Nautical Birthday Party

Ahoy!  I decided to throw a special bash for our little birthday boy.  It was more for me as his mommy to celebrate not only his turning one, but for keeping a human being alive for a year.  Impressive, right?  So I decided to do a nautical theme and invite our dear families.  Here's the invite:

                                 

Our parents and sisters with their families were able to make it.  Here is the spread:

We had Captain's Wafers, Goldfish, nautical cupcakes, watermelon, lifesavers, water bottles, and "chocolate treasure".

 The decor:

 

 Some of the guests:

The weather turned out lovely so we pulled out some kiddy pools:

However, the water was cold, so our guests could only handle so much:

 

Only way Joey would sit in there is if Sam held him. 

 

 Beau wanted to be part of the fun:

What we all enjoy most on any first birthday:

Not sure about the singing:

Being dainty:

Daddy showing him how it's done:

Yum!

Making sure the frosting is in every nook and cranny:

Happy Birthday, Joey!

Easter 2014

This year I wanted to dye eggs since we've never done that as a family any previous Easters.  I'm pretty proud with how they turned out (as you can see).  Next year I plan to do a non-traditional dying of the eggs.  Perhaps silk, or rubber cement, or metallic.

As for events, we enjoyed a nice Easter meal with the Hobbs side of the family along with fun family photos.

Perhaps next year Joey will understand the concept of the Easter Egg hunt.

However, I want to take a moment and focus on Jesus Christ.  Last Fast and Testimony meeting Shauna's brother gave a wonderful testimony that really touched my heart.  He had me imagine the Savior in the very next room and ponder what I would say or do once when I lay eyes on Him.  I don't even know.  I would probably some sort of guilt for hurting him one too many times.  However, I'm sure it would melt away as I feel the nail prints in His hands and feet and the guilt turns into immense gratitude for His love and sacrifice.  I'm not sure what to say, but in that moment, words would not express what I would want Him to know, and He would understand.  I know this day will come when I will meet my Savior.  I sure don't know when, but until then, I will strive to follow His commandments and keep my covenants.  I love my Savior and Redeemer.  I KNOW He lives.

Happy (very) Belated Easter!