DIY

We had a mini photo session today! Both boys just had a Birthday and I though I would try to take their pictures myself. I would have to say some of them turned out pretty well. I have to do a bunch of editing yet, but so far, so good! Take a peek!

This was a big chunk of out day today! Playing in the water. It may look like Griffin is terrified, but he is actually loving it and crazy excited!

4 wheels, down to 2 and back up to 4

Just this week we were able to get Parker off of his training wheels of his pedal bike. He is doing so well. He always said that he would do it when he turned 4 and he lived up to his word. So, why not give him something else to work towards, right? My thoughts exactly! Our present to Parker for his birthday was a dirt bike. This is something that his Dad has wanted to get him for a long time. I was not so sure, but went along with it. And now I would have to admit that it is so stinkin cute!!! He was so excited to see it and has been doing unbelievable. It has training wheels and we can control how fast he is able to go. It is pretty slow for the time being, so he hopped right on and took off. He would literally ride this all day long if we let him. Just Sat, he was on it for over 3 hours. My baby is really growing up!

After his first lap around our circle. All smiles!

Daddy teaching him how everything works!

And... He's off!

As you can see the weather wasn't too great that day. Jeff and I had great intentions of taking him camping that night with just the three of us. Well, it was like 50 degrees and raining. Sooo....

We set up the tent in the basement and the boys camped out downstairs. Too Cute! His Daddy is such a good sport. Wouldn't even think about letting his boy down! He said they were going to go camping and they went camping. Lantern and all.

We had his last birthday party on Sun. with Jeff's Family. It was for Parker and Grandpa Harry!

Here is is opening some of the gifts... A tool belt with real tools and some safety gear for all his riding.

Grandpa is pretty into sports. Parker is getting into it as well, so he thought it would be fun to make a football cake for him and Grandpa to share. Parker's team against Grandpa's team. Michigan colors of course!

I won't say it out loud, but if you look at the end zones, you can tell how old they both turned! SHHH!

Happy Birthday Parker and Grandpa!

Happy Fourth Birthday Parker!

Four years ago today, I was induced and 21 hours later we welcomed Parker D Leeuw into this world. He was 8lb 6oz and has been growing strong ever since. I can not believe that we have been blessed with him in our lives for that long. So, I thought we could take a little trip down memory lane....

Here he is digging into his cake on his 2nd Birthday!

Getting ready to dig into his cake on his 3rd Birthday!

And... Opening one of his presents at a party we had for him last weekend!

Dear Parker,

Four years has come and gone so quickly. It has been amazing to see how much you have grown from our first baby, to a toddler and now our big boy! You are so much fun and make us laugh everyday. You have facial expressions that can raise a couple eyebrows, and we love so much. One of my favorite things is when you sneak out of your bed in the morning and crawl in with me. You snuggle up nice and close and whisper "I Love You Mommy"! Could there be anything better. The questions you ask and how you take in every detail is just beyond me. You have a memory that can put anyone to shame! You have taken on the roll of a big brother whithout hesitation and you are amazing at it. You are the biggest helper and the best teacher. Thank you for who you are and what you have brought to our family. We pray for you everday and who you will become! Make The Lord as proud of you as we are!

Love, Mom and Dad

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GOOD LUCK!

How quickly things change!

So, after checking out a friends blog, I decided to try a new website to edit some photo's. I thought I would start with this picture, that I started taking annually just last year on Father's Day. It is obviously of Jeff's hand with first just Parker's hand and then this year with both of the boys. That way we can see how fast they are growing and always remember their precious hands. My intent is to print each years pictures out and put them in a little photo book so I can always have access to it. It is so fun to play around with pictures. I don't get much time to do it, but when I do, I love it! Thanks Jen for posting about this website picnik.com You should all try it!

Griffin has a case of what we call rubberband wrists at our house!

We are beyond blessed!