Star Wars Birthday

 The boys usually start planning their birthday as soon as Christmas is over. So for all of January and February, they were in party planning mode. They'd think of something they would see at a store and say, "We could use that for our party!" or they'd scour my Pinterest board and want to do EVERY idea I pinned. They were over-the-top excited for this party!!! So even though it was a small party, we had big plans!! (PS- We are so thankful that the Broeckelman and Harris families could come spend the weekend with us! And Mimi and PawPaw too! But we missed you VanAllen family!)

We had fun decorating the "party room" together! I printed off a banner and found a poster and tablecloth. They gathered some of their toys to use as decorations and they just went to town!! And after a trip to the grocery store, Grant spied the perfect balloons! They were so proud of the decor!!

 They were probably most excited for the food!!! They probably came up with 25 different food ideas incorporating a Star Wars word into the phrase. But since we were only having our families here, we didn't need that much. So we whittled it down to our favorites and our menu was made!

In tradition, I made their cakes again! Although this year, Grant chose cake pops instead of a cake!! He was missing out on our dear friends in Enid, who always have the best cakes pops at their birthdays. I have to say, they were mighty delicious! Thanks Lori for the recipe!!! They were initially going to be Death Star cake pops, but since they didn't resemble that whatsoever, they were Meteor cake pops. Grant was happy just the same!

 Wyatt wanted a Stormtrooper cake and I feel like if you know what a Stormtrooper looks like, you could probably tell what the cake was, but if not, it probably looked like one of those illusion pictures where you try to find the real picture in it. Anyway, he liked it, and that's all that matters!!! I just love giving them a special cake each year!!!

I also made their invitations as well, as usual!

After all the family showed up, it was time to get started!! We rolled right into presents and then cake! Because after they opened their presents, they needed to get outside and enjoy them!!! 

 Enjoying their cake with their cousins on their new picnic table from Grandma and Grandpa! It was enjoyed by all the kids, that's for sure!

 It was a special celebration for our special boys!! It was filled with family, outdoor fun, basketball (thank you Big XII tournament!), new toys, and lots of love and smiles!! 

More birthday posts still to come!

Legoland Birthday Adventure

Aunt Bre and Uncle Zach came up with the great idea to gift us all a trip to Legoland for the boys' birthday instead of gifts!! We were all super excited!! The boys had been begging to go to the Legoland in KC since we moved here!! We went to the one in Dallas about 2 years ago, but hadn't ventured to the local one yet. When we heard they had a new Star Wars exhibit, we knew it was perfect timing!!

The day after their party, on their actual birthday, all the Broeckelman's headed downtown to Legoland. It was a beautiful weekend and was quite crowded around there, but it didn't seem to stop the kids from having a fabulous time!! 

We strolled around Crown Center for a little while, checking out the toy store and the Crayola store! We also got a chance to see the fountain show just outside!! 

 Then we meandered our way into line. You have a window of time to show up to use your tickets, and they guide you in as a group. So we waited til it was our turn to Enter!

 Once we entered, we came in to the "factory" where they explain how Legos are made and kind of the history of how it all began. Because it was Grant and Wyatt's birthday and they were wearing their birthday ribbons, but both got chosen to help with the "making" of the Lego bricks. They thought this was VERY special!!!

 After all that, it was time to head into play!! First off was the Star Wars exhibit. They loved seeing the lifesize C3PO and R2D2, and countless other sets. Both of what they have and also of all the sets they've dreamed of having! It wasn't overly interactive, but definitely a sight to see!!!

 Then it was off to play, watch the movies, and play some more! It was VERY crowded so many of the exhibits, like the car building one, was almost impossible to enjoy- we couldn't even find any wheels!! But they loved the rides!! The Clutch Powers movie was a hit, and then playplace was a favorite. Well, maybe not for Haylie- she didn't want to go down the dark slide to get out. Lucky for her, her brave cousin Wyatt was there to help!

It was definitely a perfect birthday gift for these two Lego-loving little boys!! Spending it with family made it even more special!! Thanks Aunt Bre, Uncle Zach, Haylie, and Layton!

Wyatt @ Age 5

To my Wy-Guy,

I just can't believe my itty bitty baby boy is turning 5!!! I still feel like you just can't be that old yet!! Sometimes I feel like you're still my little toddler and other times, I feel like you're a full blown big kid!! You are such a special boy and I am so so thankful God has blessed me to be your mom!

You have had an amazing year at school!! Preschool is your absolute favorite! On the days you don't go, you're bummed because you just love school SO MUCH!!! You think the world of your teacher and are probably somewhat of a teachers pet. It sounds like you like to be in control of your class and think you're a little know it all! But going to school is your very favorite activity!!

Daddy and I decided to not send you to kindergarten next year, and you were pretty bummed about that! But once I told you that you will still get to go to your preschool, plus you get to go everyday, you were pumped!!! So you're already looking forward to that next year!

You LOVE doing whatever work Grant has brought home, or whatever work he's practicing. Homework is probably your second favorite activity of the day!! You love reading to me and are so so so good at it!! Your newest favorite homework is addition and subtraction problems. You love a good worksheet!! You also like writing, spelling, and drawing! Most recently, in an effort to get your brother writing, I started giving you journal pages to draw and write. You've been drawing Star Wars characters and then writing a sentence about it. You ask for these very often!! You love my holiday school games I prepare for you and we play those over and over and over again!! Your love for learning is pretty incredible!!!! 

You finally started going to your classroom at church which is a HUGE improvement! Even in OK, when our church was your preschool, you still cried even though you went with Grant each week! Never cried at preschool but ALWAYS cried at Sunday school! After moving here and starting at a new church, you wouldn't even attempt your classroom. But a few weeks ago, you decided it would be just like preschool and lo and behold, you LOVED it!! And now that we are going Wednesday nights for small group too, you love it even more! I do kind of miss having you as my little buddy up in church, but I'm so proud of you for being so brave!!!!

You absolutely LOVE playing with your brother and have found many common interests lately! You finally decided you love Legos and building guys is one of your favorite activities together. Star Wars figures and Imaginext are your other favorite things!! You're learning to voice your opinion more and don't let your brother boss you around. You both have learned very well how to compromise.

You have a heart of gold, so pure and sensitive. You always always always put other peoples feelings before you own. You cry if I cry, or you hurt if someone else hurts. The amount of compassion in that tiny little body of yours is a true gift! You love when we snuggle and are always patting my back or my cheek. You definitely know how to show affection!! Your wife will be a lucky lady someday! You have a wisdom for the Lord and definitely use that to guide you in your daily life. You often times have the most profound thoughts about God, Heaven, and scripture. Wise beyond your years little buddy!!

Your thumb and your teddy lovey are still your two favorite objects. Not sure if/when that will end. But you're so so busy during the day its really only when you're watching a show (which isn't that often anymore) or going to bed.

You've been wearing size 3/4 shirts and size 4 pants most of the winter, and a size 9.5 shoe. You're a slow grower like your mama was and that's ok!

You make me so darn proud and I  just love the little man you're becoming. The love you share and the happiness you give just light up my life!! I am so very thankful God chose me to be your mom!

I love you my sweetheart!

Mom

Grant @ Age 7

To my sweet Grant,

How can it be that you are now 7 years old?!? I can remember the sound of your tiny, squeaky, little voice. Your super blonde hair. Your tiny toothed smile. Your big baby belly. I can still catch glimpses of the little you, but you are just such a big and growing boy!! 

You have had an amazing year of kindergarten and Daddy and I are so so proud of you!! You continue to receive compliments from teachers, staff, and parents who get to see you in action. They always tell me how kind, helpful, compassionate, and nurturing you are. Your teacher says you're such a leader and are always in control! I sometime wonder if she has you confused with somebody else, since some of those behaviors are uncharacteristic at home. But to know what a great kid you are at school makes me so proud! You love math and science the best. Adding and subtracting are your favorite. Any new math topic makes you excited! You're always doing math in your head, or asking me what "sometime times something" is. We call you our mathematician! You're moved up to the advanced reading group because you work better when you're challenged. You have strong motivation to become a fluent and independent reader, and I suspect by the end of the school year, you will well be on your way!! Getting you to to do homework at home is NOT easy! Once you're home, you hop right out of school mode (and into jammies!) and into play mode!! I know we have many more years ahead of us for homework, so I try not to push it too hard. But thank goodness for half day kindergarten!!! Next year going full day, might be a hard transition for you!

You are still taking gymnastics and are thriving! You have gained so much strength and skill, its remarkable!! You like to do handstands on furniture, somersault around the basement, and jump off the walls at home! You also finished up your Lego Robotics class which piqued your interest in computers!! You love playing Odd Squad computer games! You are going to take swimming lessons in April to help get you pool-ready for the summer and you cannot wait!!!! 

You love reading books in your bed before you go to sleep! Right now, you've been pouring into your Lego Star Wars Encyclopedia and have memorized what year what certain sets have come out. Or which guy comes with which sets. You just can't get enough Star Wars!!!

At home, you are just a happy camper playing with your brother in the basement all day long!! You break for snacks and for dinner, but otherwise, its play play play til bedtime!! I just love the bond you two have!!  You guys most often can be found playing Legos, Star Wars commands, and Star Wars figures. You set up these elaborate "bases" that include all the imaginext building and castles we have. So you basically take over the whole basement! But oh the fun you two have!!

You still LOVE playing with your stuffed animals, and can sometimes stay up pretty late in your room playing with your brother! You just have the most tender heart for those animals of yours! You still sleep with Cuddles over your ear each night and cover up with your Mimi blanket. And while this is probably incredibly embarrassing for you to read, I have to get it out there- you finally can make it through the night without having to go to the bathroom! For the past 9 months or so, I have woken you up to take you to the bathroom before I went to bed or else you would have an accident, but you are all on your own now and you feel so darn good about it!!! 

You are so excited for summer vacation! You can't wait to stay home all day long and swim in our pool and play with your brother!! You always prefer staying at home or eating at home rather than going anywhere else!!! 

You've been wearing mostly size 7 shirts, some 8's now. Pants/shorts are about 6/7. You're in a size 1 shoe. You prefer soft sweatpants and hoodies around the house, or pajamas. If you wear track pants and a long sleeve tshirt to school, you will come home and change immediately. And don't even think about you wearing jeans or khakis unless its a church day! Comfy cozy is your motto!

You still love me to hold you, cuddle you, and baby you some. I can always tell when you're in need of some affection because you call me "mama" in the sweetest little voice. One of my favorite times with you is when you come downstairs after Wyatt is asleep and we cuddle for an hour and watch a show. One whole hour where we get to snuggle and not let anything else interfere! Those are some special moments to me!!
You've grown a lot in your spiritual walk as well. You don't always outwardly show it, but when we are having conversations, you definitely show me you understand it. The way you treat your brother and me show me that you're learning how to live your life for the Lord and I'm thankful to see you grow and learn on your journey each and every day!

It's been an amazing year for you and I am so proud of the young man you're becoming! You've had alot of changes since your last birthday and you're made it through each one better than I could've imagined! You've been the man of the house and have done such a great job protecting me and loving me when I needed it most. You are so very very special to me!!

I love you my handsome heart!!

Mom

Birthday Pancakes!

What would the morning of March 15th be without the traditional Birthday Pancake breakfast!!!

 
 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOYS!!!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday Grant and Wyatt!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy 7th and 5th Birthday my handsome hearts!!! Celebrating today with you both is one of my favorite days of the whole year!!! It's going to be a special day!!!

Daddy and I love you so much!

Happy Birthday Eve!

Tomorrow, you two handsome boys will wake up and be a whole year older!!! 7 and 5 years old!! How in the world is that even possible?!?! You both have grown sooo much this past year, and I don't just mean taller! It's been a crazy year, all sorts of different things thrown at you, and you both have come through taller, smarter, brighter, and happier each and everyday!! I love you both with my whole heart and I can't wait to celebrate with you tomorrow!!!

 I love you!!!

Gymnastics Stars

The boys just finished up their third session of gymnastics!! They have loved every second of it and have come so far!! I love watching them grow and learn!!

Grant started off in Level I gym and then when I realized I meant to sign him up for Boys Gym Level I, I switched him over to that the second session and that's where he's been ever since. He is in class with his friend, Drew, and quite a few other boys. He has two teenage boy instructors and seems to think they are the coolest guys he knows! I see him goof off with the other boys a lot and not pay attention as much as I would like him to, but I've also seen him get stronger and stronger, so I know he's working hard regardless! I told him we would do one more session this spring, and then we'd take the summer off. But he said, "No! I want to keep going! I want to be a gymnastics instructor when I grow up so I need all the practice I can get!" Well, I can't argue with that, so looks like we will be doing gymnastics year round!! Blue Valley has such a great program, I'm happy to keep him in as long as he likes it!!!

 Wyatt started off in Pre-Gym Level I in the fall. After the first session, he moved up to Level II and just finished his second session there. Although, he just graduated up to Level III and will start right after Spring Break! He's so funny- the back of his certificate has a report card that shows the skills he's been working on and is scored with either Excellent, Satisfactory, or Needs Work. As soon as his instructor gave him his certificate, he turned it over and counted how many Excellents he had. He had about half Excellents and half Satisfactory. He was bummed and a little confused on how he could graduate without all excellents. But I told him he would work on those skills in Level III too. He also proceeded to look at all his classmates certificates too and count how many excellents they had as well. He is quite the overachiever! But the apple doesn't fall far- I was the same way!

The next session starts right after Spring Break and I can't wait to see what my little gymnasts do next!

B & B

The past few weeks have been AMAZING for outdoor play!! Wyatt has taken a liking to sports, so we've been doing our fair share of Baseball and Basketball!!! Just like anything else, Wyatt tries and tries and tries again until he gets better and better and strives for perfection. Grant tries a few times and just quits if its too hard or he's not "good enough" or he just flat out gets bored. He will swing a few times, or shoot a few times, but he'd rather go off and play on the clubhouse or something! So funny to see their differences! 

Wyatt got a pitching set for Christmas and every warm-enough day since then, he's asked to go outside and try it out! He's got a great stance and a great swing! He's hit quite a few "homeruns!" I got smart and put the soccer goal behind home plate to hopefully catch the strikes! But really, he doesn't miss too often (plus the darn bunnies chewed holes in the net)!! Grant got in on the batting action as well and hit some good ones too!! I'm so happy he tried! Of course, they had to wear their baseball hats while they played baseball! Right out of The Sandlot I tell ya!!

 Watching his pop-fly

 The tongue!! That was a homerun that about took my head off!

 

We bought a basketball goal on Black Friday, but without Levi here, its still sitting in the box in the garage. Luckily, our neighbors have a goal lowered down to 8ft and Wyatt has found that he is a pretty good shot with his little bitty ball! He likes dribbling with his big ball.

 I'm so happy its Springtime so we can be spending some beautiful outdoor time with my little fellas!

Sleeping Babies

I still can't go to bed each night without checking on my sleeping babies!! Their soft breaths, sweaty foreheads, and cuddled bodies are just irresistible!!! I caught them in the act of sleeping ever so adorably that I had to take their pictures!

Grant used to sleep like this all the time when he was a baby and toddler, but I hardly ever see him like this anymore. My friend, Lori, said it best on IG when she said, "He looks so big, yet sleeping so little." Grant is a walking contradiction in my mind- to me, he is my first baby, my little boy. But when you look at him, he's this tall, maturing, growing big boy!! Moments like this help me still see the tiny baby inside him!

Wyatt had a long day of outside play and he obviously wore himself out. My friend, Kelly, pointed out his open palms, which encourages me that he is relaxed, calm, and happy! Exactly how I want my babies to feel each night as I tuck them into bed!

I just love my sleeping babies!

Star Student Grant

In honor of Grant's approaching birthday, he got to be Star Student all week at school!! It all started on Friday when Grant got to bring home their class "mascot"- a furry cuddly frog named Leap. He got to go lots of places with us over the weekend and we wrote about all of our adventures in the class journal. Over the weekend, Grant had to prepare his All About Me poster and gather some pictures, his favorite book, treats for the estimation jar, and decide on what to bring for his birthday treats!

On Monday, which just so happens to be my day in the classroom, he got to share his All About Me poster and I got to watch! He loves telling stories to his class about his family, so he enjoyed this part so much!! On Tuesday, he got to bring his favorite book to share, so of course he brought his Lego Star Wars Encyclopedia. On Wednesday he got to share his extra pictures, which he specifically chose on the computer!! We had to search through every month for the past 7 years to find just the right pictures to share. On Thursday, all the kids in the class, as well as the aides and Mrs. Rottinghaus all wrote him a letter and made it into a special book! It is a treasure we will keep forever!! On Friday, he got to bring the estimation jar, which he filled with 40 little plastic cars. He also brought his birthday treats and everybody got to sing to him. Blue Valley has a very strict snack list- no homemade treats, and we had to choose from a specific list of approved items. Basically- he chose Gushers fruit snacks. Not what I would've chosen, but most of the kids really appreciated them!  He also got to pick out a birthday book and have dance with Mrs. R to the music of the singing birthday frog!! Special times for my special boy!! 

I loved that my special boy got the chance to have a week that was all about him!! I think he likes to make many moments at school all about him anyway, but this gave him a specific reason! After reading his book of letters the class wrote him, I've come away with a few thoughts about the impression Grant leaves at school- 1) He has the best smile! I think every aide, teacher, and helper wrote about his smile! 2) He's a a great helper and leader! Quite a few kids wrote about how he helps them. 3) He's a great friend! The pictures the kids drew and the sweet things they wrote made me feel like he is truly a likable kid and is well-liked. I know what a special boy Grant is, so it makes me feel so great to know that other people can see that in him as well!!!

You'll always be my special star Grant!

Birthday Pictures Year After Year

I remember taking each of these pictures so vividly! How can it be that my baby boys will be turning 5 and 7 in just two short weeks?!?!?  Blows my mind!!! I often think about their demeanors as babies, toddlers, early preschoolers. They've changed, yet so many things have stayed the same. One of our favorite pastimes is looking at old pictures and watching home videos. The boys never can tell who is who when they're little!! But I can put myself back into that moment so clearly!! Oh, hearing their little voices, listening to their baby giggles, watching their little feet toddle around!! Those moments are so engrained in my brain and I am so so thankful!! But I am so thankful for each day we've had since they've been born. To watch them grow, learn and experience new things, and imagine what new things are in store for them!! 

Life with my babies is the greatest gift from God!! And I'm thankful for every second!!

Brothers Year After Year

In honor of Grant and Wyatt's birthday month, I'm taking a walk down memory lane! I just can't believe these guys are about to embark on another birthday together!! What a wonderful blessing for them to share such a special day! Two brothers, who have become best friends, that can be so closely connected is truly more than I could have ever imagined!! How lucky I am to be their mom and what an amazing gift for them to have each other!!!

These pictures I get of them each year around their birthday are so priceless. It catches them at one moment in time. Those moments that are so fleeting, ever changing. They don't look the same as they did yesterday, so looking back year after year at how much they've changed and grown just astonishes me. Having these memories help flood my heart with the joy I felt in each of these moments. The joy that also changes and and continues to grow year after year! 

My two babies, my two boys, my two loves, my greatest blessings!!