turning 25

It doesn't feel like that long ago since I was 18. And now I'm officially halfway to 50. These past 25 years were filled with growing up, lessons learned, big life decisions ... I don't see that the next 25 will be much different! 

We followed the winding road across the river to John and Lora's house Monday evening for a birthday celebration complete with a delicious dinner, chocolate cake, and Stidolph singing.

I posted the following on facebook, so I apologize if you read for the 2nd time.

My top 5 favorite things from turning a quarter of a century:

1) I got to spend it with my 2 precious sons for the first time

2) B's gift to me was taking a FOUR hour nap; apparently C's gift was to barely nap and give me extra cuddles instead of sleeping, which I was fine with

3) Nate's gift was a homemade slideshow/video to recap the highlights of year 24

4) I got to hear the happy birthday song in many different tones - ranging from my 4 year old niece to the Stidolph family dinner crew

5) I made French press coffee in the morning, ate chocolate covered espresso beans and wore fuzzy socks all day, and even found the time for a warm shower (yes it's a big deal:)

One more thing ... it SNOWED!!!!! For the first time on my birthday since the year I turned 7!

I enjoyed watching the snow gently fall and felt a glimpse of that same excitement I experienced way back at 7 years old. Also, while watching it, I felt a great appreciation for those who have fought/given their lives so that I could peaceably spend the day at home with my loved ones. Thank you veterans.

the view of the snow fall from our back deck

didn't accumulate to much but was pretty while it lasted!

green grass + white snow = gorgeous

my friend, Kenna Bloemker, celebrated my 7th birthday with me --

we were so excited to wake up and find enough snow on the ground to make a little brown snowman!

I'm so glad I get to eat the things that come out of this lady's kitchen :)

16 candles ... no wait, make that 25

C helping me put out the fire

good job Cooper!!

C is in mid-tickle and B is wondering why he hasn't gotten any dessert yet

cake = smiles all around!

11 months & 1 day

I guess it's time to start planning a first birthday party for these boys! The one-year mark is just around the corner now. In some ways, I can't believe they're eleven months old and it seems that time is going by so fast. In other ways, it's completely believable. It's been one crazy jam-packed on-the-go year, and also I hear that the first year of twins is the most challenging. So I'm excited to put it under our belts and move forward!

I'm anxious to see what this eleventh month brings. It very well could bring a couple of tiny tots walking in two different directions, just to keep Mommy and Daddy even more on their toes. They seem to be getting really close!! They pull up and walk around furniture effortlessly now. Brayden has stood on his own for several seconds at a time. They race their walkers all over the living room. It can't be long now, which is both thrilling and nerve-wracking at the same time! I'll definitely be posting when it happens!

FaceTime with Papa & Gram in TN

the morning of turning 11 months

11 month chair photo

thanks to auntie Amy for the cute new shirts!

they sure didn't sit still in the chair for very long for this month's photo ... things to explore!

we might have to start taking their chair photos from this angle!