A very good, lovely, sweet day.

Project 365 * 2 -- Day 61

     We celebrated birthdays again today. Casey, Shane, and my Mom. Shane chose country fried steak as his birthday meal. With mashed potatoes, sausage gravy, and biscuits. My Dad made a salad too, even though it wasn't requested. Just for good measure. It was an awesome day. Filled with lots of laughter, good food, and family. Oh, and two crazy, screaming toddlers. Literally. Two screaming toddlers. Everything was, "NOOOOOOOOOOO!" "AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" "DON'T WANT TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

     Thankful for days like today. I love family. More than anything else. Even though we had two toddlers running around making a big stink about everything. I wouldn't trade any of it for quiet days. Quiet days are a thing of the past. And I don't mind one little bit.

New princess dress.

Dancing with Dada.

Tobin and Gamie.

Tobin loved Gamie's glasses, and he finally got them here!

Tobin and Poppy. Tobin loved Poppy's watch!

Being silly with Uncle Shane.

Party time! Party hat on!

Oma and Casey.

Party Hats

Project 365 * 2 -- Day 60

     Because we had some cake leftover from our birthday celebration for Bill yesterday, we had some for dessert today after lunch. Patty, Casey, and Sophia joined us. They were small pieces, but they were tasty. But, before we could sing, Happy Birthday, and eat our cake and ice cream, we had to put on party hats. I have no idea why party hats are so special, but they are. To Adelyn.

     Personally, I think it doesn't really count as a birthday cake unless there are candles to blow out. If the candles are missing...it doesn't really feel like a birthday. For Addy, the same is true for party hats. If there are no party hats, I see the slight slump of disappointment in her shoulders, and on her face. And she tells us that we need to go buy party hats at the store. Thankfully, for today's dessert after lunch, we had party hats. I love Adelyn's face when I bring them out. Her face is the same face an adult would have if you just told them they had won a million dollars. That much excitement. For a party hat.

     Thankful for Adelyn. Thankful for party hats. Thankful for the joy they bring her, and in turn, the joy they bring me watching her wear one.

Addy's favorite little nook.

Remembering Bill

Project 365 * 2 -- Day 59

     March 3rd is Matt's Dad's birthday. Matt and I started the tradition of throwing a little birthday party for him every year. We have a cake, we sing, Matt blows out the candle, and we talk about why we miss Bill. Why we loved him. The things he did that made us laugh. Matt and I always talk about how he would have absolutely loved Adelyn and Tobin. And how so badly we wish he could be here to hold them, and see them, and know them, and love them.

     Thankful that we got a chance to celebrate Bill, tonight. Thankful that I was able to see my family. There is too much time that passes between visits with Sue, Steph, and Mario. Thankful we got to sit around, and laugh, and tell stories, and remember Bill. I'm thankful for Bill. Thankful for the sweet man that he was. Thankful that I knew him. Thankful that he loved me. I'm thankful that he and Sue raised such amazing children. Without Bill, my life wouldn't be what it is today.

     Missing you, Bill.