Friday the 13th . . . not so bad after all.

Keith and I were married on Friday the 13th of August 2004. That's right people, we have made it five years! We were so lucky to celebrate this year together, not! I was at Girls Camp, the kids were at Aunt Mary's and Keith was working his guts out as usual at home. I am so lucky to be married to Keith. He is rad. Seriously my match in every way. I decided to commemorate our years together, I would write a little poem (get out your barf bags).

"I am so glad I found someone whose dreams are as big as mine." (that's a quote from Cheaper by the Dozen).

(that's Baby Griff by the way)

A better match than you I am certain I couldn't find.

(Baby Griff again)
You have always managed to make all my dreams come true.
(Baby Benson)

And our adventures together have been more than just a few.
(At a baseball game in Texas, whoa I was big.)

Sometimes it's hard to remember that we started with just you and me.

(Mom and Benson)

And I loved you from the beginning, it is so easy to see.

You always know just what to say to make this girl laugh.

And I tell you every day that you're the better half!

Yay for marriage! There's really nothing better. I can't wait for the next five years!

Baby Benson and Brother Brian and a Birthday Bash!

Something has come over me, because in the midst of planning Girls Camp and all the summer craziness, I decided that Benson was old enough to have a proper birthday party with friends. That's right, Baby Benson is soon approaching the third anniversary of his birth. I don't know where the time has gone, and truth be told, I bawled as I planned his party. Seriously, what happened to that 7 lb, 12 oz. blonde Texan that I brought home from the hospital? Well, he is still blonde and technically a Texan (since he was born there), but he is certainly bigger! Benson Keith is a sweet, potty trained, walking, talking, laughing, fun, smart little boy and he is the best big brother in the world. We sure love Benson. He was the best way to start our little family!

Lucky for us, my little brother Brian came down for all the fun. I say little because he is younger (he's 18), but he is not little. He stands at 6'2" and is loads of fun. We sure love him. He is a great uncle. Last night, we all went to the Owlz game to watch Keith throw the first pitch! We sure had a blast.

Here we are enjoying some fun. (Griffin is saying "Elmo" in this picture, that is his latest trick)

My husband is so cool.
My soon-to-be three year old!

Me and the boys!

Keith pitching! He threw out the honorary first pitch! The Owlz count on Keith for all of their signs, we have season tickets in the front row! So fun!

And now for the real fun. Here are some party pics. Here's Griff and I. I think he liked the cake!

Benson and some of his favorite friends, Jacob and Adalyn. We go walking with them three times a week.

Benson's new toys! Thanks everyone. And that's a picture of him as a newborn. Cutest baby ever right?

What a stud.

Mom and the birthday boy. Do you think we look alike?

Benson hugged all of his friends after opening the gift they gave him. Soooo cute.

Here's Benson modeling his birthday outfit. Although Keith says it is girly, I like my kids to wear a brand new outfit on their birthday (or to their birthday party). Growing up, I always wore a dress! Keith should be grateful I don't make them wear white shirts and ties.

And in case you didn't know, I am Betty Crocker. Check out that sweet monkey cake I created (or copied off a parenting website). Still, I was quite impressed with myself.

Thanks to all of Benson's little pals and their moms who came. We sure had fun and missed all those who live far away. Happy Birthday Benson!
Now, could you stop growing up please?