Three and the Fourth

This last weekend we celebrated Gracie's third birthday along with Independence Day with a trip to the farm. I had dreams of amazingly cute pictures together in their adorable patriotic outfits. It didn't happen. But these did......

I love Gage's excitement for her

Gracie blowing out her candles with Grandma Debi

 And this. Seriously.

 Gage started out helpful

 But things quickly turned....

 She sat in this swing for hours.....she couldn't get enough

I spend so much time being mama but rarely is it captured. Thank you Jack for snapping a great pic, even if I am wearing a not-so-flattering apron.

 Heston liked the sparklers, but his love of fireworks stopped there.

 Gage hosted a sparkler show

Gracie started out excited for the fireworks.....but after about 3 or 4 she wanted to go inside with Heston.

Gage-last man standing. The only one left watching the show.

Gracie and Heston had a blast together playing in the water and I just love this pic of them.

Baby Sadie sat and watched the big kids play. She is such a content little thing.

 This handsome guy loved our farm visit.

 Ashlyn did too, especially the sun tea

 These two can still share the swing

We had a great trip to the farm. We found out that Jack and Kalli are expecting another girl in December, a sweet sister for Ruby. We celebrated Gracie's third birthday with a BBQ and fireworks show. The kids got to play outside in the water, visit with cousins, and enjoy time with family. Two got carsick in the canyon (Gage and Ashlyn) on the way home, but we still got home in time for church. 

Hope you all had a great time celebrating Independence Day! 

Love. 

Happy 3rd Birthday to our precious Gracie girl......

Three years ago today our Gracie girl was born. It was the very same day my best friend got married and the same day my friends grandfather passed.

Gracie was the most beautiful of my babies. She was small and swift and came out with her eyes wide open.

Gage fell in love with his baby sister, Gracie. 

She stole her dad's heart right away. 

Gracie was the most challenging of our babies in the first year. She never wanted to be with anyone other than me. I always felt bad asking anyone to watch her that first year because she just cried so much. But something happened when she turned one. She's been far more joyful ever since. 

 One year old Gracie

Two year old Gracie

Three year old Gracie

Gracie cracks me up. Sometimes she comes running in wearing her Cinderella dress, two necklaces, gloves, and a crown. On the other hand, if you dropped in randomly-odds are she'd be in just her underwear. When we get home from anywhere, her clothes will be found within ten feet of the door as she shed them upon walking in. She's all about comfort.   

She gets this hilarious excited voice about the littlest things. She loves her brothers and sister dearly. She asks if Ash can sit next to her every night at dinner. She loves puzzles. She has great balance and an awful singing voice already. She is very observant and a little shy when she's in a new situation. She drags her giraffe blankie everywhere we go and sucks her thumb when she's tired. 

She's very loved. This year Gage's card to her said, "Dear Sister. Happy Brthday. It is your speshel day. You are the best sister. From 0 to 1, 1 to 2, now 3". I thought it was the sweetest thing.  

This weekend we'll head to the farm for a birthday pony ride and fireworks. 

Gracie girl-we love you too much