Birthday Week

If you remember from last year, the week of February 11-13 is the week of 4 birthdays! We're going to start oldest to youngest here, so hang on...

First (sorry Dad) is the oldest, My Dad! The man, now in his "swingin' 60's," has had both hips replaced, gone through five weddings, five college tuitions, 7 grandchildren, and has spent 40-some-odd years at the same company. Wow. Dedication is this man's middle name and if you were to ever meet him, you'd think the man was in his 20's by how much energy he has. His favorites? Long walks, socks with sandals, grapefruit, and substantial Starbucks coffee mugs. Happy Birthday, Dad, from your youngest couple down in So. Cal. (Maryland, for all you new readers).


Moving on, we have my beautiful niece, Ellie. What a beautiful girl, she is too. The little tot turned 4 years old yesterday and is such a BIG girl. The lucky girl gets to enjoy Southern life as she frequently visits Aunt Valley's goats, a fun and hip Raleigh pre-school, and a dreamy cotton-candy pink bedroom complete with bunk beds. Her favorites? Croissants filled with chocolate chips, American Girl Dolls, Aunt "Buhlissa's" hip (although she's quickly outgrowing it), french braids, and helping Mommy around the house. Happy Birthday, Elle-Belle. We love you!


Next we have the handsome Benjamin who turned a BIG 1 year old on the 11th!! I cannot believe it's been a year since this ham was born, but he is such a delight and growing like a weed! The boy melts every girl's heart when she looks into his deep blue eyes... and the teeth?! Oh, heaven help me. I just love baby gums. This boy has just picked up walking/running and is now unstoppable. Look out, world! His favorites? Clear, plastic balls, Steeler's garb (poor sucker - jk N&A!), Mickey Mouse and Cheereos. Happy Big One, Ben!!


Last, but certainly not least... the beautiful Bethany Rose! This girl is a whopping two days younger than Ben and it's been a total blast to watch these two grow up together! Although we don't get to see Beth nearly as much as we'd like to, we hear lots of good stories and see so many changes each time we see her! The girl has some killer blue eyes, which will cause unexpected melting of swooning boys everywhere (when she's older, of course). For now, she just melts the hearts of the loving family that surrounds her (like Big sister's Katie and Kelsey). Happy Big 1, Bethany!!