Late July, AUGUST, Labor day weekend

OK, look, things have been very busy the last few months...I know it isn't an excuse...I SHOULD have at least posted pictures of Will's first birthday party! It was so fun! I can't believe he is 1! This past year happened in just a blink of an eye. I'm proud of my boy. He's smart, he's loving and so stinking cute! Below are some pictures from his Toy Story party that we had a Adrienne and Joey's new beautiful home. Thank you Aunt A and Uncle Joe!!

I ordered this cake and I thought it was so neat...apparently little Lulu thought so too and ripped the Woody off the second I put it on the table. I immediately ripped it out of her hands, she cried, I did my best to mend the cake and promptly took a picture of it just in case we had anymore accidents or wondering hands! :)

Wasn't sure what to think with all those people singing to him!

Yum!!! (I believe Lucy liked it too)

Both of Will's Great Grandma's made it to his party! Aren't they beautiful!

Will a bit overwhelmed with his gifts...

Lucy in her Uncle Michael's boots. She's a mess...

August was an insane month...Stephanie had a birthday (29), Stephanie and Stephen celebrated their 4th wedding anniversary, Joey had a birthday (32), Tyler's Grandma Marva and Dad both celebrated their birthdays mid month, Allison Claire turned 5 on the 26th and my Mother-in-Law Julie and I had our birthdays on the 30th! We attended the Xenia Fish Fry on the 28th with Tyler's Dad's family...this year was sort of a bummer. The fish was horrible, Will was getting sick and everyone was either just getting home from work or getting ready to go.

Below are the very few pictures I took in August. In typical Helen fashion...none of them are from any event. I ALWAYS forget to take my camera and even when I do take it I forget to take pictures. But it's always nice to see pictures of my babies growing...isn't it?!

Lucy and I...Happy Birthday Mom!

My beautiful girl!

The next two pictures are of William's poor face. He got a horrible sinus infection and ear infection. We're not sure why his eyes got so bad but he sure was one sick little boy!

It's only September 6th but so far this month has been GREAT! Probably because the weather has been amazing, I had a day off work today for Labor Day and we've had the opportunity to spend some great time with our families!

Stephen, Tyler's older sister's husband celebrated his 30th birthday on the 4th. We had a surprise birthday party for him. The weather was great and we made a quick trip to the park that night. Don't ask me why I didn't get one picture of the birthday boy...I don't know. He had a good one though. Stephanie's gift to him was a trip to go skydiving. He went yesterday and had an amazing time...he can't wait to go again! Steph said he jumped like a pro!

Aunt Sarah swinging with the kiddos...Adi wants to go higher, Will's just chillin and Maddie wants off! Sarah is so patient. She is EVERY kids favorite!

Carter, my new buddy, and I

Lucy trying to keep Uncle Michael from stealing a kiss...she absolutely loves him!

My two favorite boys and...introducing Will's new haircut! He looks SO grown up!

Lucy being silly on the slide. She's getting so brave on the equipment.

My sweet Maddie girl showing no fear!

Will and Daddy just a swinging!

Like I said...I can't take pictures worth a hoot! Everytime I'd get Will to look at me by the time my camera would take the stinkin picture he'd look away! AHHhhhhh...

I thought this was such a sweet picture. Lucy's been staying up later in the evenings. Last night, playing dress-up, she and I put ribbons in our hair...she wanted to wear hers to bed. This is her telling her Dad goodnight. She is growing up way too fast!

Tonight Lucy, Will and I had dinner with my family. I don't know what is any better than being with the people you love. Recently, a few families that I am relatively close to have lost family members. While struggling to make since of these horrible tragedies I'm trying to make sure that I make the most of my time. Sure, death is a normal part of life...but when it is SO premature....or even just a bit too early it seems unfair and so extremely sad. But I am sure that today, in heaven, a very sweet old man is rocking a tiny beautiful baby....and hoping that God will ease the pain of their families for they are in the most amazing place.

In loving memory

of Bill and Carly.