The Invasion Begins

So it started with an innocent little sit on Daddy's lap overlooking the train table... Daddy thought little brother might like to stand up and hold on to something...

Train loving big brother appeared quickly while little brother explored this new world...

"Hmm, this IS a new world!" thought little brother excitedly...

"No, that's not for you!" big brother objected. "It's OK," Daddy assured ...

"This is great! I feel like a man now, " little brother said. (Well, actually he said, "Ah-ga-ga-bah!" I'm giving you the translation.)

"No, no, no!" protested big brother.

"He can play with something else!!"

Then came the tears. And it was time ...

for little brother to go back on Daddy's lap...

but the invasion has begun.
Uh-oh. It has begun.

Cedar Point

We enjoyed a day at Cedar Point on Hyland recently, and what a day it was! Beautiful weather and great company! We spent the morning and afternoon with the Reeds and had such fun taking our kids around on the kiddie rides. Tim and I decided to make the most of our tickets and hang out as long as the boys would stand. Amazingly, we made it until the park closed at 8pm! It was a fun day we'll remember for a long time!

Friends & Future Playmates

In early April I was blessed to have two good friends, Erin & Jenn, over for a visit. We had so much to catch up on - weddings, births, new homes, and then just the usual stuff. Despite the big changes we've all experienced in recent months, it was as if no time had passed. I think back to how our friendship began and where we are now; I'm amazed at God's goodness and all that He has blessed us with - not the least of which is each other!


We took some photos of our newest additions - Jenn's daughter Allie (born in January 2010) and my Nathan (born in October 2009).

Jenn and Allie came over again in May. Allie enjoyed playing in an exersaucer for the first time.

Last Day of Preschool!

Matthew enjoyed going to preschool on Tuesdays throughout the 2009-2010 school year. On the last day the kids put on a short program. I took video of most of it, but I'll share a few pictures here. It was cute to see their performance. I must say, many of the kids stood there with the deer in the headlights look - no doubt, due to the number of parents and grandparents in the audience. Matthew, however, seems quite energized by a crowd. He performed with the utmost enthusiasm. He also gave everyone a good picture of what my 4 year old little guy is really like when, right in the middle of a song, he walked off and appearantly felt he needed to take a look out the window. Yep, he's THAT kid! And I love him so!

He ended the year with a big thank you and a hug for his teacher! What a cutie!

Four!!!

No, this post is not about golf! :) Guess who's having a birthday! Wow, 4 sounds pretty old, but it's true Matthew is now four years old! Of course, our train crazy kiddo wanted a train cake (again). Since Gordon is #4, he was the character that Matthew chose. (Same color as Thomas, but a bigger train with a coal tender -- which worked out great for me since I bought all the coloring to make Thomas last year.) After a couple hours of me sitting at the kitchen counter decorating Gordon, Matthew came up out of the blue with sweet sincerity and said, "Mom, thank you for making this cake for me." As far as I know, no one prompted him to do such a thing. He sure melts my heart, my precious little Matthew!

It was a small party - just family and the Stahnke's (like family!). It was a special treat to have my grandpa in attendance since he has not been getting out too much after grandma's passing last year. We had dinner, presents, a video quiz, and some simple games for the kids. Once again, another party and I feel like I did not capture it very well on camera because I was too busy doing other things. And once again, it would've never come all together with out the help of my wonderful in-laws --- Thank you, thank Mom and Dad Lehr!!! Here are a few photos to remember the big day.

Matthew, it is a joy to be your mom. Your dad and I love you so much, you just can't possibly know! We thank God for the opportunity we have to love you and raise you for His glory!

Happy 4th Birthday, son! (And many more!!)