The party’s over…

She had such a wonderful day, yesterday.

And today she woke up super excited to play with new toys and looking forward to welcoming friends over for a party later in the afternoon.

Within a half-hour of waking, she vomited.  She was so playful and happy that at first I wondered if she’d gagged on something.  But, sure enough, she was sick 30 minutes later and then the “sick” descended on her with a bam.

Late A.M. she got a bath… and decided to sit on the floor?

Mid-afternoon she perked up a little bit.  She asked us to reach her down some dishes she likes to play with.  John got them for her and she carried them to the living room.  We looked over a few moments later and found her lie this. 

After an hour or so, I decided to scoop her up and have her sleep in my arms.  It is very likely the last time I’ll get that chance as a mama.  So yeah – I wasn’t about to pass that up. 

Katriel is four

We started Katriel’s birthday with our tradition of waking up the birthday child with a song.  She really was happy to see us, despite what this photo suggest. 

Nan came over after breakfast with a gift for her.  The box was almost as big as she was. 

I think we set records regionally for the warm temps for the day, which was perfect.  Nigel put Katriel’s new motor scooter together and she took it for a spin.

Later in the evening, we had her grandparents for supper, and our friends, the Hoyts joined us, as well. 

And what four year old doesn’t love a Yoda cake?

The last time the youngest child in our home turned four, I was 8 months pregnant.  Katriel is officially the oldest “baby Butler” ever. 
She is such a treasure.

Thanksgiving dinner in February

This is the second year to celebrate “Thanksgiving” in February.  Last year it ended up being on the day of the ONE BIG SNOW STORM we’d had all year.  This year?  Yeah, it was almost 60 degrees. 

Nan, Nene, and friends from church, the Walter family, joined us.

The kids were all excited about the meal and each of them chipped in.

New do for Tabitha

Uncle Mickey’s birthday

My dad was one of five sons born to my grandparents, Charles and Gertrude. 
My dad, the second oldest, died almost 20 years ago.  The eldest, Charles II passed away a few years ago.  The youngest, Douglas, died 18 months ago.

It makes me very sad that there are just two of the siblings left.  But I was overjoyed to get to see both of them and celebrate at a joyous gathering for Uncle Mickey’s 70th birthday.

My uncle, Mike to his friends, battled cancer last year and is living pretty well.  It was good to see him not only reach a milestone, but to have him in party-mode.

These are my kids (Stewart’s grandchildren) with Mickey’s grandkids.

 

My cousins, Michael, (on left), and Andy, (on right), and my sister and I, joined in for this photo.  Andy’s twin girls are down in the front, and Michael’s daughter in in front of him and his son is next to Kelly.

Uncle Mickey with his boys.

And for this photo, my mom is over by Michael, and Uncle Kevin is on the far right.

Cupcake creations

Marie and Tab are taking a creative cup cake class at co op.
Catchy?

Delicious!

Look what Walmart had for ME!!!

No – really – it’s like they were MADE for ME!

Valentine’s Day 2017–a/k/a Cinnamon Roll mess

It was a great idea on paper.
It took a lot of work to execute.
It took help from a friend.
But we had cinnamon rolls.

Lots and Lots of them.

They were incredible.

Moving on…

I can not believe Tab is already doing sixth grade math.

Two armed worship

My friend Kelly took this photo.
We are not as young as we used to be, and I don’t know how many more times both little girls will ask John to lift them up during worship.  I’m delighted that Kelly snuck a pic.  And I love how Katriel has her hand on Johanna’s. 

I’m VERY much aware of how quickly life is flying by.  I’m glad this moment is preserved.