Awana Fair!

Last night at church, our Awana Clubs (the kids program) had the annual carnival! When I was getting the kids ready, Hutch asked what night it was, since there's usually a theme each night. I told him it was the Awana Fair, and he gave me a big hug and said, "Thanks, Mom!". You're welcome! (;

Gwyneth even got in on some fun. Ronda was in the nursery with her, and they came in and checked everything out. Our youth group mans the games, and it is actually a lot of fun! Josh, one of the guys in our youth group, is a balloon artist (NOT like a sandwich artist). He graciously made a million little ballon things for all of the kids. I was totally impressed with his skills!

They also had face painting. Here is what my boys looked like on the way out the door! (Haydn's moustache and goatee are NOT real!-I won't allow it)

Tonsils!!!

Hutch had a Dr. appointment yesterday in Lima with an Ear Nose & Throat Specialist. He will be having his tonsils and adenoids removed March 18! Haydn had his removed when he was 2-1/2 years old, and I thought that was bad! The good part of him being so young was that he really didn't "get it"! We kinda went play by play, explaining things as we went. Hutch is just a little older (and wiser!), and he has been asking a lot of questions and contemplating the whole experience. He is starting to get scared. I think this might be harder than we first thought!

Hutch's New Favorite Past-time

Good, Clean Fun!

Gwyneth loves to take her bath in the kitchen sink!

Lainey's Birthday Party

On Valentine's Day (Laineys' Birthday-how cool!) we went to Jim and Tiff's house for Laineys 8th Birthday Party!! I can't believe that she is 8 already! I was in the room for Lainey's birth, and it doesn't seem like 8 years ago already! She is such a fun-loving girl-a little on the wild side like her momma and daddy! (:

Dancing after she got something she really wanted!

Aunt Lisa wins the award for the coolest wrapping job! It's hard to tell, but she stuck eight Hershey's Kisses to the top of the package! how cute. And... It's good to see that Lainey has inherited the Birthday Crown Tradition!!

Aunt Bobbie and GwynethHutch and KorreyHutch just thinks he is SO. COOL. I think the feeling's mutual! (:

Speaking of Hutch, he came from the kid's table looking like this!
Gwyneth was sporting her Valentine's Shirt (Bee Mine) that Aunt Missy got her for her birthday!Gwyneth and Camdyn. He was being so rotten, and wouldn't look at the camera for a long time. We finally got him to sorta act like he cared!

Good Night Cake

I made cupcakes for school, and had some extra batter that I didn't feel like making into cupcakes! (It was late!) It came out of the oven while the kids were in the bath. I took what icing we had left- although it didn't cover the cake, but hey, that's not the point, right?! It was our "good night snack"!

A Cheery-o Morning

This morning, Haydn was eating his cereal and arranged a smiley face in it!

Crafting at Nana's

T The kids like to make crafts at Nana's house on Sunday afternoons!

My Birthday!

Monday was my birthday. John set my alarm so I could sleep in a little! When I woke up, I found the nicest card that John has ever gotten me. What he wrote inside was perfect! I went into the bathroom, this is what I saw on the mirror! John left Haydn a reminder! How sweet-what a great father/husband!!! (:

I got a phone call from my mom and my dad and then I was doing my normal around-the-house stuff, and thought, "Just another day", but wasn't going to let it get me down. I mean, every "normal" day for me is a blessing!!

About 10:00, my mom showed up! What a perfect surprise! She came with a Banana Caramel Latte from my favorite coffee shop in hand (and that's my favorite drink), a cheesecake for me, the sweetest card ever, and presents! Really cool, perfect-for-Tricia presents! A little later, my dad showed up too!! (it's a 20 min drive from their house). My parents are the best! They know how to make me feel special and loved. They always have! We had a great time hanging out together for a little bit.

Throughout the day, I got cards and phone calls from friends and family, and John called several times just to talk and see how my day was going! It was warm outside, for once!! John got off early, and we all went to Van Wert. I got my van washed FOR FREE!! My mom and dad took me out to eat at Panera Bread in Lima, even though my dad wanted me to choose Red Lobster! (this was WAY out of dad's comfort zone-The hog trough is more his style (a.k.a. Golden Corral)! haha My mom bought me a Panera Bread bagel for breakfast the next morning, and we decided to hit the mall for dessert at Cinnabon. Ahhhh-yummy! Plus, my dad bought a box of 6, so we got to take the extras home, too! Then we went to Old Navy and shopped around for a little while. The icing on the cake? My mom and dad had a horse colt at a little before midnight. They named him Tricia (Okay, just kidding. They named him Prince!) I love birthdays!

"Toothless" Hutch

Hutch was eating something chocolate, and came up to say something to me. I about died laughing, because THIS is what I saw! I had a hard time believing that it wasn't intentional (I'm still not totally convinced!!!!)

Birthday Weekend Fun!

We celebrated Gwyneth's First Birthday this weekend with two parties. Friday night, my mom and I made about 100 cupcakes (in three flavors) for everyone, and one giant cupcake for Gwyneth! The Birthday GirlThe First Party was Saturday night at Nana and Papa's house. Here's everyone gathered around for the big first cake event! Sorry for so many pictures to come, but I have to share!

She just looked at everyone, and I helped her get a little taste. So she decided to get her hands dirty!Then she just grabbed the whole thing and stuck it in her mouthand put her face in it. At this point, everyone was laughing because it was so adorable! Then she just froze like this for a long time. She looked at everyone, frozen in this pose. We were all like, "huh?" and she burst out crying!!!! It was so adorable and sad all rolled into one! but she just kept eating cake!She sat there eating and crying for awhile. It was so cute!Finally, Nana started getting her out. Then she REALLY cried. We weren't sure if she was done, or if she was crying because she didn't want to quit! She is certainly a little woman! (;Sunday night, we had a party at our house with John's Family. We had a wonderful time, and Gwyneth ate a cupcake (with no tears!!!!!) Maybe she isn't scarred for life!
Another milestone for Gwyneth was getting a "big girl" car seat! Wow! I can't believe she is out of her infant seat. She really likes it, I think. Gwyneth, we are so glad that God sent you to us to care for and raise. You bring such sugar and spice (and everything nice!) to our lives, and we love you more than you will ever be able to comprehend! Thank you for being you! We think you are wonderful!

Happy Birthday Gwyneth!!

Haydn had his 100th day of school this week. His teacher went all out, and they even got 100 glasses. How cute! (I love her by the way) Haydn inherited his deer-in-the-headlight look from his father! ha

I think this one is a little better

We haven't heard from Hutch much lately, have we? Well, what has he been up to, besides avoiding my camera-as you can see above!

His current project is building a"pen" for his monster trucks and farm animals, so they don't get lost.

See what's inside.

Gwyneth is just busy being cute! Yesterday she crawled up onto our chair and was standing, climbed all the way up the basement stairs (with me RIGHT behind her-don't worry), and climed over that black box in the background of the first picture of Hutch's pen!