Marin's 2nd Birthday and a cousin weekend....

It is so crazy to think that Marin has turned 2!!! This was a super special year for her because her Grandpa Matthew who she shares her birthday with was able to come and visit and celebrate this special day with her. Marin is all about Elmo so we decided to do Elmo cupcakes for her cake. They turned out a little funny looking, but she knew who it was, and that is all that mattered.

We spent most of the day hanging out and making her cupcakes and getting ready for her cousins and Grandpa to come visit, Marin loved making her cupcakes, she always talks about it. We had a great party when everyone arrived. Aubrey was so great to come up with her kids and Matthew. We sang Happy Birthday to Marin and then we had something fun planned for Grandpa Matthew....we were prepared with 60 candles for his cupcake!! It was a little dangerous and extremely hot, but super cool looking. Marin and Grandpa both opened presents and we had some Elmo cupcakes. Marin was so happy and excited for her birthday, I know she felt special.

There are so many times when I tell Marin how much I love her and I think about how surprised I was to find out we were going to be having her. I am so grateful for the gift of her from Heavenly Father, she has truly made our family complete....our little peanut. Love you the most Marin!!! We also had a super fun weekend with the Tyler cousins. The kids just had so much fun playing outside and of course we went to the lake!!

 

Summer= Lawn mowers and hot dogs....

It is official, Andy is the proud owner of a John Deer lawn tractor. I think this was a life long secret dream of his that has finally come true. It was so cute to see him pick out his model and actually bring it home, it was the same excitement level as being a kids on Christmas morning. I am so happy for Andy that he could get this awesome green machine!! When we finally brought it home the kids all wanted a ride. So we grilled up some hot dogs, had some issues with the ketchup, and gathered around to watch and enjoy Dad hard at work (if that's what to call it.....)

The Coombs....

When we lived in Maine we met some amazing people and were blessed with great friends. One of those families were the Coombs. Jaron and Christy were both just so nice, they loved to do fun things, and they had kids around the same ages as ours....it was a match made in heaven. We lived near their family for 3 years and finally moved our separate ways the last year of medical school. Christy and I were always so good at keeping in touch though. Their family was making the move to Alaska shortly after we had moved to Helena, and they decided to stop here and see us as they made the 3 day drive to Alaska from Utah. Christy's parents also came and it was so fun to have a "grandpa and grandma" here with the kiddos. It was so great to have them in Helena and to see where we live. We picked up right where we left off and the kids all got along so well. They were only here two days but it was just enough time to get to the lake and the carousel of course!!