Happy Birthday Dawson!

I can't believe you are already 8! You are our firstborn bundle of joy whom we brought home with excitement mixed with fear as we learned how to take care of you physically and (are still) striving to raise you spiritually so that you may have an understanding and love of Scripture and a lifelong passion for Jesus Christ. We have enjoyed watching you grow into a smart, funloving, silly yet tenderhearted boy that just plain wears us out!! We wouldn't have it any other way.

Here is the Birthday boy with the cute little puppy cake his NaMa and PaPa brought him

NaMa and PaPa stayed for a few days and brought presents and cake and fun for Dawson's birthday. The kids get so excited to stay in the hotel with them when they come visit....that is the highlight because they get to spend lots of alone time with them.

We also had a celebration with MiMi and PaPa too but I forgot to bring my camera....as always! He had a great time celebrating with his cousin Kaitlyn who is one day younger than he is. I am also in the midst of planning a little birthday fun with a few of his friends that I will post later.

We love you Dawson!

Projects, Projects, and more Projects!

Since we moved into our home in May, we have had many projects! This is one of our major projects we are doing to the house. We tore down the existing screened in patio and had a structure for a new balcony built last week. Mark plans on completing this project himself. He really enjoys learning and doing home projects. We have finished painting the girls' and the boys' rooms but still working on last minute touches. I will post those along with the new completed balcony as we finish....which could be awhile. ;)