Birthday Cuties

They all look so different to me here! 

Sweet Tooth Sweetie

 Smiling in anticipation. 

 Their age difference seems so vast in this pic. 

 Not bad, Ma! 

Our Little Light

She's our last. Our surprise baby. Lucia means light, and she was such a bright light after sadness. Steve and I have talked about feeling guilty, sad that we are have such love for Lucia, as if Vance Michael never happened, or mattered. Sometimes it's just the opposite, though and we think about what could have been. Olivia often looks at her and sighs, "she's such a blessing Mom." That she is. 

Lucia Veronica, we love you so. On the eve of your first birthday, both Olivia and Leo are nervous. They say that once you are one, there's no baby left. You're all grown. They don't want to lose their "bubba" or "miss junior" or "little mama". But baby girl, you will always be our baby. You are sweet, spunky, and starting to show your mischievous side. You holler at Leo and light up around Olivia (just as it should be, I suppose). You love to be cozy, but not as much as you love to dance. Your favorite foods are peas, roasted squash, cheese and waffles. You do tend to favor me over Dad and I'm just fine with that. 

We could not imagine life without you, sweet girl. Happy birthday Louie V! 

Side Splitting Laughter

 Even Lucia (who looks like a cartoon fairy) was amused by photo booth

Baby Blues

Sweet Stuff

We're in for it

Hambone

Old Souls

Leo drew this at school today. It's Steve, me holding Lucia, Olivia, and Leo is kneeling down praying at Grandma Urs' grave. We visited on Saturday, and Olivia brought some Irish decorations and did a jig. 

Bea's Birthday, part 2

 Erin and Scott's new neighbor stopped in for a bit. 

 Lucia was in heaven. 

 Bea was so caring. 

 Cordelia seems to be a bit under the weather. 

 Lucia asks if she needs a tissue (she does). 

 Twins! 

 She was beside herself with excitement. 

Sky High for Bea

 Leo was overwhelmed at the beginning 

 Cordelia did not leave this section 

 Impatiently patiently waiting for the "goils" to get out of the way

 I could not find Leo, and started to get worried he was at the bottom of the foam pit. Nope, just taking a breather. 

It was a Bea-utiful day for Bea!