Flanagan Clan

WE GOT MARRIED!!!!

Where has the time gone?  Life has changed so much in the past 4 years! With two precious little boys, and another one on the way, Andrew and I have experienced so many changes since August 1, 2003.

We’ve had our struggles and our difficulties along the way, but I can honestly say it’s been the best 4 years of my life. I wouldn’t give these years up for anything.

We look forward to seeing what plans God has in store for us as we continue to grow in our marriage!

(and maybe one of these days I’ll fit into my wedding dress again!!!)

Yesterday we had Sammy’s official birthday party. We did a Very Hungry Caterpillar theme, based on the book by Eric Carle. We also celebrated Diane’s birthday as well. Here are a few pictures from our party.

Sammy in his chair of honor

The cake, covered in plastic wrap, to avoid becoming a meal for flies :o)

Sammy went straight for an antenna!

Curious about the caterpillar “fuzz”

Digging in!

Covered in cake!

Diane’s cake, which she did not smash all over her face

Happily playing with a balloon before bed after a fun-filled day

For the past year, we have been taking care of Diane’s betta fish named Cow. With two little boys to care for, I have to admit that the fish didn’t exactly receive the best possible attention during this time, and there were several times when he looked like he was sick enough to kick the bucket at any moment. Well, yesterday, after much pleading, we were able to convince Diane to take Cow home to Mom’s house. I figured that this way, when he does die, we won’t be held responsible. Well, last night when we went over to my parents’ for dinner, we learned that my mom had done the thing she’s been threatening to do for months: stick Cow in their backyard pond. There are four large goldfish in that pond, so I am a little curious to see how things turn out. The last I heard, Cow was still alive, but it will be interesting to see if he manages to survive (or even thrive) in his new environment. If he dies though, Diane, you can blame it on Mom!!! (j/k!!!)

Sammy and Patrick woke up to find a brand new red wagon, a gift from Grandma and Grandpa Flanagan. After Mommy had finished cleaning the house, she took the boys for a walk around the neighborhood. They loved it!!!

After dinner, Sammy got a big chunk of cake all to himself. He immediately tried to eat it using no hands!

Enjoying every morsel of cake

And finding joy in smashing cake as well

Opening presents was lots of fun

Discovering that gifts come in all sorts of packaging!

Tissue paper is also lots of fun to play with

A quiet moment with Daddy

Trying out the present from Mommy and Daddy

Now Sammy can play on the swing set with Patrick!

Today is Samuel’s 1st birthday. I am just amazed how quickly this year has gone by! Our whole family has enjoyed Sammy’s cute little smiles, his sweet laugh, and his wide-eyed fascination with everything around him. It’s been a wonderful year having Sammy in our lives, and we look forward to watching him as he continues to grow into a godly young man.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Little Sammy…