Happy 7th Birthday, Caden!

Another year has passed--unbelievable! It seems like just yesterday that I was sitting upstairs in our Indy home typing a blog post about Caden's 6th birthday. It is hard to believe that Curt and I are parents to a seven-year-old.

Here are some photos from Caden's birthday celebrations...

Caden's Sonic the Hedgehog birthday party was celebrated at Midstate Gymnastics Academy (three different inflatables for the kids to bounce around on and a foam pit to jump into--tons of fun!). Grammy came through again with an awesome birthday cake!

Cole enjoying the inflatables

Caden and Brady making it through the inflatable obstacle course

The worn out and hot birthday crew after inflatables time and before the foam pit

Cole jumping into the foam pit and loving it (with a blurry Caden at the bottom)

Caden cannonballing

Cake time!

Making a wish (for more DS games, especially the newest Super Mario Brothers game)

My boys and me

After the party, we returned home to open presents from Caden's friends, Grammy and Grandpa, Aunt Mariah, and Uncle Jason. Here are the boys and Aunt Mariah.

Caden building his Ninjago Lego from Grammy and Grandpa

We decided to stretch out the birthday celebration and presents, so Caden opened up presents from Nana and Papa on the day after his party.

Nana, Papa, Caden, Cole, and Mia with a new Lego set

On the evening of his actual birthday, Caden opened up presents from us.

More Hero Factory Legos from Cole and Kieran

Opening up the last present from us--the newest Super Mario Brothers game for his DSi. Caden told almost everyone who asked that he wanted this game for his birthday. He was thrilled!

We bought Caden a small Lego cake to eat on his actual birthday.

Our 7-year-old!

On the Saturday after Caden's birthday, Aunt Shannon and Josh came for a visit. The boys enjoyed the mild temp and playing basketball with them.

It was nice to get outside. We are ready for SPRING!

Cole, Caden, and Aunt Shannon

The final presents for this 7-year-old's birthday celebrations...Diary of a Wimpy Kid book and Apples to Apples Jr. game :)

This past year was a busy one for our firstborn. In the last year, Caden finished kindergarten in Indianapolis and sadly said good-bye (for now) to many dear Indy friends. In June, he experienced his third move when we returned to Springfield. Over the summer, Caden reunited with lots of old friends, met new friends, and welcomed a baby brother. Kieran lights up when Caden pays attention to him, and Caden still enjoys helping take care of and entertain his baby brother. We sent Caden off on a school bus for the first time to start first grade at a new school. He has had a great school year! His reading skills never cease to amaze us, and he does very well in math too. His writing can bring tears to our eyes, make us laugh, or make us blush. Two important milestones over the last year--Caden learned to ride a bike, and he lost his second tooth. He has enjoyed playing on both soccer and basketball teams, and he loves to build Legos and play his DSi at home. He has become less shy with adults and embraced a sillier side of himself (brought out best by Cole). Caden continues to be our academic and curious one. He is also the worrier and can be intense at times. We love him for all that he is! Wonder what the next year has in store for Caden...

Kieran at 7 months

Kieran is 7 months already! Where has the time gone???

Kieran started eating veggies and fruits this month. His favorites are squash and sweet potatoes. He's undecided on fruits at this time. With the taste of some yummy food, he discovered that he can make a lip-smacking sound. He's also discovered the mess he can make when blowing raspberries with a mouthful of food.

Caden and Cole like to help feed Kieran. We just have to watch how far they put the spoon in his mouth.

Such a happy guy! We started going to Church Mice (a music program at our church for 0-4 yr. olds). Kieran loves shaking maracas and banging drums.

Kieran during dinner prep (Unfortunately, he's not always this happy when I'm making dinner.)

Kieran loves bathtime! He gets excited when we start the water.

Kieran FINALLY has a closet in his room! We are thrilled with the finished product.

Kieran's 7 month photo...Is he always this happy?! Yes, almost always! He's a flirt too. He loves getting attention when we are out and about.

February was a big month for Kieran. His first night without Mommy was a success. Nana and Papa stayed with the boys while we went to Chicago for an overnight stay. Also, Kieran's first tooth has started to poke through his bottom gum. And, like Caden, he's discovered the soothing nature of hair pulling, so my hair will look like a mess for months and months. Sometimes, he gives my hair a break and pulls on his own fuzzy hair.

Other big deals in our home this February...We received about 12 inches of snow and bitter cold temps at the beginning of the month. The boys missed three days of school. Cole didn't feel like playing in the snow this time, but Caden had a great time on the small hills in our backyard and the bigger hills on the golf course behind our home.

Curt and I had two great getaways. Nana and Papa babysat while we went to Chicago for an overnight stay. Curt enjoyed an interesting course while I shopped with Shannon during the day, and we spent a great evening of eating and balderdashing with Shannon and Josh. At the end of the month, Grammy and Aunt Mariah babysat while we enjoyed Curt's annual employee appreciation dinner and dance. Kieran smiled big for his bottles and did a great job for everyone.