Birthday Bonanza!

June 12-Catherine Emelia turns ELEVEN! She opted for a "Blue" theme (her favorite of favorite colors) We had a party last year, so this year it was a "one friend" sleepover with best buddy "Shelby". She requested milkshakes in lieu of the traditional cake. She received Legos, Webkinz, and some crocheting supplies. It was a fun day and we hope she knows how much we love her silly personality and amazing contribution to our family! Happy Birthday, Catie!







June 23-Luke and Leia turn FIVE! Luke and Leia have been looking forward to this landmark birthday for about the last, ummm, 364 days! They are so cute and so ready to be "BIG". Five is the magic number for all the big kid activities in our family. They had a family birthday this year, as we have been battling illness and didn't think anyone wanted that as a birthday prize to take home. They love "Webkinz", too and their cakes are respectively a "pink pony" and a "Zingoz"...both Webkinz that they got for presents. They were so cute, as you can see by the picture they are still so sweet together and have recently been discussing their future marriage to one another! This is actually very cute, and we know that this is not as scary as it sounds. Catie used to want to marry Clay...so NOT true anymore. We've learned to enjoy these times! Happy Birthday Lukey and Lei-Lei!






July 12-Cora LeAnn turns ONE! What can we say? They just keep getting cuter! Cora's birthday was a joy, she is so LOVED by her brothers and sisters, even Christian wasn't jealous. They fawned and fussed over her all day and she was so pleasant and perfect in her reactions. She adores animals of any kind, especially TIGERS--we had so much fun with her jungle theme. Poppa and Grandma Westphal spent the day with us and spoiled her with all of the cute decorations that we all enjoyed. She got a stuffed tiger, a ball game, a little pet hospital, and some pretty clothes, too. We are so glad we have this precious spirit in our home. In her blessing, it was pronounced that she would bring us peace. How true this is! Happy Birthday Co-Co!













Clayton Allen - Clay's birthday will be on the next post, but he has had a great summer. He became a "junior lifeguard" and attended Scout Camp for a whole week by himself. He had a great time earning 4 merit badges in rowing, archery, mammal studies, and Indian Lore. He is also enjoying some art classes that a lady in our neighborhood teaches once a week. She is an actual artist, and Clay is having fun playing with "Clay" and using his great talents in this area.





















Lacey Sue - had a chance to attend "AYSO UK Soccer Camp" in Chino, California for a whole week while staying with her grandparents. The coaches are all from the United Kingdom, and Lacey loved that "Continental" element. It made it more interesting. She still to date, has never lost a game. Even in the scrimmage games, her team always wins! It's crazy--but she just looks at us like, "well-of course!" She's a bit too competitive for her own good, but it works well for her on the field. Her energy is a real asset, and she really enjoys moving!




Christian is still just a complete nut, and has developed a very tender side mixed with his usual rough and tumble exterior. He is also very funny (as noted in the picture) He loves to make us all laugh, and he usually succeeds! He still loves cars and all boyish things. He is fun to tease and is good at giving it back.