Twelve and Two

Don't know where the time has gone but about a week ago we celebrated Natalie and Nathan's birthday. We had had a larger family party earlier so the actual day was sort of quiet. Nathan enjoyed opening his presents and his siblings enjoyed helping him learn how to use them. Natalie had a few friends over for pizza, games, and a movie. If you can judge by the screams and giggles they had a good time!

Here are a few pictures. Somehow I didn't take many pictures especially of Natalie. I will post some of our young lady soon.

Nathan playing in the backyard- he's 2!

Natalie and Nathan getting ready to blow out their candles. Twelve on one side of the cake, two on the other. They were having some fun.

Nathan is all boy and seems to have a great sense of humor. I've been concerned about his speech but he is saying more words and the pediatrician is not concerned. It will be interesting to see if with all the other kids in school if he has more opportunity to speak. :)

We were excited to see that he is growing. He is now at the 12th percentile for height (he was at the 5th percentile) and the 22nd percentile for weight (that is up a little also). While he looks small it is fun to see him understand new things and join in with the big kids.

Last night we ate on the patio and as soon as Nathan got down he joined three of his older siblings in a game of soccer. As he was running across the backyard he yelled, "Mom!" and when I looked he smiled a big smile and took off running after the ball.



Natalie is enjoying her soccer season. She prefers defense and does a pretty good job at it. She loves baking and decorating cupcakes though Saturday I had to tell her she needed to not make them so often. Even when I freeze some they get eaten up very quickly!

Natalie tolerates piano for her parent's sake. She plays very well but would prefer to just play songs she likes - while I understand the reasoning behind the drills, scales, and learning certain songs it does make me wonder if kids could play what they really liked if some would stick with it longer. I love that it puts music in our house though. With Allison away at school and Joel very busy we don't hear the music like we used to, though Molly is taking lessons now and Brandon is in a little Joynotes class.

What a delight these two children are (as well as the others). They bring a lot of laughter to our home. Just this morning I was listening to the radio while running some errands and I was reminded how children are a blessing from the Lord. Yes, they truly are.

Happy Birthday Natalie and Nathan!