Haley & Carson

double click to enlarge....

I took Haley and Carson's pictures last fall for practice. It's fun to look back and see the improvement I have made in learning photography and editing. We found a great spot near Standing Bear Lake with fall flowers and colors. It gave us a great background to take 'oh so cute' pictures of these two.

The BIG birthday party: Cake and Gifts

All in all the party went well. The food turned out good and lots of people were there to help us celebrate Iba's 2nd birthday. In the end, I am not sure who was more worn out: mommy or Iba. Needless to say, the second one may not get as big of parties as Iba did:) It is wonderful to see and feed friends and family always. Thanks for everybody to came and helped too!

The BIG birthday party: Nini Fairy

Here is how the story goes....At 2 years old, we send Iba's nini to the Nini (pacifier) Fairy on balloons. The Nini Fairy then gives his nini to a baby who needs it and brings Iba a gift in return. We told Iba at 2 he is a big boy and doesn't need his nini as much as a little baby does. It was hard for me. I think the combination of knowing my little boy is no longer a baby, being pregnant, and knowing how much sleep I would NOT get that night brought tears to my eyes. Yep, the first night was terrible, but everyday got better. Every time he brought up his nini, I said "Remeber, the Nini Fairy took your nini to a baby because you are a big boy like Caden and Samuel now." And Iba's respons every time is "Oh." (With a big smile) A big step for the both of us:)

The BIG birthday party: Pinata

Everybody had a chance to take a swing at Pablo, our backyardigan pinata. The final swing took his body right off the head. I'm not sure who had more fun....the kids or Jennifer and Angela??

Swimming Lessons

This summer we learned that Iba was, in no way, afraid of water. Several times I had to jump in after him into the deep, as he would run away from me and jump where I wasn't. It's a good thing that he isn't afraid. However, he needs to learn how to close his mouth and not drink the pool. And that's when swim lessons came about. If he still swallows water by the end, at least he had fun. We will give it a shot anyway.