Look Who Turned 7!!!! Happy Birthday Reagan!

Reagan celebrated her 7th b-day on May 20th. My mom flew in from Texas to join us in our celebration since she too was born on May 20th. What a special time for all! Our family celebrated with her by going to Red Robin (YES! We finally found one nearby since it was one our favorites in Seattle!!) She got some clothes for her American Girl doll and scrapbook supplies from Grammer. Yes, I will be teaching my daughter in the ways of creating memories!! I am excited to pass that tradition on! Paul & I surprised her with a new 20 inch "cruising style" bike, since it seemed she had really outgrown her pretty, purple Princess bike she got when she was 4. She was a little timid at first since she felt she was sitting SO HIGH off the ground, but after we coached her some, she quickly adapted and loves it! Then on Friday, we celebrated with 11 of her friends from school and the neighborhood. Yes, she had a Princess party again. I made a homemade ice cream cake and she had a wonderful time. Then 3 friends spent the night for a small slumber party. It was a special time for her to remember. In fact, it will be the first scrapbook she will make.....her 7th birthday party! I am so thankful and blessed to have these years with her, to watch her grow and learn and love. Thank you God for giving me such a special little girl seven years ago. May I have many, many more! Reagan opens her American Girl doll clothes and Riley tries them on!

She finally masters her new bike

Red Robin ice cream

I made her a chocolate pie for her actual b-day since she doesn't like cake

Mommy & daughter

The Princess ice cream cake......it melts fast!

All the girls making crafts...little sun visors

The goofy group

Playing "pin the kiss on the frog-prince"

Ryan gives it a try

Reagan makes her wish and blows out the candles

Her sleepover buddies

A Visit to The Children's Museum

We made a visit to The Children's Museum where they had a Curious George and an Animation -- Super Heroes exhibit. Both were really cool and fun for the kids. I am actually pretty impressed with the museum they have here. Our kids seem to always enjoy themselves when we go. Here are some highlites....
Curious George's Rocket Ship

Reagan is the only one who would sit with "the monkey"

Is that Spiderman behind you?????

Super Girl and Batman will save you!!

Batman has come to save the day!

Dad and the kids got to make their own superhero masks.....just in case you couldn't figue out who these superheroes were....

WATCH OUT!! Riley is in control of the bulldozer!

The kids watch their dinosaur eggs closely!

A Quick Trip to Texas

On Monday, May 5th, I was called by my mother and told that my niece's son died that morning. Zach was born in November, about a month premature. He had many health issues and struggled much of his little life. Yet he accomplished so much in his little life, bringing family together, strengthening people's faith, and teaching a mother what true love really is. Paul thought it was important for me to fly down to Waco to be with my mom, my sister, and her family. I flew down on Wednesday and came back on Mother's Day. What a celebration of such a short life! Many question why God allows this to happen to a little baby and we may never know, but was the Lord ever glorified through Zach's life and death. Everyone's life was touched by him. I was able to pray over my sister and niece and share in the PEACE that only the name of Jesus can bring. There is power in His name and He desires to share that and His love and blessings upon those who ask and choose to live for Him. I never met Zach in this life, but I look forward to the day where I will see him in Heaven and rejoice with him in what he accomplished in his short six months here on earth.

"Hey Zach, say hi to Great-grandpa Phil for me, and we'll meet one day soon!"

I put together a little montage in his honor.......

In Memory of Zachary Lawrence McChesney