The Birthday Twins

 So many birthdays to celebrate, and we are having so much fun!  Today Jonah and Benaiah turn 11 and 8! 

Jonah is getting almost as tall as me and he just won't stop growing!  This past year he has become a wonderful young man who helps out with all the "man chores" like helping me open jars - ha!  He is very interested in anything having to do with the outdoors - survival, hunting, and predatory animals.  He is fast, strong, and capable but can also get down on the floor with the littles and have them rolling with laughter.  He is extremely talented at pencil drawing and devours books.  Jonah can usually be found sneakily doing one of these activities after lights out.  Jonah is a smart leader and natural talker.  I can't wait to see how God uses Jonah to be the hero of his story!

Benaiah might be the youngest of the "big boys" but he does everything his own way.  He loves to read fantasy books but also speeds through math like a whiz.  He enjoys programing robots, playing with his snap circuits, and would be happy to sit in front of a screen all day.  (Good thing I'm his mom.). Benaiah is cuddly and enjoys read aloud time the most.  He asks questions about how everything works and wants to know all. the. things.   He loves yetis and other mystical creatures like centaurs and minotaurs.  He is quiet most of the time but when he gets silly it gets wild!  I love seeing him grow into his role as a big brother as he blesses his siblings by teaching them games and reading to them.  He is one smart (and sweet) cookie!

We love you, Jonah and Benaiah!

One Year with the Warrior

 

Uriah - oh, what joy he brings to everyday!  Millions of smiles and buckets of silliness.  It is hard to believe where we were one year ago.  He has come so far and overcome so much to become a strong, independent, smart little guy!

He loves to dance and play the woodblock.  Benaiah has gotten him hooked on the silly song "Pancake Robot;" even if he is upset he will stop crying at the first few notes.  Uriah is a master at sneaking up the stairs and is starting to climb on chairs.  He doesn't mind the Alaskan cold and even when I try to put socks on him he pulls them off to chew them.  He is starting to enjoy food - chicken, grapes, and graham crackers are his favorites.  Our little man doesn't like to sleep or nap, but who would when there is always so much going on around here.  He is all boy; he can already drive a toy car and roll a ball back and forth.  He can show on his fingers that he is one, clap, wave, and say "Hey," "Mama," and "Dada."  Uriah loves to slide and be in the action of whatever his siblings are playing.  If everyone laughs he will start laughing too.  He is the cutest little thing and gives the best hugs!  

We love him through and through.  We are thankful everyday for the miracle he is and the blessing of being able celebrate his first year of life.  We can't wait to see what God has in store for him!  

We love you, Uriah!