The Birthday Parade

Nathan had quite the birthday parade this month. I say that because it seemed to keep going on and it was a lot of fun! It started with a fun trip to Oklahoma. Kate and Nathan were perfect riding companions as the three of us made our way up (and back) to visit Gigi, Papa and Aunt Melissa. I know people were praying for a smooth drive and we certainly had it.

We had a great time relaxing, eating and playing all together. My parents ended our visit with a birthday cookie cake and candles for Nathan's fourth birthday. Was he ever surprised! After a couple of gifts, Nathan opened a very special one. Gigi sewed a heroic cape (or caffe-as Nathan calls it) made of royal blue satin on the outside, gold on the inside and a gold star with a red satin letter "N" proudly displayed on his back. It is amazing what energy pours out of a little one that places a cape on their back-jumping, running, and "flying" were soon the highlights of the evening. What a treasure!

On his "actual" birthday day, Corey and I took the kids to "Old MacDonald's (A.K.A. McDonald's) to eat and play for lunch. Then we headed out to Schlitterbahn for the evening. What fun! After that we sang "Happy Birthday" and he was able to open up the presents that we got for him that night. He was so sweet with all of his thank you's and hugs.

On Saturday, we had a birthday party, (I know...parade...right?!) complete with a couple of inflatable swimming pools, water balloons, his Thomas the Train tracks set up around the house and a jumping castle. Granny, Papaw, Mimi, Poppy, Aunt Allison, cousin Rylie and many sweet friends all came for the grand occasion. This age is just so much fun. They are excited about anything and everything surrounding a birthday party and Nathan was full of excitement. When I asked him later what his favorite part of the party was---he threw his hands up big and wide and exclaimed, "Everything!"

Happy Birthday, Nathan!

Happy birthday to our little man!! It is hard to remember life without this little guy. He has been such a blessing in our lives. He has brought more smiles and laughs than we could ever count. Nathan gives the best hugs! He will curl up in your lap and love on you so sweetly. He is full of life, smart, curious, adventurous, funny, clever, daddy and mommy's helper and an excellent big brother. It has been amazing to watch him grow from a 7 pound 8 ounce baby to a four year old. Corey and I look forward to all that God has in store for him not only in this year, but in the years to come. He is special indeed!

We LOVE you, Nathan James Bearden!

Nathan on July 7, 2005

Nathan on July 7, 2006

Nathan on July 7, 2007

Nathan on July 7, 2008

I will post pictures of Nathan and all of his birthday fun this weekend!

A Little Lady

I wanted to quickly post some photos that we had taken of Kate at 16 months. I was pleasantly surprised by the photographer. He was able to capture some great shots of her in a very short amount of time. She was "extremely" shy that day and did not want to stand by herself on the backdrop. It took a lot of coaxing, but here is a little of what we got:

Oh, sugar, sugar...

This is what "can" happen if you momentarily walk out of the room Kate is in! :)