Sweet Lilly Turns One!

This little angel had a birthday party with family, friends, and yummy food. Jenny and Tyler invited family and friends over for pizza and a celebration of this sweet angel.

Lilly has mastered the art of conquering hearts with her smile. She reaches her arms up, gives a few grunts to say, "Pick me up!" and then becomes the best cuddle buddy ever. Lilly is content with being held...as long as she is the center of attention.

How can you resist that face!?!

 

Jenny had decorated their home and had a cute party for all of Lilly's family and friends.

 

 

 

 

We had a wonderful evening and enjoyed watching Lilly enjoy her first cupcake.

 

Afterwards, Lilly said good-by to all her guests....by the end, we think she was a little tired. 

 

 

 

We love our sweet Lilly-bug.  There is nothing better than to see a smile on her face as she reaches for you to hold and squeeze.  Life as grand-parents couldn't be better!!

 

Fall Festival and Halloween Fun

Halloween is a little different around here with just Brad and myself.  Our ward held it's annual Fall Festival at the Hasting's Home and Jenny brought Jade to add some fun to the night.  Aly and Eric dressed up as well and Brad was in-charge of the Donut Booth.  It was an enjoyable evening.

Jade all dressed up as a princess

Jenny in her wicked witch hat - but getting some lovin'

the best part of the evening!

Very creative costumes, these two!

 

 

Jade so excited to ride the horse!!

 

This was one very, very serious little girl as she sat on the horse all by herself!

 

Jade - all smiles after riding the horse.

Me:  "Are you ready to ride the horse again?"

Jade:  "Um...No Grammy, not tonight!"

The following evening was the annual Karges Karved Pumpkin Contest.  This is such a great battle of talent, secrecy, and ingenuity.  We had many amazing entries this year.  The winners?  Kyle and Jennie!

The Winning Pumpkin!

 

Aly and Eric were a close 2nd place.

 

Always fun and laughter

Pumpkin pie and good company always make this a fun evening that has become one of our favorite traditions!

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Aaron!

Our oldest is having another birthday.  He loves birthday celebrations and always tries to make them special.  Today he is taking the day off to visit his Grammy and Grampy, have lunch with Dad, and hopefully....stay away from his e-mails!

Things I love about Aaron:
*  He is known around the family as the best care-taker.  He is tender, caring, and oh-so diligent in making sure his loved one are taken care of when sick or had surgery.  Most recently, he took a couple days off to care for Aly while we were in Houston.  He spent the night with Aly in the hospital to allow me some much needed rest.  His love was evident in his tender care for his sister.

*  He loves to cook.....and test-taste!  This developing hobby is evident every time he calls to tell me something he concocted for dinner.  Every time he shares some wonderful recipe, I want to run over to their home for dinner!!

Aaron and Savannah treating the family to potato salad, hot dogs, and hamburgers

*  He calls to "check up on us" frequently.  I also happen to know that he calls his grandparents frequently to make sure they are ok and express his love for them.  I will always appreciate those special calls....they brighten my day and make me smile!

* I love to watch his devotion to his sweet wife and their life together.  He works hard to provide for his family and spend time with Savannah making wonderful memories together.  They call themselves "honeymooners" still!  I love that about them!!

Not many pictures of Aaron....need to work on that as well.  That doesn't diminish how important Aaron is to our family.  He is always willing to help - computers, sick-care, helping sisters with financial blips, computers, taste-tester, kitchen help, and ....oh...I said that already...computers.  Our tech-guru is a genius! 
Aaron - I hope this birthday is a wonderful day.  You deserve it.  Hope you know how much your family loves you!  I sure do!!
Happy Birthday!!