A Weekend of Birthdays!

This weekend, Steve and I spent time with my side of the family to celebrate Ayden and Isabella's fourth and second birthdays. We had so much fun as we always do when we're with the Hartwigs!


Ayden Jacob is four years old....I just cannot believe it. It seems like yesterday I was eagerly waiting my nephew's arrival into this world. I will never forget that day. I was so nervous for my sister, and by the look on her face, so was she! When Tim came out, this overwhelming look of pride, excitement, exhaustion, and love on his face announcing, "He's here!" was the greatest news I think I'd ever heard! I can't believe you're already four years old, Aydey! I hope you enjoyed your Toy Story birthday as much as we enjoyed celebrating your beautiful life. We love you, Bubby! 

I always love how much energy Ayden has...he is always so fun!

 LOVE my little sister 

 Ayden's birthday glasses. LOVE this pic...so silly!

 A Toy Story birthday cake....so yummy!

 Ayden blowing out his candles with a little help from his sister

 Best Buds :)

 I just love watching them play together...so precious :)

 Ayden loves his Spiderman umbrella and galoshes from Grammy

 Look at that concentration! Ayden enjoying his new Leapfrog game. My favorite part is that he has one sock on...one sock off. :) 

 Emily asked me to try for a family picture. I like how honest the kids keep it. :D

 Ayden really enjoys that new game!

 LOVE this picture. Em and Tim adoring their little girl.

 Emily talking to Cohen. I love how excited she gets when she sees how much I've grown. Going through this stage in my life with my sister and best friend is just another wonderful gift God has given me. 

Isabella Marie turned two. I can't believe it's been two years since we were all sitting at Ayden's birthday party and Emily leaned over whispering to me, "I'm in labor. Don't tell anyone." :D She just wanted to let Ayden have his second birthday party THEN go to the hospital. She assured me she knew she was doing okay, so I just took to rubbing her back to help her through then once we all left Tim took Em to the hospital. The next day we were text a picture of our beautiful little Isabella. Watching Boop grow and change is at times like watching Emily all over again. There is just nothing as sweet as when that little girl comes running at me yelling, "Andi!" and hugs my legs or when she says, "CHEEK!" pushing her chubby little cheek at my face wanting me to blow raspberries on her face then cracking up with her. She has such a definitive personality just like her mommy, and I love every minute I share with her. Happy birthday, Boop! We love you!

Daddy and Boop filling up some balloons

 A Minnie Mouse Birthday!

 A little snuggle time with Daddy

 Boop with her mommy!

 Happy Birthday, dear BOOP!

 She had quite the dainty candle-blowing-out form :) 

Ayden took this picture while saying, "HI BABY COHEY!"

 The Minnie Mouse party favors were a hit. Mom and Steve were cracking up!

 Em and Tim gave Boop a little lady bug that sang "Girls just wanna have fun," but Isabella was NOT a fan. She started crying saying, "NO! BUG!" 

 Look at that CHEESE!

 She LOVES these dress-up shoes. Especially how they tap tap tap on the wood floors!

 Grammy and Boop tossing wrapping paper balls back and forth

 YOU, Andi Nanny!

 You know you're a daddy to a little girl when.... :D

 Isabella in her Minnie Mouse ears.

 Ayden sharing his Leapfrog with his little sister.

 Uncle Stevie playing with his niece and nephew. They love spending time with him!

 Happy Birthday kids! You've blessed me in more ways than you will ever know. Andi Nanny loves you SO SO MUCH!!