Laser Tag for one big 7 year old

Dec 27, 2007... The best day of my life. Those new-mom hormones are AMAZING. (At least for me). But mostly, it was the best day because I met you.

I was weak, and didn't know how much, until you were born when I had to become "mama" strong. I will remember that first moment of meeting you and whispering in your ear - hello! And your crying stopped.  And you looked at me and Daddy.

Dec. 27, 2014 ... well, we are more settled into this parenting thing, that's for sure...and while I yearn for that new baby with all my being, I  am embracing this big boy who is growing, changing, expanding his life and trying on new personalities as he enters this next big stage of life.

Life - it's easier but more complicated now. I worry just the same but now about different things.

We had a BUSY day...we woke up and headed out for chocolate chip pancakes from our favorite local Original Pancake House.

A quick break at home - and then off to the Laser Tag extravaganza with 14 friends, plus one sister.

This mom wasn't very good at photo taking so no group shot and I missed Aunt Kate and Cousin Luke as well.

But I did get the Star Wars Rebels cupcakes.

And stopped a food fight in its tracks.

See, I do have this big kid mom thing kind of under control...right?!

I love you Rhys (more to come in a future post...!)

Chess Masters

Little sister often likes to do whatever big brother does - including learning to play chess.

I'm sitting this one out.

Good thing someone is using that chess set Dom bought me two Christmases ago. :)

Merry Christmas 2014

My college and St Louis friend Sara creates lovely photos and cards for us. See above - a sneak preview to the front of our holiday card.

The children had fun with those gigantic balloons (that still won't deflate!) - and Claudia even donned a dress (no dress shoes) for the photo shoot this year.

How I adore our family of four.

Another holiday check mark

Gingerbread House - done!