(Un)happy Birthday!

Aaron turned a big two years old on thursday, so Friday we were off to the photographer! The second we went into the room he freaked. I have no clue why! Last time he was there he played happily while his sister was being captured on film. I just don't understand. It was like pulling teeth! We got less than ten frames by the end of it. And none of them smiling.

At least he looked cute in the little lederhosen oufit...

Once he got his bottle there was no way we were getting it back!

I hadn't planned on being photographed myself, but the lady thought he looked really cute. Jim said he'd be crying too if he had to wear Lederhosen. Aw, c'mon!

This one was probably our favorite!

He had a lot more fun at Grandma's house yesterday as we celebrated with cake and presents. I threw a cake together, nothing too fancy, which was actually pretty tasty!

Blowing out the candles. He loves his new book with wheels!

Even Elena got a cool present!

The victory laps! A common occurence with these two.

A very happy Birthday to you, Aaron. We're sure happy we have you!

New Addition to the family!

Yep, it's finally here! My days of jail and confinement are over! I am now FREE do go and do as I wish! Hahahahahaaaaaaaa. Well, within financial and ethical reason, of course. It's just so very nice to be able to get things done when needed. We are now the proud owners of a red Chevy Blazer, ca. 2000.

It just passed the state inspection (after over $600 in work). Next comes the registration and long lines and another multiple hundreds of dollars spent. Gotta love Maryland! They tax you on the sale price. The price we pay for Freedom...
We bought the car off Jim's brother who is moving to Beijing for 3 years. (Generously, only for $1) Unfortunately, they tax us on their minimum purchase price which is $640 give or take. Ouch! Needless to say, nothing in life is free. I am just grateful to have a vehicle and no car payment. We are working on eliminating all our debt. Which is not so easy to do when things keep coming up. And double diapers.
But the kids sure love the "truck"! It has much more foot space for them. And they love to play around in it and figure out all the new buttons. They are noticing new things as we drive around because they are up much higher.

Here they are, loving feeling so big and tall in the world.

My New Nephew

My sister Lauren gave birth to her second son, Adyn Jason Michael Hoover, on August 1st, 2009 at 1:01 am. That's the reason I went to Reno from the 22nd to the 31st of August! (I'll show more of that later.) He was a big 7 lbs. 12 oz. and 20 inches long.

I was so excited to meet him and hold him. He is such a sweet-natured boy who sleeps a lot. I forgot how tiny and fragile newborn babies are; so precious.

We wanted to make our own attempt at an Anne Geddes photo shoot. Here are just a few samples...

Then, on Sunday evening, August 30th, he was blessed by my Dad with the Bishop present in my parents' home.

I am a proud Auntie!