A Royal Celebration!

This past Sunday we had Kassidy and Konner's first birthday party. Of course I said I would try to keep things simple, and in ways I did, but it was definitely a party "Janelle" style.

Our theme (of course I had a theme) was a castle, medieval, prince and princess deal. I decorated the backyard fences and walls with "banners" (thanks to my TAs at work for all their hard work coloring) and shields (a fantastic find in the Target dollar section).

We did it on a Sunday afternoon for just two hours and just for cake and ice cream. No games, the kids were kinda too little anyway, just decorating your own crowns, gifts and treats. All the kids got along so nicely just playing in the yard and on the swing set. We were sorry not everyone could make it (I did invite a lot of people who are special to us), but those who were there had a great time. We were happy so many could make it despite Sunday afternoons typically being very busy.

I decided to save some money and make my own cakes for them. To tell you the truth I was VERY nervous about messing them up not being a cake decorator and all. But they turned out pretty cute! Kassidy's was a princess and Konner's a castle. (THANK YOU Aunt Amanda for you moral support!)

I also made (at Jason's request) some posters with pictures of each baby as well as one poster for them together. I think I had more fun looking back at all the photos trying to pick the best ones. We displayed them on a great 3-sided art easel we got them as their present.

After a "Happy Birthday" serenade for each kid, we gave them their own cake to dig in to as is traditional. They loved it, but I think more cake ended up in their laps and on their faces than in their mouths! (I included my favorite "cake face" pictures below for your enjoyment!)

The kids crashed right after everyone left (Kyler included) and we were able to clean up with just enough time to get ready for church again. I wouldn't change a thing about the day and hope the babies will look back at their pictures and know they had a great time!

Enjoy the pictures!

My First Post!!!

Okay, so I have decided that I am going to join the blogging world on do a little page for me and the family. I can't even believe that I have these few moments right now, but ALL the kids went to bed rather easily (despite Jason being out of town for work) so I thought I would give it a try. Things have changed so much from just a year ago, that I thought I would do a little reflecting.

The babies turned one yesterday! I was both momentous and bittersweet. I can't believe they are one! Both Konner and Kassidy are walking. They each have most certainly developed their own little personalities and niche in our household. Kassidy is much the "princess" and is our resident "drama queen." She is very much like me, so I guess I had it coming. Konner is more like Jason, in that he is laid back and does stuff in his own time. He was such a little guy at first and we were very often worried about him gaining weight, etc., but he has come a long way and is doing everything right up there with his big (by one minute!) sister.

Kyler has turned out to be a great big brother! He is very much like Kassidy in that he has a lot of drama, but he also keeps things very entertaining. I swear, I don't know where he picks up the things he says, but it is never a dull moment when he is around.

Jason and I mostly think we have this twin thing down. I must admit that we always have TONS of help and for that we are eternally grateful. Grammy is always willing to help, and what would we do without our babysitter and great-grandma extraordinaire G-Mama!! If you guys check this out, know that I don't say thanks enough, so THANKS!

I think I am going to leave you with two family shots. One from a year agao when we were ready to leave the hospital, and one from out little photo session with our FAVORITE photographer Amanda. Boy how things have changed!!

I will be back soon with some great info on the babies' birthday party this past Sunday.

Janelle