Joshua Michael is 1!!!

We made it! He is officially a big 1 year old. I cannot believe what the last year has brought. When God asks us to be joyful in trials, this is why. Because he has a bigger, brighter plan then anything we can imagine. Joshua Michael is such a miracle. Anyone who sees him smile falls instantly in love. His smile radiates through his whole face. It has, by no means, been an easy year. Rather, the toughest of our lives. I am so thankful that God has brought us through this journey. Our faith has been stretched and our family has grown stronger because of it all. Thank you to all of you who have been there every step of the way. We are so blessed.

Now, onto celebration!

Celebration #1 was a morning with just us. He (the girls) opened his gifts and played for a bit.

Celebration #2 (not sure in the timeline, actually) Mike's mom her boyfriend came by to love on our boy. He got his very own walker!! Time to get moving boy! Happy day with Nana!!!

Celebration #3 with some of our closest friends...

What better theme for a tiny man's birthday the super cool OWLS! Ok, so maybe not manly, but I love owls. I think they are adorable. And since he is too tiny to vote, I get to. For now:)

A tiny sized cake for my tiny 1 year old man!!!

The great BBQers.... Daddy and Uncle Rich!By the time it was cake time, little man was overwhelmed and would only sample it with his Momma.

Our friends Stephanie and Marshall. Marshall and Josh are only 4 days apart. They are destined to be buddies.

Silly girls!And then he was big nigh night from all the excitement! We are so thankful for our little Joshua and can't wait to celebrate more birthdays with him!!!

Easter Camping 2011

We took our annual Easter camping trip to the ranch this April. I think we stayed about 5 days this year (last year was 8 and it was about 3 weeks before Josh was born... way too long and way too pregnant). We had a blast! Josh did great in the trailer and napped like a champ, so Mom got some time to sit in a lawn chair and veg! Our friend Rich and his daughter Isabella came up to play too. The girls had such a good time adventuring around the ranch. It is so beautiful and relaxing up there. We are so blessed to have that place to go escape to!

These pics are in no particular order...

Jman and I had some morning playtime in the trailer:) Addie, Isabella, Kailee and the pups by the campfire.

Daddy and Jman!

Uncle Rich!Easter morning!!!! So glad the bunny found us!!

The great Easter Egg Hunt!

That crazy bunny even hid eggs in the trees!

We take ear protection very seriously around here:) Practicing with her new .22. That girl can shoot. It's pretty amazing!

Lounging with Dad on the hammock. We all really like this spot. Shady and comfy:)This is our cow dog. He can't stand when the cows come close to camp and will immediately start barking and chasing them. He really likes when he has them all at bay and can just keep watch.

Normally the cows are scared to death if any of us go near them. This group was exceptionally brave. They came right up to be fed!

They even let Addie pet them!And Mike gave him a kiss on his little cow nose!

These are Mike's sisters, Stephanie and Stacie with the kids at the old homestead on the ranch.

This is what peacefulness looks like to me. How gorgeous is that??? The momma gets to have some fun too:) Joshie in his "nest". The kid had the BEST naps. Must have been the fresh air. BFF's, a ranch dog and his girl. CANNOT wait to do it again!