It's Great to Be 8!

Colson turned 8 today. What a wonderful age. He is looking forward to his baptism that is coming up on June 6th. He mentions it at least once a day. I am so grateful for this wonderful boy that entered our lives eight years ago. He is such a sweet and fabulous kid. He's the kind of kid that is really great to have around on those days you're not feeling so great about yourself. He always has such nice compliments, and is so sincere when he gives them. Colson has one of those smiles that lights up a room, and his laugh... oh, how I love his laugh. It is so infectious. It is hard to hear it and not laugh out loud yourself, even if you have no idea what he is laughing about. What a joy and blessing he has been in our lives. Love you kid.

Since today was the real day we celebrated every moment we could. The day started out with homemade whole wheat waffles (I found a recipe that is delish!) with homemade whipped cream. Yummmmmm! For lunch, Trent, Vivi, Preston and I met Colson at school with his favorite, a Big Daddy Bacon Burger from Good Times. What birthday would be complete without having some homemade chocolate chip cookies to share with classmates? Just before school ended, I took some cookies in for Colson's class. I don't think I have ever seen kids get so excited over cookies. They were like a bunch of baby birds, all gathered around me with their mouths hanging open. The cookies were a hit. After school, Grandma Stock and Grandma Guercio took Colson on a little date to use the gift cards they both gave him. After coming home with his spoils, he went straight upstairs to put them together. (Legos of course.) The grandmas stayed and had dinner with us. (Thanks for all the clean up help and for doing the dishes for Colson on his birthday!)
After dinner we headed up to the park to set free eight balloons (one for each year). Colson wrote a wish on his, and after the count down...
We set them free!
Of course, no birthday would be complete without cake and ice cream. Colson's fave... chocolate cake and chocolate frosting. Make a wish!
Happy birthday bud! Love ya!

Birthday Celebrations

We've had a great time the last few days celebrating Colson's birthday. The celebrations started Saturday night at PF Changs. (Colson loves crab cheese Wontons. He also loves chop sticks. Not for eating with though.)

Everyone else had to get in on the chop stick action too. They didn't want to feel left out ya know.
We are so blessed to live near family. Grandma and Grandpa Stock were there of course.
And aunt Sherril, uncle Roger, and cousin Derek. Thanks for coming and celebrating with us guys!
And of course uncle Dustin was there, dishing out whisker pies. (For some odd reason, Preston loves these! Ouch!!!!)
Preston was having a hard time staying in his chair, so grandpa thought he would try it out. Yeah, Preston didn't like that too much.
It is always great to get together with family, especially when there is some celebrating to do.
Happy birthday Colson!

Is My Mom Talented or What?

Here is yet another darling dress that my mom has made for Vivian. Vivi loves her new dress. She asked me earlier if she could "wear it every day to show her friends" if that is any indication of how much she loves it. My mom never ceases to amaze me with the beautiful dresses she whips up for Viv. She is quite the seamstress. She used to make some of my clothes when I was little. I think she has really enjoyed having another little girl around to sew for. Thanks mom!