4 amazing angels!

Is this not the cutest picture you've ever seen? What handsome little men they are!
(from left to right - Sam, Justin, Jaxson, and Carter)
Today I had the wonderful opportunity, along with Tausha (Sam's Mom), to take dinner to Lacey (Jaxson's Mom) and her adorable family. I was surprised to see Kristi and Carter when they walked through the door. I was so excited to meet some of my "blog buddies" for the first time. It was so nice to be able to visit, compare stories, and just watch these cute little boys check each other out! I feel so blessed to be able to have such wonderful blog friends to share these experiences with. I hope some day I can meet all of them! They have all taught me so much and have shown me how to be strong. Our lives are richly blessed because of our sweet children. I feel like I have a wonderful bond with all of them... well, I know I do!
Thank you so much Lacey for letting us visit. I can't wait to see you all again!

13 year anniversary!

13 years ago today, I was lucky enough to marry my best friend! I remember that day like it was yesterday. It was the best day of my life!
I'll never forget our first date. We both made it clear what we were looking for, and it wasn't marriage! We were both going to school and just having a good time. We never spent a day apart after that date and were engaged two weeks later! We were married four months after that! (I highly recommend a two month engagement! That four months felt like eternity!)
It amazes me how fast time has gone by. We have been through some amazing things as a couple. Together we created four beautiful children, whom we love with all of our hearts! I feel very blessed to still be able to call him my best friend. I love him with all of my heart and look forward to all the many years we have ahead of us!
I am also very thankful for new styles! I'm sure 13 years from now... I'll be saying the same thing about the picture below!

Happy Anniversary babe! I love you!

A song for Justin...

The other day I heard April and Taylee singing. I opened the door to see what they were doing. They told me I couldn't listen. They had a surprise for the family.
That night they told all of us to sit down. They had a song to sing for Justin.

Angel

My little Angel, my little angel
sent from Heaven above.
He chose our family, we're glad he did.
My little angel, my little angel
He's my little brother.
He's the special one, he's the special one.
He'll do things slower than what we can do.
My little angel, my little angel
I love you, yes I do.
He makes me feel better when something happens to me.
My little angel, my little angel
He's a happy boy.
He smiles, he laughs, and looks at me...
My little Angel.

This song is dedicated to our little brother, Justin.
Love,
April and Taylee

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day Dad! I feel very blessed to be able to call you my Dad! I am very grateful for you and the wonderful example that you've been to me. I love you with all my heart!


I am also grateful for my wonderful husband, the Father of my sweet children!
You are an amazing Daddy. You work so hard for our family. Even though your schedule may be crazy, you always make us your first priority. I love you for that! You definitely lead by example. I know our children will always look up to you because of who you are and the love you show them. We would be lost with out you. Thank you babe for being you! We love you!

(my favorite picture of Tyler with April and Taylee)

(Brynn and Justin love to be in Daddy's arms!)

Happy Father's Day to all you wonderful Fathers out there!

Little show off!

Mom had her camera in hand for quite a while tonight. She really wanted me to perform, I could tell. I thought I might as well make her night, so here it goes.

Mom and Dad have been waiting for this moment for a long time! I know my little army crawl doesn't seem like much, but did you hear me grunt? It was a lot of work to go such a short distance. Mom says I'll get better.... I know I will! Have I ever told you that my parents are awesome?

Love.... Justin

3 x's the fun!

I am squeezing three different things into one post... so be prepared for pictures, pictures, and more pictures! I had to include the shot above. One of Justin's many new faces in full force!

One of Brynn's favorite places is the Dino Towne inside of the Mall. This was Justin's first attempt down the slide and he loved every minute of it!

He was also loving the fact that he could actually stand and play just like the big kids!

I was able to join Taylee on her 1st grade field trip to the Children's Museum. She woke up before her alarm and was beyond excited for the day to begin!

I think I would enjoy watching the news more if this was what I was able to see every night!

I had to laugh at these girls. They wanted a picture of them sleeping.....

.....even though they were extremely hyper! This is a more accurate shot!

We had a great time... but I was worn out by the end of the trip!

Finally, we had our first Down syndrome activity. It was a Luau theme and very well put together. It was so nice to be able to meet and talk with other families.

The girls loved the different activities that were planned for them. We had a great time and look forward to the next event!

\

Seriously people!!

I will be venting in this post... if you don't want to hear it, stop reading now!

I had a few things I needed to get today. I loaded Brynn and Justin into the car and headed to my second home....

We had lunch together and grabbed our items when we noticed a few sprinkles coming down on our way out the door. I decided to run and load the car before it really started to pour. Brynn climbed in the car herself through the back while I loaded. I was halfway done when it went from a light sprinkle... to THIS! Yes... Hail!

I was parked in a stall that was on a little bit of a hill. I had to hold the cart with my foot while I used both hands to load. Justin was still buckled in the shopping cart. I still had half of my groceries in the cart! What was I to do?! If I let go of the cart to put him in the car, my cart of things would have run down the hill.

We used the back of the trunk as a shield (which didn't work!) while many, many people ran right passed us for cover. One man in his truck two spots down slowed down for a split second and watched us, then drove away! Someone else had the audacity to put on their blinker and WAIT for my spot! NOBODY would help me. We were soaking wet. Brynn thought life was great inside of the car! She looked a little something like this....

but my poor little Justin was doing a lot of this. People ran, watched, and waited... but no one even offered to help.

As soon as I made eye contact with one of the cart guys running for cover... he ran my direction and took the cart from me. I was soaked, Justin was soaked (and screaming), but Brynn was happy! (thank goodness!) I called Tyler immediately to tell him my story. And I warned him.... If you EVER see this happen to someone else.. HELP THEM!!!

Side note - I did see the sweetest teenage boy with Down syndrome waving a flag the entire time his Mom was shopping. He made me smile!

The End

A little bit of this... and a little bit of that!

We have been so busy with birthdays and family in town... now it's time to update with some pictures! These pictures are from their Spring Recital a week ago Monday. Skies were looking okay... not great... but okay.

Notice the sky in the picture with Uncle Chad and Aunt Tara holding Justin.... (during recital)

Yep. We were rained out before we were able to see Taylee's second dance and both of April's. So sad! It was actually rescheduled for tonight. We got ready, showed up... and left before it started because it was hailing so bad!

Just felt like adding this in. Justin has been amusing us with his many new faces! He is a crack up!

Taylee celebrated her 7th birthday and loved every second of it!

Then there's Brynn who enjoyed every Dinosaur and car that she opened on her 4th Birthday!

Gramps and Grandma Gailey did a great job planning a Family Reunion. It was great to see family members that I don't see very often. Brynn was loving the Bounce House and Justin was spoiled by Grandma Gailey with that yummy snow cone!

They had some fun games planned for every age. April and Kendra were laughing so hard, they couldn't even make it to the finish line!

Ashlee and Taylee made quite the team together!

They had a talent show for anyone who wanted to participate. April, Kendra, and Ashlee practiced their dance every chance they could and did a great job!

Taylee wanted to use her new hoola hoop as her talent. They each went through it with out letting go. So cute...

It was a busy few weeks! We had a great time and love everything about being with family!

Happy 4th Birthday!

Two weeks

One

Two

Three

FOUR!

Finally.... the birthdays have come to an end! Sweet Brynnie tops them off until next year! Brynn the Brynnster... where would we be with out her! She has been so much fun. She has thrown us for a loop. She broke the April and Taylee mold and created one of her own, and we have loved every second of it! She was sent to this earth for a reason. She is so independent, so sophisticated, and so hilarious! She is going to be an awesome little protecter and friend to her little brother. With her around, he won't have a shortage of dinosaurs and cars! Her favorite! We love you so much and the laughter you bring to our home! Happy Birthday sweetie!

Happy 7th Birthday!

6 weeks

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

SEVEN!

Oh my how quickly the years pass by! My sweet baby #2 is already seven years old! She has grown up so fast. Taylee is such a sweet daughter and a wonderful sister. She is so quick to tell us she loves us and that she is so thankful for all we do. We get so many little love notes from her and love each one of them! I am so proud of my little girl and of the "big girl" she is becoming. I love you sweet heart and have enjoyed each year with you in our home! Happy Birthday!