Yearly measurements

     As the tradition stands, every 6 months we measure these kiddo's and make their official mark noted on the board in the basement.  Ben of course is grinning since he seems to be about an inch ahead of Kate each and every time at the corresponding age.  The day that he catches up to her and even passes her is not too far away I am afraid.

 and Kate of course is grinning because she knows that each and every day, she is getting closer and closer to catching ME!!!!  YIKES!!!

The bottom line.....THESE KIDS ARE GROWING UP WAY TOO FAST!!!

Happy 9th Birthday Ben

 



 very excited about his new football gloves

 

 browsing thru some new football cards from Kate

lego's YEAH!!

 cool new shades from Aunt Nicki

Birthday cake -- just as he ordered (no words, #9, candles or singing....JUST CAKE Mom (-:

Happy Birthday Ben -- my sweet & special boy!  Ben woke very excited about his day, loved opening his gifts, having donuts with friends, and taking his 60+ oreo truffles to school ( are you beginning to see the theme here???  )

He loved all of his letters, packages, phonecalls, & special birthday wishes that he received this week -- thank you all so much for thinking of him!  However, he did not want any special "celebrating" that focused on him. SO his wish was granted (-;  He did choose our location for dining out for dinner (chick-filet) that night and we were very excited that papa and nanny Suhr came over for the weekend too. 

What an amazing 9 years it has been since God blessed us with you that special October morning Benjamin Douglas -- we love watching you grow and change each and every day!  Love you -- XOXOX ~~~ Mom

Football Birthday party - Kate

 the morning after celebration/sleepover complete with Gramma's cinnamon rolls and hashbrown casserole (made by Aunt Lynne -- special birthday treat for Kate ) -- Joey, Ben, & Kate -- YUMMY!!!

 Aunt Lynne, Kate and Uncle Jeff (hosts of the birthday party weekend)

 a birthday smooch!

Kate with her 2 of her favorite players -- cousins Drew #18 (senior) and Jack #13 (sophomore)

Football Friday night = 12th Birthday party



 the birthday chair -- for the SUPER FAN!

 very excited about her packers t-shirt

and her new goalie gloves

 special sign made by Aunt Lynne

 delicious cake made by gramma with Kate's current activities highlighted

May all of your wishes come true my sweet girl!  XOXO --- we love you Kate!

 Months before her special day, Kate had been planning for her birthday. She knew that it would be falling on a friday night, and that her cousins had a home football game. So with some discussions and help from family, she got exactly what she wanted. A party and her football friday night!  This fall, Doug and Kate have been going to games each week and it has been such a special time for both of them (so many wonderful memories made).

She is 100% her father's daughter, meaning, such a sports NUT and everyone in the stands knows her. Last year she acquired the nickname of "Superfan" and she is proud to wear it - literally (as depicted on her t-shirt) (-;  We had a pizza party before, cake and icecream after and then a sleepover at Lynne and Jeff's -- what a wonderful time we all had!

Thanks to everyone that helped make this time so special for Kate.  Not only those who were able to celebrate with her this weekend, but for all of you that called, sang songs, left special messages, sent notes. cards, etc.,. much appreciated!

May God bless you with many more birthday's Kate, I love you and thank-God for giving us the most amazin 5#7oz. little pink bundle on that special October day~~Mom



Happy 12th birthday Kate!!!

 

 Good Morning Birthday girl !!!

the official "gift"

 Happy Birthday my sweet Miss Kate....what a fun weekend of celebrating your special day you had! You woke that day with such excitement for opening your gifts, celebrating with family, birthday donuts with friends, and the biggest smile on your face.  As your Mom, I must admit, the best part was when you told your brother Ben (after he explained to you that he did not have a gift for you (-;  ) that all that you wanted from him was a HUG.......and HE DID IT!  That as awesome!  For most of you reading this, you may not understand the significance of this event, but Ben does not feel that "giving" his older sister a hug is something he dreams of doing each and every day, SO that is why this birthday treat was even more special. And I think that Kate soaked up each and every second of it.  I would not be surprised if we see this tactic used again in the future.

After breakfast, the birthday girl was off to school, excited to share the 60+ oreo truffles that we made for treats, and to start the countdown until her "football friday night party" began.

slowly catching up

Hey there all of you blog followers, I am slowly trying to catch up! Make sure you are looking back on the months prior....there have been a few additions.....thanks for your patience!

Labor Day weekend

We decided to "head west" over our long weekend to visit my sister Nicki and her family. Labor Day is marked in history, beginning in 1894, as a day for us to remember to pay tribute to the workers who have made America what it is today (those who have worked long hours, poor conditions, underpaid, etc.,.)
It was also the kick off to Husker football season so we planned that perfectly.  Who wouldn't want to be driving thru Big Red country on game day right??  I LOVE IT!!! 
The girls planned a shopping trip to get us Iowa residents some new Husker shirts (for some reason, it is not easy finding cool Nebraska gear here....????)  Nicki, Kate and I had so much fun.  That evening we all enjoyed a football party complete with delicious snacks. Sunday afternoon we went out to the fair, explored various barns, exhibits, etc.,. and the kids voted to go home and "play" after about 3 hours so they did pretty good.  Doug and David spend the afternoon golfing with friends.  Monday morning comes too fast for us every year when we plan this time together )-; 

 Modeling our new shirts

The backyard baseball gang: Kate, Ben, Jon & and Wil (cousins)

Even though Kate is the only girl, she plays tough!  Here she is, beating them all at backyard baseball...way to go Sis!

Thanks you guys for a great weekend!  We had a blast and can't wait to see you all again soon -- we love you!!!