Happy Birthday Ladybug!

Happy Birthday to Josie!
Since we call her ladybug, I had to go with a ladybug theme for her birthday. We just had a small gathering with my parents and a neighbor. The kids wore ladybug hats and I enjoyed the challenge of making Josie a ladybug cake.

Josie had no qualms about getting her hands dirty! She couldn't eat the cake fast enough.

And this is what she looked like when she was done. Maybe the red icing wasn't such a smart idea? She had to have a bath before she opened presents!

We can't believe she is 1 now. The kids loved helping me prepare for her celebration and made her day special. I couldn't help but be a little sad. Maybe it is knowing that this is our last child and all of a sudden, she has changed from a baby to a 1 year old. I still want that little bundle sleeping on my shoulder. I can see why the babies of the family always get spoiled now. We just want them to stay babies forever since we are unwilling to let that feeling go. All of a sudden I truly feel older as this next stage of life creeps up on us. Asher is up to my shoulders now (no joke, yes, at 7 he is this tall!) and I see the tween years on the horizon. I am anxious to be done with diapers and the 3 year old temper tantrums, but can't they just stay babies forever?

We love you sweet Josie, our ladybug. Happy Birthday!

My Band

Cheers

New Year's Eve was a number of different things for this Thorson family. Not only was it a celebration of the year that passed and a New Year to come, but we also had "2nd Christmas" with my parents visiting from WV. 2nd Christmas included all the foods we were too sick to enjoy fully at Christmas time including monkey bread, a huge ham dinner...

...and chocolate fondue for dessert. The kids certainly enjoyed all the festivities...more presents, games, chocolate, sparkling juice ("kid's wine"). I think we may have set the bar too high for next New Year's Eve!

They made it till midnight...barely. Anna was trying to fall asleep at 11:45 and we tortured her to keep her awake. Well, she had made it that far! This is the look on her face as we watched the ball job. I just know she is saying "This is what I stayed up for?!".

It was a wonderful time with Grammie (who stayed up with us) and Poppy (who didn't make it till midnight!)

Josie did not make it till midnight so I included a picture of her enjoying one of her Christmas presents, a baby and walker from Grandma and Grandpa Thorson. She knows this is her baby and fights Jesse off of it. She rocks it, kisses it, and pats it (AMAZING!). And now she has started walking with her stroller. Look out world! I can't believe she will be 1 in less than 2 weeks.

Happy New Year Everyone! We have been so blessed this past year and look forward to all God has in store for us in 2012. We have many changes up ahead as Joel will be graduating and we will be moving yet again in a few short months. I am so glad we are in the the palm of His hand and pray you find comfort and direction there as well in the coming year.