First comes love, then comes marriage...

We had such a great time at Spencer and Anne's wedding! It was a perfect, no-stress, wonderful day for us. I don't even know if they realized they were planning such a kid friendly event, but it was awesome. It also helps that we are reaching this new stage where all-day things like this are doable with the ages of our kids. No special baby food requirements, missing a nap... not a big deal or they fall asleep on someone's shoulder, I don't really even need to carry a diaper bag anymore! 

We loved spending time with baby Annie! 

 This blew my mind! Was Kacie really ever this small?!

The luncheon/reception were great! Yummy food, lots of great places to explore, Cold Stone ice cream. And so many aunts and uncles that there was always someone to get them more when they finished. I wonder how many cones they actually had...

But my personal favorite... was the dancing. No contest! I could have watched Caleb invite and then teach Kacie to dance all day. It was so sweet!

Great party, guys! Welcome to the family Anne :)

Bubbles for a long car ride...

 Kept both Kacie and me entertained ;)

cousin love...

We never have more fun than when we get to stay at Peter and Lisa's house! I'm so thankful for Lily, Andy and Ben who make my kids feel welcome and at home.

Six little monkeys...having lots of fun.

But I think this blurry mess captures it best.

 Girl cousins! We miss you Grace :)

Another first...

Asher's first loose tooth. Could we be at that stage already?! The other morning Ashy asked me to floss his teeth because it felt like something was stuck. With floss in hand and (happy) tears in my eyes I told him it wasn't food stuck in his teeth he was feeling... it was his very first loose tooth. Two in fact! Both bottom middle teeth are very wiggly waggly :) And we are super excited around here.

Bahahahahaha!

A whole hand old...

Asher turned 5! We had the most fun family day ever. It was great spending time with Asher, doing things that he enjoys and helping him feel extra special and loved. Asher especially loves to have the house decorated when he wakes up in the morning. It doesn't have to be fancy (thank goodness) but he gushes about it all day and usually asks to keep it up for a week or so after his birthday as well.

 Here he asked if he could take a picture of us because we were "so excited that it was his birthday" :)

 He loved what daddy put on his pancakes.

 Everyone was so thoughtful to send gifts!

Caleb was having a tough time for a bit in the morning. He was happy for Asher but also didn't really like that suddenly Asher was getting to do a few more things than he was. A phone call to his best buddy Rex and a new green Spider Man shirt helped him feel better about things :)

Sally came over with some Geod for the boys to crack open, which they loved! 

 We went swimming and for a family bike ride. We had a movie day and Asher picked the show. Then lunch at his favorite restaurant.

 Honey and Papa sent him some new Lego's! So that kept the boys busy during Kacie's nap.

As a last minute idea the night before I cut out a number 5 out of felt and stuck it to his chair. He thanked me so many times for blue 5. What a sweet boy.

Asher asked for cupcakes this year so we made a stop at the fancy bakery and everyone picked one to try. It was way too rich and way too many but we loved trying a bite of each different kind.

Asher has so many qualities that you'd think don't come until adulthood. He's so obedient and thoughtful. He's loves to save things (money, food, special treats) and especially loves to share things. He knows the rules and takes pride in following the rules. He is so quick to learn and lately he's a very good teacher. I've been telling him that he's creative. At first he didn't believe it, but now he surprises me everyday with a new creative way he solve a problem or make me laugh. He's an outstanding older brother and he has a unbelievable moral compass. We're so thankful to be part of his life! Asher Mckay, you'll always be my first baby. I love you!

Know what I still love?

Having a daughter. 

Kacie and I took these (click here) pictures 14 months earlier. I decided to take a few updated photos one bright sunday afternoon. My how she's grown! It's my daily joy to be with our little kacie noelle. She is so beautifully feminine and nurturing even at a year and a half old! She's at an age where it feels like Justin and I are almost constantly looking at each other saying "Did you see/hear that?!" She surprises us with her new words, she blows us away with her understanding, and she melts our hearts with her kindness!

I love you Sis.

p.s. some out takes...

 Good bye!