Happy Birthday, Curtis!

Curtis is SEVEN today!

Look at how much he has grown. . .

2010


2011


2012


2013


2014


2015


2016


Curtis has grown up SO much this year! When I just look at his birthday picture from last year, I can really see it! He lost his top teeth, has grown several inches, filled out some, and his hair seems a little darker. He joined Cub Scouts this year and also played soccer, basketball, and baseball. It seems that soccer is his favorite. He began the year cat-obsessed, which led us to getting our cat, Salty. During the past several months, his focus has shifted to Batman. Everything is Batman. He'd write "Batman Curtis" on his school papers and draw Batman pictures all over them. He nicknamed Andy's new car the "Batmobile." He has the best imagination and is so content to play with his legos and create new worlds and different scenarios. I also consider him as the comic relief in our family. Just the other day, Andy and I were in our room intervening between Bella and Graydon over some fight they were having. While I was considering what to say to them, I looked out towards the doorway and there was Curtis, strutting down the hallway. . . completely naked! We all just burst out laughing!

This year was his turn for a birthday party. Of course, he wanted a Batman theme. He also wanted his party at the ice arena. This was our first time having a party somewhere other than our house. I must admit, it was much easier! Here are some pics from his party. . .

Glow stick party favors.


Batman Curtis!


































This picture makes me happy. :)


Here is his birthday slideshow. I had a hard time choosing a song this year and decided to ask everyone over dinner if they had any good ideas for a slideshow song. Curtis said, "Use 'Angel Armies' because it's my favorite song." I hadn't even considered that song, but it's true - that has been Curtis's favorite song for several years now. Perfect choice.

Here are some highlights from Curtis's past year!


Happy birthday sweet boy!

Summer Randoms

Vacuuming out the van. We brought a lot of sand back with us from LBI.


I went up to Marion, IN for a three-day intensive for one of my school counseling classes. This is where I stayed. In hindsight, I should have at least brought a lamp with me.


It was nice to meet a lot of my classmates and to put faces with names.


Curtis made some lego creations. On the left is his home and Curtis is the zebra. In the middle is Graydon. He is a green ogre and his home is to the right. The pink creation on the far right is Bella. She has a blue gun that "shoots out." Her home is to the left. The "white things" are windows. :)


The back row is all of the villains. The blue one is a plane, the middle is a "chicken on a dinosaur," and the white one is an "ice monster robot." (Curtis is dictating all of this to me.)


Graydon locked himself in the crate with Mabel one night.


She's a pretty good sport to put up with all of his antics!


There was a community baseball game between the little league coaches and the board members. We went out to watch and there was a bounce house and face painting included!


The game was followed by a home run derby. Andy participated. He came so close to a few home runs, but landed just before the fence.


Bella in her new pretty dress from Auntie Mary.


Snap Chat filters.






Bella developed a cold when we got back from my sister's bridal shower. It lingered on for a while and included a fever, headaches/dizziness, obnoxious cough, and hives! After about a week-and-a-half of this, we decided to take her to the doctor. They decided that she has a sinus infection and prescribed an antibiotic which she has a few days left of.


Oh, to be eleven and spend a summer afternoon chatting with your best friend on a hammock.


We just finished up VBS: Maker Fun Factory! We had 146 kids attend!


My classes are just about finished up for the summer and I am so relieved! In a few days, we are leaving for our Wyoming vacation. Lots to get done before then!

Father's Day!

Father's Day is still a work day for Andy. And at our church, it is also Anniversary Sunday. Our church turned 187 years old this year! But once church was over, Andy could finally relax for the day.

The kids and I got him this grill basket and some meat to go along with it.






We spent some time at the pool!


And then went to a drive-in movie theater to see Cars 3.






Andy is a busy guy, but he always makes our family a priority - whether it's helping Bella with gymnastics, playing basketball with Graydon or Batman with Curtis (it's their thing). He is intentional with our kids in spending time with them and teaching them about God. He's the best at making eggs, giving haircuts, and scratching backs. We never doubt his love because he says it and he shows it in so many ways. He is such a good dad and we are so blessed to have him in our lives!

Lori's Bridal Shower

My sister and mom planned such a lovely shower.  It was a continuation of the Kentucky Derby theme.


Lots of cute decorations.


My parents bought this tent. It was only about a hundred dollars more than renting one and now we have it for future family gatherings.


The future Mrs. Donovan.


Just Bella and I went up to Wisconsin for the shower. We made a girls' weekend out of it.


Everyone enjoyed themselves!








Sisters!


Mama and her girls!


Less than two months now until the big day!