Three Year's Old!!!

Austin's birthday / New Year's Eve party was a success this year...sort of. :) Besides the fact that half of the family was on some kind of antibiotic and the stuffed mushrooms didn't turn out oh-so-great, it was a fun night. We had an assortment of finger foods this year - which is really one of my favorite ways to eat. :) You can have a variety without having too much of one thing.
Austin is pretty into trains, so the theme this year was Thomas. The kids (and Spencer) played "pin the number on the train".
Austin was pretty excited to get Buzz Lightyear!
He was deep in contemplation here as he was ripping open wrapping paper.
Tractor's are always a big hit...thanks Grandma Trudy!
Austin got a wooden train set and a train floor mat from mom and dad.
The cake was fabulous. Chocolate with raspberry filling and whipped cream icing. Everything on this baby - except for the Thomas train - was edible!
The stars were a big hit....and a big mess!
Austin's new favorite shirt is his D-Will Jazz jersey. Go D-Will!!

Mom couldn't resist the bubble gum machine. Every kid needs one, right? This baby is 16" cast iron and has a glass globe. It also can be used as a bank. We will probably be eating these gumballs for the next 2 years....but you have to put money in it to get a gumball out, so hopefully we will be rich by the time all the gumballs are gone. :)

I really can't believe my little guy is 3 years old! He is growing into such a sweet, smart little boy. He's so friendly and loves to talk to anybody, and I really think he and his daddy are going to be best buds for many years to come. They have SO much in common it is INSANE. Jeeps, engines, tools, picky eating, finicky clothes wearing, baseball, and the list goes on and on. I don't know what my life would be like without Austin, and frankly I don't want to even try to imagine it. Buddy, if you read this someday, just know that Mommy loves you and is so grateful that you are apart of our family. Luv You, and Happy Birthday!

Hyde Park at the Ice Park

Grandpa...i think he was having fun!
Let's just say Austin didn't quite catch on fast enough before mom was done hauling him around.
As I am hunched over trying to push him and keep him upright, he has the nerve to keep yelling at me "faster mom, faster!". We were done in 10 minutes. Maybe next year honey.

Merry Christmas!!

Oooh! a Nail gun...but how are we supposed to use it...
ha, he got an air compressor too! wow, you'd have thought this was planned. I really like building Cam's tool collection...even if it is a little self-motivated.
Austin in his new favorite shirt! Go D-Will!
Cam also scored a router and accessories as well as some much needed Jeep roof handles. Hurray!
I love the sleep eyes...
We kind of had a Toy Story theme going on this year. We could put on our own movie now. Somehow Grandma Jan found Mrs. Potato head, and beside Woody and Jessie, a bucket of army men, barrel of monkeys, the army men's tank, and Toy story legos. jeez!
So cute! now if only he'll wear it.
The loot pre-chaos.

Encore Christmas Eve!

Austin and Hannah write before bed on Christmas Eve. They said they heard Santa's bells that night!
The present Austin gave Aunt Kirsten...he's so thoughtful!
The present uncle Jer got from Boy Cam...his life long dream! Don't shoot your eye out Jer!

More Christmas EVE

Somebodies a little mixed up here...maybe it's all the excitement gone to his head.
Austin was in Heaven as soon as he opened this baby from Uncle Jer. Somehow Austin scored three, yes 3! garbage trucks this year...not sure I like his current direction in life.
Nice pic Boy Cam!

Christmas Eve

Affectionately known as "the twins" - a rare moment of happiness...most of the time they were fighting. :D
Miss Hannah in her princess Jammies!
Santa brought Austin, Hannah, and Livi Christmas Jammies to open Christmas Eve. It must be an unspoken rule that you have to have new pj's for X-mas. Santa was clean out of the ones I really wanted...that's ok, it would've been a considerable down payment. haha.

Happy Birthday Aunt Kim!

Just wanted to give a quick shout out to Aunt Kim. We hope her 25th year is stellar, just like she is! We love you Aunt Kim - and Uncle Jer... you can't have one without the other! ;D