Addyson and Braden turn SEVEN

Today Addyson and Braden turn SEVEN!

We got to celebrate them with family last weekend.

They wanted a beach party.

Addyson had a fish cake.

And Braden helped me create a beach cake. He loved helping!

It has been fun as they get older to get to work together on their party.

Miss Addyson lost her front tooth so she's got an especially cute smile for her birthday!

They did a great job helping with decorations too!

I printed out some pictures of them at the beach from over the years. They have both always liked it so much!

I have a hard time believing that these little cuties are already seven.

God has been so faithful. I am still overwhelmed every year on their birthday at how thankful I am that they are here. Those tiny preemies are growing and growing. I love watching their personalities continue to grow. To see their interests develop. And how they love each other. It's a pretty special thing to watch them. They are each other's biggest cheerleader - especially at school. Their relationship is so great and I love that they have each other. And I love that we get to be their parents. God's gifts and his plans are always the best.

Addyson is so sweet. And determined. That same determination that helped her survive her early days in NICU continues to shine through and push her to always do her best. She gives great hugs. She is loving learning so much in 1st grade and is starting to realize how she can read things in her world all over the place. She likes to figure things out. She is creative and organized - very mindful of when and how things are supposed to happen. She likes music and has a sweet singing voice. She loves to make and give gifts. She is a great big sister that keeps things going smoothly and makes sure everybody knows what's happening. She still has an infectious giggle that makes me smile.

Braden is so loving. He gives great snuggles and is quick to ask if I need a huggy (hug). He gently jumps into my arms from the top bunk of his bed every morning so I can carry him to his chair for breakfast. (He is getting so big and barely fitting in my lap or my arms but he is forever my little snuggler.) He doesn't love mornings. Or things that don't go according to routine. But he is working so hard to adapt to changes. He is good at math. He loves animals and knows so much about them. He loves his sisters well and is super sweet with other little kids. He is so ready for a little brother to love. He grieves and rejoices with those around him - I love his heart.

Excited to see what year number 7 brings for these twins we love so much. 

Happy Birthday Addyson and Braden!!