It's SUPER SWENSONS!

In order to make things "simpler" for our families, we have one big party for all of our kids (since they all occur within 2 months). This year's theme was "Superhero" and the kids had a BLAST. They all dressed up in capes and went through "Superhero Training". Matt was the Super-hit of the party - as STRONG MAN. I love that he isn't ashamed to make himself ridiculous. :) The kids loved it as he taught them how to walk like a superhero, talk like a superhero, fly like a superhero, leap tall buildings and shoot villians. At the end of "training", each superhero was presented with a medal and we then had not-so-great hot dogs, delicious cupcakes and cake. The kids were spoiled by aunts, uncles, and grandparents and loved it! Thank you all who came and made the day special!

Matt as "STRONG MAN"


STRONG MAN teaching them to walk like superheroes


The superheroe trainees, awaiting their next task


End of "Target Villian"


Fun with signs...




Some fun gifts...


(this is Eli's "lady friend"...she terrifies him. It's pretty funny.)


A sneak peak at the decor...


Superheroes...AWAY!

Happy Birthday, Maddi!

No, we're not running out of steam with all these birthdays! Today was GREAT. I woke up Maddi, singing Happy Birthday (with Keith and Eli trailing behind me) carrying her breakfast - bagels and pink milk - AND my video camera and regular camera. Yes, I have skills. She got to eat her breakfast in the TV room and watch a show of her choice. I made her birthday cake while the kids played Wii (something I usually only allow on Saturday, so it's a real treat).

We then dropped off the kiddos at my friend Olivia's, except for Maddi who got to go with us to see the baby's ultrasound. After our appointment, Daddy took her to lunch and Build-A Bear.

After they got back, we opened presents and enjoyed Maddi's reactions. She's a hoot.


We then had homemade burgers and watched Maddi's birth and baby videos (um...anyone else experiencing major dejavu?) while we ate. We sang "Happy Birthday", had delicious Lemon Cake and ice cream, Matt played more Wii with the kids and I prepared for the all-family Birthday Bash the next day. Whew!

Maddi is such a little sweetheart. Kind hearted, she loves everyone, wants to help, wants to make things better, loves animals (horses and dogs especially) and is an AMAZING artist. She too can sing beautifully, but is a little unsure when asked to do it publicly. She's a wonderful big and little sister and we are so SO thankful to have this lady as our daughter. I love you Maddi!

OH! I forgot to mention....(nah, I didn't really forget, I just thought I'd draw out the suspense a little longer.) At our appointment, Dr. Lovelace whispered in Maddi's ear what we were having so that she was the first to know. She got her big Maddi-grin and said ........

We are so excited, we can hardly stand it. :) Here's a pic of me in my current state of 22 weeks. (Sammi wants everyone to know that she took this picture.)

Did I mention we're excited?!?!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDI!!!!

Happy Birthday, Cho-Cho!

Yes...."Cho-Cho". Matt has the knack of giving our kids the most ridiculous nicknames that actually stick. No matter how hard I try, I call my kid "Cho-cho". And I find myself feeling absolutely stupid when I do it in public, yet the habit remains. Nevertheless, that is a subject for a post all it's own. Our focus in this one, is Cho...er, Eli!

Well, after Keith recovered, Maddi fell sick with the same illness. She was recuping on Eli's birthday, and then Sammi fell sick that night. Happily, the birthday boy began the bout of illness in our house the week before and was healthy as a horse on his day!

I made him banana muffins for breakfast and then took him to get the traditional 2 year portrait taken (pictures to come). Then, after Matt got home we opened presents and had pizza, watched his movie of birth and baby-days, and had birthday cake (in which we barely escaped with the birthday hat catching fire...whew!) Eli loved it and it was so fun to see him open presents (especially the little scooter Matt got him...he's terrified of it) and sing "Happy Birthday" to himself. This little guy brings so much joy to our home...he loves to be tickled and has the funniest, heartiest "chuckle-laugh" that cracks us up. He loves cars and trucks and trains and music. He dances like his dad, but that doesn't take away from his gusto. :)






Happy Birthday, little buddy!

Happy Birthday Keith part Deux

By Sunday, Keith was feeling right as rain again, and I felt okay proceeding with his dinner of choice: hot dogs and birthday cake to boot. So, after church we opened presents, had the dogs, sang Happy Birthday and ate cake and ice cream. We also did our tradition of watching videos of the Birthday Kiddo's birth and days as a baby. He's such a sweet little guy - with a quirky, "man" side too. He cracks me up. I feel bad his birthday was tainted with illness, but he didn't seem to mind.



Happy Birthday, Keith!

Birthday Blues

So, Keith's birthday was a bust. Everything was decorated, (with my new, custom made Birthday Decorations...pics to come!) the day started off well with his Breakfast choice of chocolate Cheerios and chocolate milk. Matt took him to lunch at Primos and they returned home with movie in hand, ready for some hot dogs, cake and ice cream. Alas, little birthday boy all of a sudden was laying on the floor, looking pale. I took him into the restroom where he relived himself of his Birthday lunch. Sad. Poor guy. Right before all the festivities. So....we regrouped, cleaned up, bathed Keith and postponed party. Sad. :(

The day started off well....


...but soon Keith was taken ill.


We had his barf bowl handy as an attempt was made to open gifts....


...but the little guy was too sickly. :(


Sad. But, no worries! Birthday Joy to be continued....