GREAT TO BE EIGHT

Where does the time go. It seems like just yesterday that Adam and I were sitting in the hospital holding Nicholas and wondering how on earth are we going to take care of two kids. Nicholas turned eight on July 28, 2008.

Nick wanted a Army cake with a battle ground. Notice the blood
on the enemies.

Partying with his cousins

We busted out the water slide!

When he turns 28, it will be July 28, 2028. How cool is that for a birthday date!!

Nicholas brings so much joy and laughter into our home. He makes us long for the energy that he exhorts on a hourly, daily basis. He hits the ground running from sun up to sun down. One of the greatest qualities that Nick has is he is very thoughtful. While shopping at Target, he will pass certain things and comment on which of his friends or cousins would like this or that. He would buy everything in sight for them if I would let him. He is also your biggest fan! While Matthew was playing baseball he would constantly be cheering for his older brother and when Matthew wasn't pitching he would be telling me that Matthew should be in because he thinks that he is the best at everything. We can learn a lot about kindness from Nick. On the side of laughter this is something funny he said, "I can not wait to turn eight!!! I get to get baptized! I get to go to Cub Scouts and I get to learn where a baby comes from!! " We have conquered two of the three and we are not looking forward to the third. We have a feeling that this time might not go as smooth as the last!!:)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATTHEW!!!

It is absolutely crazy to think that our baby Matthew is now 11 years old. Time seems to be flying by. Just yesterday we were holding our sweet baby in the hospital wondering how on earth we were going to raise this precious child. 11 years later, we are in awe as we witness the transformation from little boy to an amazing young man. We were in California over his birthday and he shares the same birthday as his little buddy Mason Ogden. .

Matthew and Masons Birthday Doughnuts

Kalvin is our nephew and Matthews best friend. It has become our family tradition to bring him along on one of our family vacations each year! Matthew and him have been the best of friends since birth and they don't plan on anything ever changing.

Mason and Matthew sported matching shirts on their birthdays! Mason worships the ground that Matthew walks on and Matthew just loves Mason. He is very sweet with him and makes sure that he pays special attention to his bud.

Matthew and Kalvin

Matthew is very kind and he brings a calming spirit where ever he goes. From a very young age he has always been dedicated to whatever he is involved in. Whether it be school work, sports, chores or friends, he always does his best. Not many boys wont complain as they push the push mower on the wet grass in 100 degree weather. Not Matthew. He willingly serves, strives to do his best and is an inspiration to our family to do our best.

We love him very much and can not imagine our family without him. Happy 11th Birthday Matthew!!