Birthday Dance

Untitled from Rachel Witbeck on Vimeo.

Makayla got this tutu from an awesome family in Texas (thank you!) for her birthday and she couldn't resist dancing. Where did she learn to be a ballerina? Does it come ingrained in girl DNA? Well, whatever the reason I think it's adorable!

6

Here are some pictures of Preston's birthday party we had a couple weeks ago. We are in the midst of moving and I wanted to get this done before I forget.

Opening presents. He never tires of Transformers and Star Wars "action figures".

Okay, now don't laugh. Preston told me he wanted a spider cake. I am not artistically inclined AT ALL! That gene just passed right by me. Seriously. I thought that a spider cake shouldn't be too hard. Just give it some legs and eyes and it's all good right?


Wrong. I am so completely embarrassed by this cake. At first I didn't think it was too bad then my nephew Damon informed me it was a hamburger with legs. Ummm, thanks. Where is my sister Amy or Erik when I need them?


But I guess all hope wasn't lost. Preston was really excited about it and in the end that's all that matters.

Happy Birthday Preston!

Dear Preston,

You turned six last week. I've been meaning to do the post about it but I'm having some problems. You see, you're growing up too fast. I've been looking through the family albums and I just forgot how small you used to be. I'm around you everyday and I was so taken back by it. You're growing up. (sigh)

When we first found out we were expecting you, I can't speak for you father but for me I was soooo scared. I mean, married for 8 months and still in school. Also, I grew up the youngest child and had changed maybe one diaper in my life. How was I going to take care of my own child? How do we pay for this? There's a lot of school left for us, how are we going to do this?

Needless to say, we were not expecting you so soon. You were always part of the plan, the timing was just off for us. I later came to realize that it wasn't our timing. Heavenly Father knew when to send you to us so in reality, it was perfect timing.

And you have been and will continue to be such a wonderful, awesome blessing to this family! You are kind, funny, imaginative, smart, a great big brother, and a wonderful son.

There's more. But I'm not into getting too mushy where others can read it. :) But as I was going through all the pictures, I just had to post them on here. You look so different I can hardly believe it. I love you sweet boy. Happy Birthday!

Love,
Mom

(now get ready for picture overload)

After our first night at home.


3 months old with cousin Abigail.


5 months old. Look how cute you are!!!!!!!


6 months.


7 months with cousin Jenna.


8 months. You are the only one of the kids with those big brown eyes....just like mine! :)


10 months.


1 year!


15 months.


18 months.


2 years and getting your first buzz cut.


And then those glasses went on and you grew up overnight. It was amazing how much older you looked in those glasses.


2.5 years with cousin Samuel.


3 years.


4 years with your best friend.

Now I don't have any pictures of when you're 5 because those are on the other computer but I think these will do. More pictures of the birthday festivities coming soon!

When Grandma Visits

Last week Erik's mom came to visit and the kids were soooo excited. And it was really nice to have some help while I figured out all of the stuff with our move coming up soon.

So what did we do while grandma visited?

Have impromptu pirate birthday party for all the October birthdays. Awesome!


Play at the park every day. Maybe even a couple times a day. Gotta take advantage of the no rain days.


And go to the pumpkin patch with friends.

Now the kids have to deal with boring 'ol mom now that grandma is gone. Thanks for coming and helping out Valeni!

Dejavu

Some might remember THIS post from last year. We are in the same situation this year with Erik in Arizona and me at home with the kids in Portland. Not fun. I don't think any one is enjoying this situation.

So I am making cookies again. The kids are enjoying that part at least and I get to take my mind off of this mess.

I love cookie dough. I don't care if I can get salmonella. I'm gonna
eat it!

The finished product. I LOVE these cookies!

Milk and cookies were enjoyed by all! Time for oatmeal raisin!