THE party.

The THE is capitilized because...well, it was awesome. :)
The theme was "Fire Trucks" per Cale's request.
The invite went out close to a month before his party, and initially I got a lot of no's.  But, as the time drew near, the guest list became close to 40 people (adults included).  Even a few extras showed up on the day of the party, so we had 18 kids in all (plus 4 babies of various ages). 
Food unrelated to the theme was kept simple with hotdogs, bags of chips and juice boxes or water/soda for the adults.
We also had matches (pretzel sticks tipped in red almond bark), cake pops, a fire engine cake and cookies that looked like burning houses.
Something I had looked into quite early on was having the kids all meet at a fire station, or have a truck come to the house.  I called around and it didn't look like it would become a reality, until a firefighter in our church gave us the hook up! 
We didn't tell the kids about it in case there was an emergency...so watching their faces when the truck backed up down our long driveway was truly priceless.
I decorated the inside of our house quite a bit, but truly, we didn't spend much time indoors.  Most of the party consisted of the guests playing on the trampoline, playing in the sandbox, playing with Cale's new (used) tool table...and pretty much running around crazy.
Seems as though everyone had a good time, so I'd call it a success.
Megersa keeps reminding me that his birthday is in September. :)

okay, now for the pictures:

Help! Our house is on fire!!

 I got hats for all the kids and put their names on them.  I made the brick wall from leftover cardboard boxes (from our move) and spray painted it red then duct taped it together with silver tpae.  I made 'buildings' out of tissue boxes that were on fire (tissue paper) and hung raindrops to cool the flames.  I didn't get a clear shot of the birthday cake. DRAT!  I suppose it was for the best...it turned out more pink and dark green then red and gray.  lol.

the "burning house" cookies...they were ridiculously big.

 I had this banner printed out via Vistaprint.  It says "Sound the alarm!  Firefighter Nester turns 5!"

"Hershey" the fire dog.  Yes, I drew it myself.  Hubby helped with some of the tails! :)

This was certainly a work in progress.  My friend Janet helped me come over to construct it, and then when I started painting...I just kept adding and adding.  There are 2 doors to get in - around the back and on the other side.  The kids (especially my little ones) thought it was superb.

All the kiddies just lined up like that without prompting...they were super excited to see the truck coming to our house!  The man in the blue shirt with the gray cap is the firefighter in our church who was able to orchestrate the meeting. :)

Some party guests playing in our sandbox.

And at the tool table. :)

 Crazy kids jumping on the trampoline! :)

 Mommy & Thad (he slept for a good portion of the party).

  They passed out fire hats to all the kids.  So, most kids went home with 2. :)

 The kids seem to really enjoy this part!

 The game in action.

Here's the birthday boy, wearing a real fire fighters coat! :)

 Daddy & Shepper. Isn't he an adorable fireman?

  Megersa checking out the truck.



We had an obstacle course "on deck" in case the fire truck wasn't able to come, but we didn't end up having to use it.  After the truck left, we ate and then went inside for presents, then cake.  After that some guests stayed, but it was wrapping up.  Definitely a good time. 

Something I'm sure Cale will remember for awhile. :)

And something we will all need to recover from for awhile...lol.

HAPPY 5

HAPPY.

HAPPY.

HAPPY.

HAPPY.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CALE!!

Last night as I was rocking Shepherd and giving him a bottle, I started to sink into that deep, fierce love bubble.  Just watching him breathe in and out as he falls asleep content in my arms.
I look at his face and see so many similarities (though some differences) to Cale.
My mind raced back 4 years ago when I sat in a rocker, feeding Cale as he fell asleep...he was my only, and he got all Mommy's attention.....................
Drifting further back, I started to reminisce about the day before he was born.
I remember telling Tim that I thought he was going to be born the next day.
At 36 1/2 weeks pregnant, my husband snorted questioned my logic.
Even though it was my first baby and I was way before due, I suppose I just had that "mother's instinct." 
I packed the camera bag, a diaper bag, and a hospital bag for me.
The next morning while getting ready for my weekly scheduled OB appointment, I considered tossing those bags in the car.  But, the small voice in my head told me, "well, you may be jumping the gun a bit...leave them at home."
So I did.  I figured I'd get them on the way to the hospital if need be. 
The previous week, at 35 weeks gestation, my doctor had told me I was already 1-2 cm dilated, and how that was unusual for 1st time moms...  Cool, I thought.  Already ahead of the game. 
So, at 36 weeks, I thought I'd ask for another "check" (considering my "instincts" and all).
The nurse told me they usually don't do any checking for dilation until 38 weeks, but since I requested it, she would ask the doctor.
Doctor came in and did so.  "You're 3-4 cm.  Did your water break yet?"
I dont think so, but I sweat alot.
"Are you having contractions?"
I told her the night before I had cramps in my belly, back and the backs of my legs....
"Well, you may be in labor.  I'll call the hospital and tell them you're on your way over.  They will hook you up to machines and see what's going on.  And maybe you'll have your baby today!"
Inside I was thinking...Excellent!  I'm NOT crazy.  But as I called Tim to explain the events that transpired, he still wasn't convinced.  He stayed at the office until further notice.
Okay.....
I arrived at the hospital, got myself cozy in the triage labor & delivery room...donned an unflattering gown, and had my belly strapped up with monitors. 
The nurses let me sit for awhile, watching whatever was on daytime TV.
Tim arrived, with lunch in a bag. We talked and waited.
A nurse returned.  "Well, it looks like you're just having mild irritations, and I'm 90% sure you'll be going back home today...but we'll monitor you for a little while longer."
Okay...........
But she popped back in sooner than we anticipated.  "It looks like you're having contractions every 2 minutes.  Do you feel them?"
I'm kinda uncomfortable (more so because I was made to lay on my left side without the proper pillow placements for a pregnant body)...
"I'll have the doctor come and take a look and check your cervix again.  But from my guess, it looks like he'll take you back today." ((I was having a planned C-section b/c of my previous brain surgery.))
I can remember Tim's eyes bulging and I'm sure his head was spinning...
I just thought...WOW!  I was right!
We called our parents.
Tim's parents were excited, but this being their 5th grandchild, weren't as shocked as my parents.
My Mom (sister too) were in PA, immediately planning on how soon they could come out. 
My dad, always a worry-wart, always questioning everything that's going on was surprisingly calm.  "Thanks for calling hunny, we'll talk to you later." 
Weird, I thought.
Until he called back and about choked on his words as he said "Wait! I thought you weren't due for another month...what's going on?!!"  (Now there's Dad...;)
The on-call OB came in and checked my cervix and confirmed the nurses' prediction.  "Looks like you're going to have your baby today!"  The anesthesiologist came and talked to us about the procedure. Tim geared up with his whole surgeon suit, complaining about how unflattering it was...and I got prepped and wheeled back to the OR.
Feeling sorta weird still that this was all happening, somehow I still felt calm and ever-so-excited to be where I was.
After what seemed like only a few minutes, I felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest as they pulled Cale out.
He cried and I cried.
My husband's experiences with any form of surgical procedures up until that point were slim to nil...but he fought his jellied legs and stood up to take pictures. 
Tim's description of Cale was hilarious...BUT, after cleaning him up Daddy was convinced he was his.
I of course, couldn't wait to hold him and daydreamed about the snapshot look I got of him before they whisked him away and started sewing me back together.
our first son:
Cale Timothy Nester
Born on 4/5/07 at 4:05pm. 
36 weeks, 4 days gestation
7 lbs even
20 1/2 inches long
The next few days, weeks, and months were filled with all kinds of learning experiences.
And to this day, as the oldest of our brood, Cale will continue to give us new experiences.
The day you become a parent has to be one of the best days of your life.
Only to be equaled when it happens again.

Dot on the line.

Our Pastor was speaking of the timeline of life...specific to the world's existence.  He said that even if we lived for 90+ years it would just be a speck (so-to-speak) on on the timeline of life.
Well, as I look back the difference the months and years make, I find that each "speck" is significant!
Thank goodness for pictures.
I remember way before digital cameras were available.  Those cameras with the wind up film?
The ones that made that horrible noise as the flash "warmed up" and signaled its readiness with the blinking light??
Makes me feel kinda old...
I'll admit, there was something kind of fun about sending a full roll of film away to be developed...
The exciment of paying for the package so you can open it up to see if you got at least one good picture of the boy you liked. ;)
But for those few good pictures that were worth keeping, inevitably there would be a bunch of bad ones - flash not on, someone not smiling, out of focus...
Those moments would not be remembered, they would be trash.

So I salute the person who came up with the digital camera and the beauty that is the delete button.
Because as I post pictures of my kids (especially the ones of all 4 of them together), it is almost never the first picture taken that ends up on the blog....usually more like the 6th or 7th in a series of 15.

This was the pic I had taken and posted of the boys Christmas Day 2011:

Each individual shot and their "descriptions" were posted sometime in the winter of 2011-2012:

Cale - LOVES to be put 'in charge,' drawing, eating, making everyone (including himself) laugh, making meals, and watching Christmas light show displays on YouTube.  DISLIKES being embarrased, when he is scolded, sleeping alone, when 'wrestle time' is over, and being told no.  TERRIFIED OF: the toilet overflowing

Megersa - LOVES motorcycles! singing songs, praying before we eat, reading books, his toy helicopter, and jumping. DISLIKES trying new food, sitting on the potty, being sick, taking turns and watching movies. TERRIFIED OF: bees (even if they come near)

Thaddeus - LOVES crawling at lightning speed, climbing steps, being tossed in the air, and smiling so hard his eyes disappear.  DISLIKES being blocked from the bathroom, refrigerator or steps, having his diaper changed, nap time, and wearing stuff on his head.  TERRIFIED OF: nothing (not yet anyway)

Shepherd - LOVES his purple blanket, being tickled, talking in the early morning, splashing at bath time, and things that shake.  DISLIKES when someone takes his toy, being startled, getting stuck in random places, and staying still while being dressed.  TERRIFIED OF falling down.

Outdated now - everyone's face is a little more mature, and their hair is longer and fuller... Things that make the boys smile or cry is on a list that is always changing, along with their habits and behaviors....like dots on a line:

Cale is no longer afraid of the potty overflowing!!

Megersa is still afraid of bees, but his time spent on the potty has drastically decreased!

Shepherd is accustomed to the sensation of falling down...

And Thad is now walking, so crawling is rarely seen anymore.

I know these dots will change over and over and over again, I just hope I can remember to record their significance to their lives and our family.

#2 @ 2.5

Tim and I have been watching old videos.  Time is sneaky!  Each day it crawls along, but the years are on a different system....they're slipping away when we blink!!
Megersa is now 2 1/2! 
His half birthday is somewhere in between the twins and Cale's actual birthdays, which leaves him out of this season for presents....but he's got the fall to himself (though this year Daddy turns the big 30...so we may need to plan a party for that old fart). ;)
Megersa cracks us up daily. 
Looking back to his videos we realize how quickly he began talking.  Around age 2, Cale was still grunting for stuff and saying things like "nummy nummy?" if he wanted a snack.  haha.
"Mege" as we occasionally call him has been talking in full sentences for at least a year. 
Quite impressive.
Now he doesn't go a day without singing some sort of song - usually Veggie Tales:
"Ip you yike to talk tomatoes,  ip a quash make you mile...
Ip you yike to walk tomatoes...UP AND DOWN THE GROCERY MILE!"
Classic.

Mege also potty trained ealier than Cale....though I guess not as quick, because he still doesn't TELL us when he has to go.  He doesn't have many accidents, but that's just cuz I put him on the potty about every 1.5-2 hours.  He usually goes.  His bowel movements are the most regular I've ever seen, so that part of training really was a cinch.  Cale had more accidents, but he'd announce to the neighbors when he had to go and RUN there.
((It'll definitely be interesting to train the twins...... not so much looking forward to it.....however I'd love to get rid of the diaper pail!!!))

Food isn't nearly the issue it once was, though he could give my Nan a run for her money at a buffet.  Sitting there, grazing....talking, singing, telling stories.  Only difference is, Nan would probably be eating the entire time. haha.  I must say that the amount I tell him "Megersa, EAT!" is probably less than 100x a day now...so that's good. ;)  His favorite foods are classic kiddie foods: mac and cheese, hot dogs, peanut butter and jelly...but honestly, he will eat most things.  He's a big fan of casseroles, and that's nice.  He LOVES mashed potatoes...and yogurt...and applesauce - the foods resembling baby food, oddly enough.  He loves him some french fries and ketchup.  I've recently been catching him scooping up big spoonfuls of ketchup and eating it. 
Yeah, yuck.
Just this past Friday we did our first real family outing - all 6 of us to Red Robin! 
The boys were super excited and truthfully, I've never seen M eat so much.  It was shocking the amount he put into that little body, and then immediately when we got home, he asked for a snack.

We all (save for Tim and Thad) got the stomach bug that's been going around.  Mege got away easy though - upchucked once and then immediately bounced back. 
He, Cale & I had a long talk about being potty trained today and how only the babies should be peeing or pooping in diapers.... because everyone else in the family goes in the potty.  And added this little diddy for M's benefit "and we don't do ANYTHING else in the potty besides pee and poop...we don't PLAY in the potty, do we Megersa?"
NO!  But we can frow up in the potty, right?  Cuz I did.
Okay, he bested me there....
"Yes, poop, pee, and frow up."

Mege & Cale had their first sleepover the night before we moved in. 
God Bless "Miss Donna" (our church friends Sonya & Cress and their 5 children) for having the guts to keep our children overnight.  We called to ask them if they could watch the boys for a few hours in the day during the actual move, but they suggested a sleepover...and it's all my boys can talk about still... "When are we going to go back to our friend's house to sleep over?"
I try explaining how you need to be invited to people's houses...but that's not registering.
Oh, how did it go?
Welllllllllll.......let's just say - God Bless "our friends." ;)  They kept them all night.

What else?  His interactions with his brother.  Well, he and Cale are as close as can be.  If one is not present, the other is constantly asking where is he and when can they play together. 
And there's usually more playing nicely than fighting....
But up until VERY recently did I think that Megersa would ever see the twins as playmates. 
Don't get me wrong, there is absolutely no animosity there, it's just that he and Cale are so close that he pays no attention to the little guys.  I'll admit I sorta feared for when Cale goes off to school in the fall.  But this past Sunday gave me some hope...Tim took Cale with him to church to watch the teenagers practice their worship.  I was home with the other 3.
I was quite happy to see that without the domineering personality of big brother Cale, Megersa took quite nicely to being "in charge."  He enjoyed making the babies laugh and asked if they could play upstairs with him.
I've seen him interact with other babies before - walkers though.  It was quite precious the few times I was sneaky enough to observe him.  M will walk slowly along side the baby - as she/he toddles around.  He holds their hands.  It is so cute, I am anxious to see him hold the twins hands when they start walking.  But, as Thad continues to step further and further unaided, I have yet to see M slow down enough to be tender with him.
I'm sure it'll come though....maybe by the time Shepper is walking. ;)

M's hair is getting longer, although I can't say he's any more of a fan of me doing his hair, though I have maintained a way to keep it looking nice without brushing it out everday (that battle was NOT worth it, yikes!).
2 times of the day I'm get the most compliments are:
mealtimes (when both are oozing compliments) - sincere ones I believe and
hair time (in the morning when I do his routine of cleaning his bottom, lotion his body and spray and lotion his hair) these compliments are purely to try and get me to stop.  "You're so pretty Mommy...I yuv when you do my hair...i yike your dress (jammies) Mommy...." 
Kinda feel bad for the kid, but it's gotta be done. 

Transitioning Megersa & Cale in the same bedroom went more smoothly than we anticipated.  All of the prep work we did at the old house may have been a good set up, but I think it's due to the fact that Cale sleeps like a log...AND falls asleep as soon as that big tired head hits the pillow. 
M is currently still up now (at 10 til 10p)...it's kinda ridiculous.  Maybe when he quits taking 3 hr naps (which I won't encourage anytime soon) he'll fall asleep more readily.  We will have to wait and see.

He's been home 2 years as of this month (Happy GOTCHA Day!!).
I can tell you that he knows where he was born, and knows he has brown skin...but we aren't seeing any signs of him feeling out-of-place in any sea of faces.  The school he will be attending when he turns 5 (or 6, depending upon which of his parents win the school debate when time comes :)), we are told is a racially diverse one, so we are excited to see him make friends that look like him.

All in all, we are in love with him!!  And he, like his big and little brothers, are growing up too fast.

"the" post

I've been advertising the fact that I would write a "remember-when" post about the babies....
I had intended for it to appear posted before their first birthday.  However, since that day has come and gone and they're fast approaching 13 months...I must quickly type this out (while they sleep).
Nostalgia?
It comes in so many forms these days.  Perhaps because we are still without cable (the time sucker I have come to realize it is) and any form of internet that goes beyond the speed of dial-up (which I am currently using)....but I have found so many moments where just one tiny thought overwhelms me.
At the old house, a drive to Walmart, Target, grocery stores, the mall...anywhere really, was no more than 5 minutes. 
Now it takes 5 minutes of curvy back roads to get on the main road that leads to the highway that takes us to those stores.
No matter....that fact alone sends my mind swirling back to the days I drove out to my dad's house and how they were "back-country" roads like ours.
Off Opossumtown Pike road it's a left turn that shuts my mind off from the things that I need to do that day and what's for dinner...planning birthday parties and mentally folding clothes.
That left turn and that 5 extra minutes causes my mind to slow way down like the speed limit and to wind through my memories as the road curves. 
And upon taking that left turn the "remember-when" song begins to play.
I think of how old my children are now...making up stories to tell each other and singing songs together.  I flip through pictures in my brain as I peek in the rear-view mirror of one baby with socks and another without.  They are so much older now.  With the ability to solve tiny little problems:
I dont like my socks on.  I can take them off if I pull on them. 
(Sock-hater =Thad.) ;)
The twins first month was spent in the NICU.  I drove every day, if not twice a day to see them.
270 N to the 7th street exit. 
I pass that exit so very often now and I sometimes catch myself wanting to get in that left lane and put on my blinker.  Oddly enough, I want to go back and scoop them up, one in each hand.  I want to lay them on my chest and watch them sleep.......
That part of their life is over.  They are strong and use their muscles to wiggle away from hugs lasting longer than a few seconds.  They are quick and cunning!  Rarely there is a quiet moment, but if there is one it's probably because they're up to no good. 
Just today Shepherd observed that when Mommy & Daddy forget to put the gate up, the stairs are a upscale tunnel leading to the forbidden playground that is the bathroom (and tub)....
Both are such beautiful little individuals who act so differently.

Shepherd is truly a shepherd.  Mild mannered, and tender.  He tends to reserve his emotions, but already knows exactly what he wants (ie: only allowing Mommy to put him to bed.)

 Thaddeus is as his name means - a brave heart.  He, of all my boys, is truly fearless. As I "knock on wood," I predict he will be our first ER visit.  

Tim and I had the opportunity to attend a leadership dinner with fellow church members yesterday, and wouldn't you know it?  We were at a table with 2 other sets of twin parents.  Our twins are by far the youngest, one set in their teens, and the other in their twenties. 
The 28-year-old identical twin boys married identical twin girls.
Their father spoke of how incredibly close they are...the fact that they never thought they would marry b/c they didn't think they could be apart much from the other....  They had a double wedding and live in houses next to each other.

While I don't really think Thad and Shep will be inseperable as that 28 year old pair, I do hope and pray they remain close. Close to each other, close to their parents, and most importantly close to God.
Because I must agree with my (almost) 5 year old, because he is totally right -
God is really super amazing!!

As are these 2 little humans He gave us to care for:

The below picture truly encapsulates the dinstinctions in their personalities and way they interact.  Thad is unafraid and willing to try...anything,

and Shepherd is always in hysterics to watch from close by and cheer him on. :) 

How could I not Looooooove them?!

"consider it lent"

I'm currently at Tim's office...using his laptop to write a quick keep-you-up-to-date blog post.  Tim instructed me to tell someone I was still at the church (initally here for a stewardship campaign vision night) so they wouldn't set the alarm on me.
As I popped out to yell "suprise!" (jk)  Pastor Steve asked how things were at the new house.
Oh yes, did I mention we have officially moved?  We have.  And it's been since that move day - Feb 25 that we have had any form of internet or cable.  We dont even get data on our phone.
"Consider it lent" he said. 
Yup.  We aren't Catholic, but this is definitely been the longest I've been away from internet or cable.
Part of me feels "free" so-to-speak, but part of me feels like I have little to no outlet when things get crazy at our new place.
For fun I can unpack, take care of kids, or clean. 
Relaxing, no? ;)
Tim and I have taken good advantage of Redbox and late night movie dates on the couch.
And I have LOVED watching my design "visions" come (albeit slowly) to life.
I suppose it was a good thing I poured over these blogs and basically memorized the ideas I had for our new place, because ain't no referencing them now!  lol.
It's also a good thing I'm a "wing it" girl. 
"Ah, I dont exactly remember what that site said about measuring this... eh, I'll just wing it." ;)
Anyway, enough about me.
I'm here to catch you up on my children.
I find when I let time get away from me it REALLY gets away from me....
Of course, since we moved our precious baby boys turned 1!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday sweet babies!! :)

Thaddeus up and started walking yesterday. 
And who did he walk across the room to?!?!  Shepherd. 
Adorable, huh?

Shep can now stand unaided for a few seconds.

Megersa and Cale are successfully sharing a room.

OH, and I gotta tell you this about Cale - (it's so precious) 
So his birthday is next, right? 
April 5th.
He's been counting down the days since the beginning of February I think... 30 days left now I believe...
Anyway, we're driving home (and we live in back country now folks) - one of our neighbors must be a bus driver because they have their schoolbus parked in the driveway.
So, we pass by the house and Cale says to me:
Mommy, how does the bus know it's my birthday?
...Perplexed I question further - What do you mean?
Well, did you call the bus Mom?   (I agree, totally weird he's calling me "Mom" now)
No, I didn't call the bus.  I'm not sure what you're talking about buddy....
Well......you said I am going to school when I'm five!  The bus needs to know my birthday so I can go to school!!!
OH, I LOVE HIM!!
Honestly, how adorable is that?!  Of course it was a little painful telling him he'd have to wait until the fall, but summer is always enticing for children, even if there are no big plans as of yet.

I mean, there's a ton else that's been happening. 
But that's all I can remember, and it's becoming increasingly more eeiry being at the church alone at night.
Plus, now I have a much further drive back home.
So, until we get internet (which Comcast has no intention of rushing), I bid you goodnight.

birthday season is upon us!

We Nesters spread out our birthdays. 
Celebrating all year is definitely the way to go. :)
Babies have winter.
Cale takes Spring.
Mommy gets Summer.
and Megersa & Daddy have fall.

Planning Thad and Shepherd's birthday party was kinda hectic....
One week before we are packing to move (yes, again) I must admit that I considered not having one.
But then...I got to thinking - out of the previous 6 birthdays we've celebrated with our other children, I've only put 1 party on.
ONE!
That should be plain unacceptable for any mom, let alone someone who celebrated "birthday month" as a kid.
(note: Birthday month works quite well when your birthday is the 31st.)
Growing up, parties were a must-have.  One year I even had 2! :) 
So, I made the mental decision to have the party.  AND decided that no matter what is going on in our insane, crazy life, we will celebrate our children's birthdays...
Each. Year.
Now, this may not necessarily mean having a party, but definitely a fun "remember-when" event. 

Getting into the groove for this party was more challenging than I had anticipated. I had a difficult time coming up with a theme - what with them not having an opinion, and with there being 2 of them...
-I've always loved Dr. Suess and am totally planning to eventually do a "Thing 1 and Thing 2" party, but thought it'd be much more fun when they are a little older.
For their first party, I did settled on a "Double Bubble" (for 'double trouble') birthday theme.

So, without further ado...the pictures:
((And I must apologize for the out-of-order pictures.  Switching them about is more annoying challenging than I care to devote time to right now...(did I mention we're moving?))

pictures of Thaddeus & Shepherd's first year. :)

Birthday boys and proud Daddy & Mommy!
((HOORAY! We made it through the first year!!) :)

Questions & Answers (key below) - Thaddeus vs Shepherd

'Lil baby party guests (my fellas have their choice of ladies ;)

left to right: Thad, Shep, Natalie, Nellie, Gia

Baby Shepper playing with one of his birthday toys! :)

Enjoying some birthday bubbles.

The BIRTHDAY CAKE!  A gumball machine! 
(made with NO cake tools, might I brag add.)

LOVES of my life. (Well, 2 of the 5.)

Babies awaiting present time.

Checking out the decor before the guests arrive.

Babies chillin before naptime....gotta rest up before the party!

The whole fam in a classic "can't get everyone to look at the camera and smile" pic.

Birthday Shep picking up his peice of cake.

Look what I got!

...Not a huge fan of being messy though... haha.

Hey Mama.  I made another mess for ya. :)

Birthday boys in their birthday suits (and socks) eating birthday cake! :)

The big boys were totally willing to help with the cake blow.

My FAV decoration. All of the fam blowing bubbles! :)

irredescent tissue paper wrapped and tied around small balloons make

perfect bubble gum decorations.

So there you have it:

Party #1 planned, executed and successful.

I am currently working on Cale's "Firetruck" party.

Suggestions welcome. ;)

*no, this isn't the teary-eyed, looking-back-at-their-1st-year-and-how-far-they've-come-post. 

It will come.*