happy birthday miss lucy june!

How it's possible, I do not know but lucy turns 3 years old today. I'm a little sad about it, I'm not going to lie.

A few weeks ago we were watching HSM3 (seriously) and there is a part where they are thinking of the future (graduating from hs) and Gabriella says, "I wish time would just stop, or at least slow down". Sam asked me, with all his perfect innocence, "why does she want time to slow down"?  I told him that she was just so happy right then at that time and she knew that things had to change, but she wanted to enjoy that time in her life for a little longer. I teared up a little while I was explaining this to him because that is exactly how I feel these days.

I am just so happy and grateful for all that I have. My children are healthy and sweet and thriving and learning and still innocent and love to be with me.  I still have control over most of their decisions and a lot of influence over their lives.  How hard it must have been for Heavenly Father to send us to earth, knowing all the heartache, trials and temptation we would endure.  But he loves us enough to let us learn and grow and often times fail and I want to be able to do that with my own children too.

It is hard because everything is just so perfect right now.  Not perfect as in PERFECT, but just... perfect, you know?! 

And I am starting to see a glimpse of what our future will hold this last month or so.  Rian is gone quite a bit with YW (i really miss her when she is gone!!), Trace is in scouts, my own calling, homework, andy's b-ball, teacher conferences, dance class, and on and on (ok, it really doesn't go on and on that much more, but still).

I love when we are together as a family every evening and night and on the weekends.  I know that has to change eventually, but I don't want it to.  I hope my kids will always like to be home and bring their friends to our home and want to still be around me a lot!

ANYWAY... lucy turns 3 today!!  How incredible is that?!  We had a little party this weekend for her and Ben too who turns 2 on the 23rd.  It was the most beautiful weather and the kids did sprinklers in the back yard.  Then we had lunch and cupcakes and each of the birthday kids opened a few presents.  It was fun and low-key and wonderful.

Lucy ( and everyone else) woke to her new lalaloopsy doll house and spent all morning playing together.

good morning sunshine!! those pigtails just kill me!

strawberry cupcakes with homemade creamcheese frosting.  so yummy!

Im 3!

lucy liked her presents

ben was excited about his presents too!

mostly, lucy loved her 400 page princess coloring book!

and she loves her uncle ryan!!

Happy Birthday my little angel!! I love you!