Happy 5th Birthday, Daniel!

Daniel is now five. We had planning his first friend and family party (when our kids turn five that is the first party that they invite friends to), when the forecast turned ominous. They were calling for snow...and potentially lots of it...and all day. I was concerned about the party having to be cancelled and Daniel being crushed. Thankfully, we got a dusting in the morning and then nothing during the day. It was worth up north, so we did lose some family who come from north of us, but at least it didn't have to be cancelled.

He had a great time, and I have to admit, so did I.

The kid table.

Daniel doesn't really like cake, so I made him a Cocoa Rice Krispy Treat in the shape of a football. I had leftover Krispy Treats, so I made individual footballs for each kid coming to the party and then I wrote their names on them in white frosting.

Daniel is a great kid. He loves sports of all kinds. He's our comedian. He loves to be funny and it seems to come naturally to him. He of all the kids can be the most shy. He has even on occassion prayed that God would help him not to be so shy.

Longwood Gardens

If you are ever near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Longwood Gardens is a place worth visiting. Now we went in December, which, obviously, is winter in Pennsylvania and it was still beautiful! I was impressed. I can only imagine how wonderful it would be in the spring. I had two favorite parts, okay, maybe three...1) the gigantic treehouses. I have always liked treehouses. 2) watching Hannah drink in all the history exhibits. She wanted to read and see and watch and listen to every part of it. She was definitely older than 8 in those moments. 3) the Conservatory. On our way there, Hannah asked me what a conservatory was. I have to admit I didn't have a real good answer for her. The thoughts that went through my mind were "well, there's a conservatory in the game Clue, but other than a murder, I don't know what goes on in there. haha" "I know that there are such things as wildlife conservatories, but I don't think that's what this is..." Basically, I had to tell her I wasn't quite sure what to expect. The minute I stepped into it, I wanted one (you know someday when we're exceedingly rich). It was a gigantic greenhouse of sorts. There were tons of plants, fountains, and paths. It was warm and humid and tropical feeling. It was like a taste of Florida in Pennsylvania. And in the cold of a northeast winter, it felt wonderful.

Here are a few pictures from the fun day we spent with our friends the Gifts at Longwood Gardens.

A Flowergirl and A Ringbearer

Recently, Daniel and Julia were asked to be in the wedding of two friends of ours. They did a great job and looked completely adorable, so I thought I'd share a few pictures...

I just thought this last picture was cute. Apparently, Daniel got too tired during the ceremony and took a little nap. Thanks to Josh (a friend and groomsman) for taking the picture and for helping Daniel that day!