and other brother, and Michael.  

Happy Birthday Jacob!  Wow wow wow!  And here's to another great year with adventures, a lot of growth and everything that is good.  

The Wedding...Part 2

Four years ago, Evan and Tonya met.  Since then, they have both served missions; Evan in Portugal and Tonya in Paris, France.  They wrote to each other during that time and then picked up where they left off when Tonya returned home last summer.  They are a special couple and will have a wonderful life together.  

A great thought......   for these two who have prepared so well for this marriage.  

The Cousins!  How quickly they are all growing up! 

At the end of the reception we had a dance and man oh man, does this family love dancing together!  

Lynn and Ryan having a "family dance." 

Gayle and her son the groom...

Groovin' to the music...

I didn't take enough pictures of this fun event...because I guess I was too busy dancin!   I wish I would have gotten a picture of Steve and I... we had such fun.  

Katie, Cathy and Chris....  

Sweet....   

Aren't they just funny!?

One of the best things about wedding receptions is visiting with old friends.  Carleen O'Keefe is a dear family friend.  

After the wedding, Richard and Gayle hosted a wonderful wedding dinner.. 

The new Mr. and Mrs. Evan Crowley!

The Aunts and Uncles table -Crowley side

More Aunts, and sisters of the groom table

The "Cuz" table....

Sisters of the Bride, Friends and family of the Bride.  

Friends and Family of the Bride.  

Best wishes to the Bride and Groom!     Today they are off on a cruise somewhere south .. Caribbean, Mexican Riviera...I am not so sure.  But, I am sure they are having fun.  Congratulations Evan and Tonya!  

The Wedding....Part 1

Evan and Tonya were married on April 10th at 10 am in 2010, in the Twin Falls Temple.   How's that?!  Well, I would rate that as a 10 kind of way to start a life together!  

The Beautiful Bride....

They were married here....

And celebrated here....

Tonya served a mission in Paris, France.  And her reception was decorated like a spring day in Paris.  Tulips, baskets, everything French... I loved it.    

  

Evan's best men, Tonya's sister Rachel, and Evan's sister Danae.  

Great food. Yum.  Let us start off with cheese fondue, served with bread cubes.  A vegetable platter. 

Four different kinds of mini quiche.  Shrimp, bacon and cheese, dill herb, and spinach. 

Different kinds of fruit, cheeses, crackers and cheese spread.

My darling sister Lynette, Michael and Alyssa

Crepes came next with many choices of fillings.  Vanilla mousse, nutella, bananas, almonds, yogurt, stawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and more.  Chocolate dipped strawberries, and coconut macroons.  So yummy.  

Father and Bride dance....  

Evan and Tonya's first dance...

Then the groom's parents joined in...

Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Evan and Tonya Crowley.  Evan is the first grandchild on the Crowley side to get married so it was pretty exciting.  

I will write more LATER...   about this splendid event...

Lunch Date With Mom

Every once in awhile I steal away  one of my kiddos from school and take them on a lunch date.  Today it was Jacob's turn.  He chose I-Hop for lunch.  

That is one cute third grader.  I love third grader smiles.  Don't you?   And I love this age.  And I enjoy grabbing one on one time here and there with each of my boys.   (Scotty was at preschool)    

Way to Go Michael!

Michael was chosen to be Silver Mesa's Citizen of the Month!  

His teacher wrote, "Michael is respectful and kind to others.  He is responsible and follows the school rules.  He is a very bright student , a quiet worker and a good friend.  He is talented in music.  He has a fun personality and a contagious smile.  I enjoy having him in my class."  Mrs. Deem

Are we proud of this boy?  Oh yes, we are!  

Congratulations Michael!!!