Every Kid's Favorite Toy

Oh, the simple joy derived from play time with a cardboard box!

Happy Birthday Beau!

We celebrated Beau's birthday yesterday with a pirate-themed party!

A Haylee Cake, of course!

Cute little birthday boy greeting his guests

 

Every pirate needs a hat!

I love the smirk on his face as he waits to be sung to.

"Hmm, what is this thing?"

"Have you guys tried this?"

 

Digging deeper

"From now on, I only eat cake!"

Craft time for the big kids

Presents!

Even the biggest kids had fun

 

Sweet Aubrey

Pirate cookie favors that I made

 

Chamblee Fam!

Our celebration ended up being a small, family affair since many of our friends were out of town or sick.  Though not what I had originally planned, it was a fun, relaxed afternoon with many of the people who love our sweet boy the most.  To those who came, thank you for loving on Beau & celebrating him with us.  It meant so much to have you here!

Beau's First Year: Growth Pics

Look how my baby boy has grown!

1 week

1 month

2 months

3 months

 

4 months

5 months

6 months

7 months

 

8 months

9 months

10 months

11 months

 

12 months!

New Revision to My Title

No longer just a mom, I'm now officially a "soccer mom."  As Justin said a few weeks ago when we were beginning to juggle practices for two kids on separate teams, "Welcome to chaos!"

Jake's first game was this morning, & he was super pumped.  Here he is with his team, minus one who showed up a little late.

Getting warmed up

Little brother, just trying to stay warm

Team conference with Mr. Erick, his coach

And the part that everyone is willing to participate in - enjoying Capri Suns after the game!

Jake played about half of his first game & then was getting tired & wanted to play on the sidelines with Mallory.  We'll keep working on his staying power!

Mal's game this afternoon was a different story.   After being super excited about her uniform, her team & this game, Mal was too nervous to get on the field.

As you can see in the background of sweet Beau's pic, we spent most of the game like this - Mommy trying desperately to encourage Mal to just try it.

Her coach, Mr. Mario, tried as well but to no avail.  Being the awesome parent that I am, I offered every bribe possible, but she was still having none of it.  Her team actually played most of the game with only three players on the field instead of four because Mal wasn't the only nervous one.  Hopefully more practice will help her comfort level!

 

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A Family Visit

Today we had the treat of getting to host my Aunt Frieda & cousin, Debbie, for a quick visit.  They came into town last week for a convention & then stayed with my parents for the weekend, but Jake's stomach bug changed our plans to have them come to our house earlier in the trip.  Aunt Frieda lives in Idaho & Debbie in Montana, so we don't get to see them often.  In fact, the last time I saw my aunt, I didn't have any children yet!

The kids made up for lost time & warmed up quickly to their new friends.  Mal got some awesome cuddles with Aunt Frieda.

Beau had a ball playing with Debbie's iPad.

Nana & Papa were here as well, & Jake loves hanging out with Papa.  I think Nana may have been behind the camera in these shots.  Sorry Nana, but we had fun with you, too!

Deep concentration for their iPad game

Aunt Frieda, Mal, Jake, Debbie & Beau

Thank you guys so much for making time to see us.  Come again any time!