A Whole Hand Old

Birthday morning! They were so excited for their birthday this year and it was a long countdown to the big day. They of course got up early so they did their presents with out Colt and Ellie around.

This was a big birthday, they are now officially a whole hand old! They have been excited about that since Hannah told them about it!

We're 5!! Mom can't believe it!

I had to make sure I had more streamers up this year because last year I only had them in one spot and they said "where's all the decorations?" 5 years, I finally got it right this time. Rachel told me "this was a lot of work you did last night!"

Traditional birthday windows, thanks for the great tradition Grammy!

Exploring some of their new gifts! Make up was the favorite gift of the day and they did their makeup 5 times that day. We were going to head to the zoo for the day but as I was packing up Colt threw up. So we cancelled the trip and much to the girls dismay, spent the day at home. He was fine right after and didn't do it again, oh well.

Rachel's all time favorites, Polly Pockets. They got some barbies, and Livy got a dinosaur matchbox racetrack and Rachel got a Justin Bieber barbie sized doll. And we heard 'baby, baby, baby, oh, baby, baby, baby, oooh" sung all day long!

First makeup job! I love how they put the eyeshadow right on their eye brows!

Very serious.

Colt wanted in on the makeup too so he got a chap stick he rubbed all over the bottom of his face.....

as he checked out a lizard.

We made cupcakes and decorated them and than sang and lit candles over and over again.

They even let little buddy have a candle!

We went to their favorite Chinese restaurant for dinner and had a fun family night. Happy 5th birthday Livy and Rachel! We love you guys so much and are so proud of you. You are both wonderful big sisters and I am so grateful for you! I love both of you!

Visitors from both Coasts!

Just before Valentine's Day Mom, Dad, Hannah, Rich, Erin, and Zeke came out to visit us. Each time I wish more and more that we could all live near each other and have our kids grow up pretty much as siblings like we got to with the Rathgebers. It is just beginning but it is still great to see them all together.

I don't generally think these two look too much alike but in this picture they have pretty similar features.

Pebbles on spit up patrol. Lucky for me she loves spit up.

Zekey enjoying the life of a dog.

Wrestling match. Eric vs. all the kids. They always love that.

The girls loved playing with Zeke and following him around. This was the first time we saw him walking and it was just too cute! I can't believe he is so old already!

Bath time for the three youngest. Zeke is a ham for the camera.

And Ellie is just trying to survive.

Nerf gun fights!! We all had so much fun and laughed a lot. The kids were moving targets who would tell us how many points they were worth. Colt was the bullets collector and he would yell "Give me more bullets!" And Hannah became target practice on the window.

Another fun time at bouncin' bears!

Grammy taking on the slide.

Poppy giving the kids a good bounce!

Dad getting some air with Han.

Story time with Grammy. So spoiled by all the attention. They love doing just about anything with Gram and Pop.

The two boys sticking together and entertaining each other.

The gang!

The Psillos Cousins so far.....

Thanks for coming and for another great time. Building memories, but thank goodness for pictures!

We lost a friend that weekend while everyone was visiting.

It was a tragic and unexpected loss and we will truly miss you Chelsea.