Happy First Birthday Bodhi!

I was able to take a lot of photos today - and it was a great day. We had so much fun with the Hottman’s celebrating Bodhi’s first Birthday. I can’t believe it’s been a year since he joined our family - it’s just so amazing to think that so much time has passed already. He is a real light amongst us - such a happy boy! It’s going to be really interesting to watch him grow over the next year. 

Our day started with Rebecca’s Little Man theme - oh, how I love a summer birthday party!

The Birthday Boy:

Face painting with Uncle Kip - our family is so lucky to have such a talented face painter: 

I haven’t seen Cade sit this still in a very long time, if ever. He originally wanted a full-on tiger face, but we talked him into a more reasonable version: 

Uncle Kip did a great job!

Lyla sweetly held Isa’s hair back while she got her sparkly butterfly. I’m so overwhelmed with pride at Lyla’s innate sweetness. She is such a kind, thoughtful little girl: 

Lyla was thrilled with her sparkly, purple unicorn: 

Our August Birthday Boys: 

We were so happy that Daddy stopped in for a few minutes on his way to work to wish Bodhi a happy 1st: 

Our sweet girl preparing for her first real potato sack race. She did a great job!

Cade was more interested in wearing this green balloon until he popped it on the grass. He was not happy about that.

The race begins: 

The race:

Cade likes playing in Isabella’s sandbox. Unfortunately, he also likes throwing sand all over the yard, despite numerous redirections. Ergh!

The kids were thrilled about the piñata - although it was a bit difficult to break: 

I’m not sure what Isa is telling Emory, but it appears she has some pretty serious piñata advice: 

Emory attempts: 

Blaire attempts:

Isabella attempts: 

Lyla attempts: 

The kids wait and wait - I think they’re looking pretty tired here: 

The piñata was ultimately broken by the Birthday Boy and his Mommy.

Cade was thrilled with his candy bag: 

Bodhi and his birthday cupcake. Happy Birthday sweet boy!

We attempted family photos - Don and I switched off to take these. It was a pain getting everyone together, but I know we’ll be glad we did someday. :)

Here are a few of my favorites of the Birthday Boy in his Birthday Suit: 

And, then there’s our sweet Cade E. Bugg - he’s quite a talker these days. Here, he’s showing Nonnie his new school back pack: 

I’m not sure what he’s saying here, but I love Uncle David’s reaction. Cade really is very humorous these days in his observations of the world.

Incidentally, a new favorite expression is his use of the word “very”: “I very want it, Mommy! Please!!” I know it won’t be long until the very is replaced by really, but I love every time I hear it in the meantime. 

 

It was a great afternoon - I’m so glad we could all be together. The kids were exhausted from having such special time together. 

Happy Birthday, Baby Bodhi! We “very" love you!

Floyd's Fork Reprieve

Sometimes, just sometimes, you get the opportunity to retreat into nature and feel a sense of peace and calm that is almost indescribable. The outside world is quieted. There are no cell phones ringing, no alarms buzzing and none of life’s ugliness chirping in your ears. Today, the sound of the creek and laughter from these sweet kids made me completely forget that Cade broke our cabinet drawer before we left and that Lyla spilled (more) milk on the couch. 

Nan found a shaded picnic table for us, and after lunch, we hiked to a forest sweet spot - a place where time stands still, birds are singing and the water is moving in a way that makes you forget everything…except how to find a clam shell or a minnow, or what a sycamore tree looks like.  

How could you not feel the deepest happiness when you see an image like this - it’s what makes everything in the world worthwhile: 

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I want to remember from today:

-Cade identifying that Nan and Mimi are both “grandmas” and Lyla adding that Nana and Grandma Hottman are also grandmas. Cade insisting that Pat & Eli are “grandpas” and the look of mischief and laughter on his face when we giggled at his joke. 

-Isabella finding Lyla’s prized doll, Brie, and bringing it to us before we left the park

-Using big leaves as “pockets” to hold all our shells from “Shell Island” (also dubbed Pirate Island by Cade)

-Strawberries and whipped cream

-Bodhi’s sweet smile

-Cade asking to play with Brie because the girls had new dolls from Aunt Beccs…I love that he is at a time of life in which he loves playing with dolls just because his sister does

Thank you, Nan, for making today happen. We love you.  

Happy 4th of July

We hosted this year's Hottman Family Gathering for the 4th. We had a great day celebrating, despite the dreary weather. The only thing missing from our celebration was Aunt Rebecca, who was working. We were all very sad that she couldn't be a part of our day. 

Our original plans included sprinklers and swing sets, so we had to make some amendments based on the weather.  The kids loved working on some crafts together: 

And, Uncle Kip is the Hottman family's new self-proclaimed face painter. All the kids were thrilled to make use of his artistic skills: 

Eli, we're so impressed with your dinosaur! 

Cade was feeling particularly patriotic today: 

And, we were thrilled that Aunt Kay put together the cutest 4th of July parade in town: 

We were happy the girls figured out a way to enjoy the kiddie pool, in spite of the constant sprinkle: 

And, we think these are the cutest "Bat Men" in the history of "Bat Men": 

Lance & I think that this may just be the weekend we witnessed Cade's transformation from "Baby Bro" to becoming a little kid. He was so happy to run around with all the kids and to show off his newest skills. There was just something different about him today - watching him grow up is one of our greatest joys. 

 

"Baby" Emory is also becoming her own person. We love her!

And, the 4th was complete with one more Hottman Family Photo (minus Aunt Rebecca & her belly - next year there will be one more BOY in this photo!). Note the fam's newest addition: Baby Van!

It was a special day - we're so happy to create the memory in our home!