Caden's Golden Birthday!!

Caden's birthday was June 9th.  He typically has a "friends" party, but this year my sister Tricia and her family just happen to be in town for the week on Caden's birthday.  So he asked if he could have his girl cousins over for his party.  So I decided to invite the entire Gutwein family to come have a day of fun in the sun and then eat dinner at our place and have a small party for Caden.  He chose the Despicable Me theme.

 Made up some napkins/silverware combo.  Then made a banner to hang up.

 Decorated the tables to be minions and made some little minion people to put onto the tables.

Saw this on pintrest and made little minion vases.  

Jerry and Jancie Gutwein's Grandkids!!

 Then I decided to asks my parents if they wanted to rent this slide for the family:).  Of course they were happy to and wow did we every have fun!!  The adults of course joined in the fun and we had obstacle course races, we had timed races and we had two people head on races.  Lots of tackling, fighting, and even a few injuries:(.  How are you feeling tricia???  Thanks to mom and dad for a fun fun time!!!  We all LOVED it.

 Then it was time to head in for dinner.  Loaded (anything and everything you can imagine) haystacks and fresh fruit.

 Kids tables filled with little kiddos and basement table had the older kiddos.

 Caden opening his cards.  He asked for money this year.  Had plans to purchase a new ipod touch, but then found out his brother wanted to sell his, so he bought Elijah's used Ipod touch.  Now he has money left over to spend elsewhere.

 I made a half sheet cake minion for him.  I think he was happy with the end results.

 Happy GOLDEN 9th birthday Caden!!!!  We love you so very much!!

Happy 12th Birthday!!

I realize this post is way over due!!  Elijah turned 12 on May 11th, but we did not have a party for him until May 31st.  He wanted to wait until school was out for the year.  He decided to have just a couple friends over and go bowling, then out for pizza and back to our house for a slumber party.  So he invited his cousin Avery and his really good friend Ethan.

All ready to bowl!!  Played two games.  Avery won the first game and Elijah the second game.

After a few pointers from Nick, Avery was ready to bowl.  He hadn't bowled since he was 5 yrs old I think.

 No pictures at pizza hut, but then we came home.  Elijah opening his gifts.  He got a water gun from Ethan and candy/gift card to Barnes and Noble from Avery.

 Cake Time!!  I gave Elijah many different options and recipes to look at and even a few cookbooks to look through to find what cake he wanted.  This is the cake he chose.  A three layered Salted Caramel Cake.

Enjoying the cake and ice cream.

Thanks Avery and Ethan for coming over and making Elijah's birthday extra special.  You two are very dear friends of his and we are so thankful he has friends like you!!

We love you Elijah and continue to pray you keep Christ in the center of your life and lean on HIM when times get tough.  Happy 12th Birthday!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday!!

April 23rd was Ellie's 2nd Birthday......wow, she is 2 years old already.  Time keeps ticking, thats for sure.

I decided to do a polka dot theme'd party in Pink, Turquoise, Purple and Lime Green.

 We had both Gutwein's and Waibel's here for her celebration.  Lots of great food was brought by everyone.  I had made Chicken Salad Croissants as the main dish.

 Ellie got to go first thru the line.  She is ready to eat:)

Kids Table

Adult Table (plus Ellie decided to eat aunt Raquel's food)

 Gift time....she was old enough to open her own gifts which is always nice.  Yes, it takes a bit longer but it is fun to watch them get excited.

 She got a baby doll from my parents.  Her first doll and she was elated!!  She carries that baby around and gives it a bottle or paci. (and sometimes you will see either of those in her mouth now too:))

She also got dress up clothes and a magic wand:) from her A. Kelli and family.

Daddy really loves you Ellie!!  You are definitely the first girl he says "hi" to when he gets home from work:))

Here is the cake I made for her.

And a plate of cupcakes because I knew one cake was not enough.

Very mesmerized by the candles.  Took her several attempts to get them blown out because she blows so soft and quick.

It was tough to tell if this was going to turn out, but it "sort of" did.  Not quite centered. I had made cake balls in all the colors to put inside the cake. I also put one colored ball inside of each cupcake too.

Happy Birthday my sweet baby girl.  We all love you!!

Easter 2014

Once again we filled candy eggs and also dyed hard boiled eggs.  Kids always enjoy it, but I think they enjoy the hunt the most:).  Here are a few pictures from the festivities.

 This year the egg dye I bought was not like our usual where you let the egg sit in vinegar water while it changes color.  This year I happen to buy ones that you use a bag and roll the egg around in the bag which of course Nick and I thought was great because there was absolutely NO MESS!!  Needless to say the boys want me to "get the normal" egg kit next year.

 Out we go to find the Easter Eggs.  Ellie was ready and waiting.  She was so funny as she SCREAMED with excitement when she spotted an egg.  Wow, so different then boys!!!

On Saturday we hosted the Waibel Easter dinner here at our house.  On Sunday we went to my parents house for the Gutwein Easter dinner.  Good times and lots of yummy eats!!