Porter 4 year pictures, Olivia 6 months

GUESS WHO'S 4...

PORTER-MAN

Our little Buster turned 4 years old today. Like I've said before, it's gone by sooo fast. Here are some things about Porter you may not know or have forgotten about Porter.

He has always been a snuggler.

When he was a baby, he had to sleep wrapped up super tight.

He has always tried to be independent in doing things on his own.

Right before we left Iowa, he and Logan made hand prints that were put around a much loved play area.

He's been to the John Deere headquarter's, and I highly recommend it if you have a tractor lover in your family.
He hasn't stopped eating since the day he was born.


He has had glasses since he was a year old and has had 2 eye surgeries.
He was a BEAR to potty train.
If you mention anything about him or his stuff being babyish he'll come at you like a spider monkey.
He is the hardest kid to say "no" to.
He is always willing and wanting to share, especially with his brother (Logan).

He had his first friend birthday party yesterday, and it was a blast. He just invited some church friends, and he was so excited that they all came to celebrate his special day.

The weather wasn't very cooperative for the first little while, so we played some games down in the basement. Luckily it cleared up and got really hot for a little inflatable pool party.

This year we're starting a new tradition. On our kid's birthday, they get to go out to dinner with just Brandon and I. They get to pick wherever they want to go. He picked Red Robin (really we were crossing our fingers he wouldn't pick McDonalds. Luckily, he didn't.) Then afterwards we went and picked out a new bike just for him. Now he doesn't have to ride his little tricycle anymore. It's been such a fun weekend celebrating our little man. Life just wouldn't be as fun if Porter wasn't in our family. We're so grateful for him and the joy and excitement he brings to our family.

6 Months Old

Yes, like I've said many times, time is going too fast. Olivia is actually 6 1/2 months now but I never did an update. Olivia is such a sweet and pleasant little girl. Even when she's crying she'll try to smile at you through her tears.

She is a complete and total Momma's girl and I absolutely love it. My boys never favored me over Brandon so I'll enjoy it while I can.
When she is crying she makes the M sound and will say "MMOMM". When we got back from Utah she did this and Brandon was like, "why didn't you tell me she was saying mom?" I don't think it refrences to me yet.

She is a very social baby and loves to catch people's eye. She'll stare at you until you meet her eyes and then she'll grin from ear to ear.

She is eating jar foods and with this has come an impatient side to her. If she's liking the food she sits and "pants" with her mouth open if you're not feeding her fast enough.

This girl is so sweet and soooo cute. I honestly just can't get enough of her. We are so happy she's in our family.

Since we've been back...

Olivia has been on jar food and absolutely loves her carrotts and sweet potato's.

Logan has started t-ball. He loves it and that's all that matter's right?!

Really it's a great little league. Everyone gets to hit the ball and the coaches are REALLY patient with the kids.

This is probably his favorite thing to do while out in the field.

He got a baseball hat and he thinks it's the coolest! He loves to wear it and as you can see from this picture, pose with it.

We are getting back into our groove slowly but surely. It's actually really slow.

I'm turning into the...

Crazy Box Lady

All because this guy is turning 4
Yes I am that lady who when I enter a store these days looks for empty boxes that will turn into good box cars for my little man's birthday party. Tonight I saw some good boxes at the store and emptied the kleenexes out of them and snagged them. Now here's hoping that my party plan works out.

Finally figured it out!

A few weeks ago, while I was in Utah Olivia had a TERRIBLE night. I think she slept like a 1/2 hour unless she was being held by me. I KNEW that she had an ear infection, so I called Brandon and he got a buddy to call in an antibiotic for her. There was the warning that it would cause diarreha, and had to give it to her 2 times a day, blah, blah, blah! So I thought well if she sleeps tonight I won't give it to her, we're on vacation. So of course she slept that night and life went on. Fast forward to last week while we were in New York. Her eyes started weeping to the point that they were sealed shut every morning with goobers. So today I finally took her into the doctor and what was the diagnosis... EAR INFECTIONS in both ears. The doctor was shocked that she hasn't been super fussy and no other problems. So the point of this, always go with your first instinct on things.

I'm Back!!

After a FUN-FILLED month we are back at home and recovering from our month of fun. We drove back to Michigan last weekend with my mom and sister and her family, and stayed a few days. Then we headed up to New York and went to Niagra Falls, and Palmyra and did the Hill Cumorah pageant. On our way home we stopped off in Kirtland and saw a few things. To say the least I'm a little exhausted! It was such a fun month, but like with all things it's good to come back to my regular life. Here's a few pictures of all the excitement, okay so maybe more than a few, and not in order:)
We went to the Hill Cumorah Pageant on their dress rehearsal night and it was wonderful. My kids and my sisters kids all were able to talk to all of the actors and actresses that they wanted to. Here they are with Alma.

Logan and Madi walking through the sacred grove. I think their favorite part of this was the wild rasberries that we found as we were walking.

Sacred grove

Walking up the Hill Cumorah, it was pretty steep too.

At the top of the hill.

Niagra Falls, New York side

We did the Maid of the Mist and it was so much fun to go right up to the falls. We all got drenched. Olivia hated the poncho on her but loved licking the water off of mine.

Before we left Utah we were able to see Grandma Hanzon and took the opportunity to get a photo with the great grand kids.

When we got back to Michigan before we left for New York Olivia FINALLY cut her first tooth. I say finally because I've thought it was coming probably the last 2 months, she was a trooper while getting it.

At Metro Beach with my neices and nephew. I love that my kids love their cousins so much. It's so much fun to get them together and makes me sad that it will be a while before we can do it again.

While in Utah I was able to get together with my friends from high school. Love those girls!

We also took family pictures with Brandon's family before we left. The entire group didn't work out super good, but these are some of my favorites. I swear Logan can't pull a normal face though.