We tried

Well we tried to get the boys' annual pictures at Sears today and well......

Haiden would not crack a smile no matter how crazy I acted! Barely a grin in ALL the pictures.
This was a close to a smile as we got with him. I remember Cameron's 1 year pics did not go that well either. So it goes.
Cameron on the other hand was a pro and was done in about 10 minutes because we had gotten some good shots right away. He even joined in to help get his brother to smile, but still nothing.
This look on his face cracks me up, like he is already too big for his mom to say silly things to make him smile nice for the camera!
CHEESE!

I think this one is my favorite, even though it makes him look way too big and grown up. But then again, I guess he is.

One of those moments....

Just a picture of one of those moments you want to freeze in time because you know all too soon you won't have moments like it again....

Sunday afternoon nap and cuddle time with a big boy ;)

Double Whammy

Not only did I have to come to terms with my baby turning 1, now I have to deal with the fact that I have a 4 year old! How can that be!? 4! Cameron seems just too little to be so big but yet he is. He is a ball of high energy, enthusiasm, curiosity, go get 'em, tender moments, smiles, laughter, imagination and adventure. And behind it all is my first born baby who has a special place in my heart no other will ever take. I love that he would rather be outdoors than in, that he loves his little brother, that he pulls me on a sled behind his snowmobile, he never wants things to just be ordinary, he seeks to be around others and yet can be content playing by himself and that he is all boy, through and through. I can see the light of Christ burning in him and my prayer for him is that he will let that light burn so that others can see what a life with Christ can be. His goofy smile makes us laugh and shows us he will never be seen blending in with the crowd but rather doing his own thing, being true to himself all the while. It's amazing what you can see in the eyes of a 4 year old.

We celebrated with a family fun party at a hotel with yummy food, cake and swimming. Tomorrow when he wakes up I can't wait to see his eyes light up from the house decked out in birthday decorations and presents just waiting to be tore in to. We are going to celebrate with just us 4 for dinner tomorrow night. I love that he really understands what his birthday is all about and can't wait to make traditions with my boys! Happy Birthday, Cameron J!

May all your wishes come true, Cameron.
Cake, candy AND ice cream...life is good.
Tractors just like Grandpa and Grandma Roby..cool!
Just me and my boys.
A genuine smile of my boy. Sigh, he looks so big, He IS so big.
We love you, Cameron.

How is it.....

How is it, almost to the minute of typing this, that this precious baby boy.....

...turned into....
a 1 year old big boy who is one of most precious gifts I have ever received, who makes our family complete, who makes my heart smile and my spirit happy, who is growing up to be an image of Christ, blessed to do great and mighty works that his daddy and I cannot even begin to imagine the happiness and good he will bring to others. Saying good night to this big boy tonight brought tears to my eyes as it's just one of those moments you want to freeze in time and hold on to forever. Each and every day Haiden gives us so many smiles, is soaking up everything we can teach him and loves his big brother more than any other little person.

Haiden is 1 year old today. I am so thankful for the snow day we had so I could spend the whole day with him, love on him and enjoy all the new things he is learning and doing. I could type on for hours about him, but I will share a glimpse of why this little boy captures my heart at any given moment.
Ha! How can you not smile at that! Happy Birthday Haiden, boy!!

Such a Face!

Haiden has been sporting this scowl of a face for a while. When you tell him no, when he is looking for a laugh, when you take something away...pretty much anytime. I have tried for a while to capture it with my camera and I finally got a good one that is just about as close to what we see in person. These were taken in the morning(maybe that is why he was scowling because mommy and daddy were not quite ready to play at 6:30 in the morning!) Milk drool and all it is just so cute, sometimes we do things just to see his face ;)

What, did you just say to me?

On the Mend

Cameron for the past 6 days has been fighting a fever, achy body and restless sleep. He is on the mend and fever free but we kept him home again today(after being very well taken care of yesterday and G and G Vruggink's) just to get some good rest and more down time. So we basically have been playing, resting, watching movies and enjoying just being at home.

Showing little brother the ropes. When there are motorized vehicles involved nothing can stop Cameron!


Pretending we were at Cran Hill Ranch roasting smores by the fire
Haiden now will put the phone up to his ear like he is talking


I haven't taken a picture of Cameron sleeping in so long I just couldn't resist, even though he has fire engine red ears and cheeks from his fever