Happy Birthday Jared!

Jared turned two today. I cannot believe that my baby is two (which actually makes him a toddler, so there are no babies in my house anymore, crazy). Jenna has been talking about Jared's birthday for the last week. She has been really excited for it. We had a pretty relaxed day. Derek made us pancakes after church. Then we had cake, and Jared opened his presents. He liked all of his toys, but I am pretty sure that Kevin and Jenna were way more excited about everything than he was. They got so impatient when he took a little while to open a present. Ah, siblings.

As I think about the last two years, I can't help but be really grateful that Jared is part of our family. He has definitely been my most challenging baby, but he is also the most loving. From the time he could get himself around he would force his way onto your lap or into your arms. The vast majority of the time he has a smile on his face (just like his daddy...it's a great trait). He will even smile at you when he is doing something he knows he shouldn't. He can be a very difficult child sometimes, but he knows how to win you over with that smile of his. Jared has been a great addition to our family. We love you Jared!

Below are some pictures of Jared from the last two years, including today.

March 29, 2007 - the real "birth day"

May 2007 - Kevin, Jenna and Jared

August 2007 - Jared playing under Jenna's castle (I love this picture)

October 2007 - Jared with his favorite blanket (this is still his favorite blanket)

March 29, 2008 - Jared's first birthday

July 2008 - Jared in the woods

March 29, 2009
I made this firetruck cake for Jared

The birthday boy

Blowing out candles - he actually blew them both out by himself

Jenna, Jared, and Kevin

Jared with his new camera - Thanks Tia, Uncle Michael, and Tanner

Jared taking a picture of me - we might need to work on his technique a little...

Jared opening a present

Jared was attempting to drink out of his new water bottle, but it was empty

Kevin and Jenna jumping on bubble wrap that was around one of Jared's presents (instead of presents in the future, I think we will just buy bubble wrap)

Jared decided to give the bubble wrap a try - he wasn't as impressed as the other two

Grandpa's Birthday and Disney World

On February 28th my grandpa turned 80 years old! Every year my grandparents go to Florida for a couple of months. They were there when grandpa turned 80, so we drove down for his birthday. All of my immediate family was there (except my sister's husband). Many of my aunts, uncles and cousins were there. It was really fun to see every one and to think that this all started with my grandma and grandpa. We stayed with my Aunt Kathy (THANK YOU!!!) and had a great time swimming in her pool and hanging out with every one.

While in Florida my parents took my siblings families and mine to Disney World!!! Thank you mom and dad! We had so much fun. The kids were so excited to be there and it was especially fun that they could go with their cousins. We are already trying to figure out how to get back there. It really is a magical place for children (who am I kidding, I had a great time too). After we got back Jenna changed her name to Cinderella for about a week. She has since changed it back to Jenna. Below are a few pictures from Disney, and some other random pictures from the month. Enjoy.

Jenna in front of the Epcot ball

Jared by Cinderella's Castle

Jenna driving Grandpa in a race car

Derek and Jenna on the Carousel

Jared on the Carousel

Derek, Jared, and Jenna on the Dumbo Ride

My cousin, Brittany, and Kevin on the Dumbo Ride

Jared, Jenna, and Kevin enjoying Popsicles on a warm spring day

Kevin and Jenna enjoying popcorn during a "Movie Night"

Jenna wanted me to take some pictures of her, and I thought they turned out well.

Isn't she cute?

I know this is hard to see, but Jared decided to put make up on and this was the result.

Jumping on the bandwagon

I have finally decided that it is time for me to start a blog. Derek has just become way too busy to keep up our other blog, so I have decided to take over. I am not nearly as cleaver as he is, so my posts won't be as funny, but at least they will be updated. This address is one that Derek has had for years (at least 4). However, the only thing he ever posted on here were Jenna's ultrasound pictures. She will be 4 in May. It was kind of fun to see the pictures again. Derek may post on here every now and then, but I will do most of the posting. I decided that we were missing out on too many memories, so I had to start blogging. As soon as I figure out how to add pictures from Picassa Web I will do some posts with pictures. I am excited about this and hopefully will be regular about posting here. Thanks for putting up with me while I learn how to blog. :)