The PARTY!

Sat. was such a wonderful crazy, busy day. We cleaned, we baked, we decorated cakes and then the party began. I didn't get all the pictures I wanted- like one of all my kids or of all the kids who came to the party. Oh well, what can I say I did the best I could. We had around 20 kids + parents! Lot's of girls and a few brothers to keep Gavin very happy. Happy Birthday Avalyn and Cambria, it was a wonderful day!

We gave the girls their presents in the morning. A new baby stroller and a huge Tinkerbell tent for the basement! They both loved it- don't know why I didn't take a picture of Avalyn in it, but Cambria jumped right in and I grabbed the camera!

such a happy girl!

Opening present- She LOVED all her wonderful gifts from all our wonderful friends!

Finally up from her nap and ready to party! She loved all the balloons and of course chewing on the foam stickers on the hats!

Dressed up and ready for cake!

Kyle and I made the cakes!

we thought this little Barbie (Kelly) looked like Cambria, if only I could have figured out how to put glasses on her

Avalyn was so proud of her Princess Barbie cake- definitely worth all that work.

Cambria was too excited about the balloons to be in a picture with her cake, she did seem to be trying to sing Happy Birthday while everyone else was singing!

Blowing out the candles

The cake stayed together! We were quite impressed with how well it stayed up after being cut opened. I had made up the recipe for the chocolate filling and it actually worked out well!

Cambria wanted nothing to do with her cake, wouldn't even touch it- don't worry I figured this would happen and it didn't go flying off her tray to the floor.

Cambria finally opened a present! I looked over to see her pulling this dragon out of the bag! We will work on wrapping paper next year.

checking out her cookie monster doll

Ainsley slept through much of the party, giving Mommy and Daddy one less thing to worry about, but she did wake up at the end to say bye to everyone and check out the new toys!

Avalyn is 4!!!!

Avalyn Rose
4 Years ago on Jan. 23 this little spunky girl entered our world and we have been so blessed to have her as a part of our family. I've been saying she's 4 for awhile now (don't worry I usually correct myself), just because she acts so much older than she is (most of the time). She is a wonderful BIG sister and loves being the BIG sister. She takes care of her little sisters and does her best to play with them, even if they don't want that. I am amazed at her patients with Cambria and am so proud when she is able to teach something to her- she taught her how to share, by giving her a new toy in exchange for the one she has (Cambria's speech therapist was quite impressed when Cambria did this at therapy last week- Avalyn wasn't there). Avalyn is ALL GIRL, she loves dressing up, dolls, dancing and pretty much anything girly. She is a very creative little spirit and we are constantly amazed at what she comes up with- usually dealing with clothes (on herself and her dolls and stuffed animals). Avalyn loves her friends and loves to interact with other kids. She loves her big brother and never gets tired of being with him- not sure he feels the same way sometimes, but they definitely have a very special bond. She has no problems talking about (or playing) Star Wars or Transformers- there is usually the addition of a princess in it all. Avalyn has become a leader at her Parent's Day Out (PDO) class, they say it is a good thing. She loves "play school" (PDO), her dance class, and one of her new activities gymnastics. This little girl has so many interest and loves trying new things, only God knows what she will accomplish in life. She is a strong, independent little girl and I pray she continues to grow into a wonderful Godly girl! WE LOVE YOU!!!

Avalyn and her best friends Gavin and Sidney!

Cambria is 2!!

Cambria Faith


Wow! Cambria is 2! It has been 2 wonderful years! She is such a blessing and I couldn't imagine life without her. She brings such joy to this family. Cambria is slowly progressing everyday and we are amazed at her ability to adapt to her surroundings with her poor vision. She doesn't let anything get in her way, she is determined, independent and resilient. Cambria is quiet and content to just be left alone to explore and study everything around her. She LOVES to play with her toys, something is always in her little hands. There are plenty of hugs for Mommy and she absolutely loves to play with her Daddy. About 2 months ago she figured out that the word "Dada" (her 1st word, she been saying for 6months) was an actual person, who she loves so much. Her favorite thing to do is to go up to him and say "Dada" and then Kyle replies with "Dada Loves You" and she jumps up and down, smiles really big and says "Dada" over and over. She has begun to repeat a few words, Hi, Bye, Momma, e-ah (for Cambria), and ba (for ball, book and pretty much everything she doesn't want to try to say). Communication is slowly progressing, but she does love to "hum" (more like "uh") Twinkle Twinkle- she did that on her own. She loves music- show tunes (the Glee soundtrack) and her shows, the Backyardigans, Elmo, Yo Gabba Gabba. Even though her vision hasn't improved over the last year, she doesn't let it stop her from doing much and her sensory issues have improved so much. She loves spinning in circles and she allows us to slowly lift her in the air, she has mastered the stairs on her stomach and is climbing cautiously everywhere, still terrified of elevators but does allow us to carry her up and down the stairs without freaking out (most of the time). Eating is a whole other issue that we continue to pray about and work through- still no table foods, just stage 2 baby food and not showing any desire to feed herself. We have begun speech therapy and continue visual and occupational (feeding) and look forward to seeing much progress over the next year. It has been a busy 2 years and we have learned so much from this little sweet heart! We LOVE YOU so much Cambria!

Cambria had a wonderful day at mother's day out- she loves it there- they gave her a sweet little kitty for her Birthday (they also made her a hat, but she would have nothing to do with that).


If Cambria likes something she puts it up against her chin- she was really excited about this new little squeeky toy!


Cars from Grandma and Grandpa (in Arizona) arrived today!

Hadley's 16th Birthday Party

We had so much fun helping with Hadley's 16th Birthday Party. I was so excited that we were going to be in town for it and it was a great party. My sister Christine has always been really good at throwing parties- someday we will hopefully live close enough that she can help with my children's party.. Great time! We are so proud of you Hadley!