Even cowboys sleep sometimes

Happy Birthday, Daniel!

Our little man turned four this week! How can he be this old? He is such a boy, such his own person, such a delight! Here are some photos from his family birthday party. We did a race car theme with black and white checkered decorations. Vroom, vroom!

Daniel loved all his presents, but I think the Woody cowboy doll might rank as his favorite. Notice how it is in almost every photo!
To this precious child who has brought us so much joy....we love you! Happy birthday!

Merry Christmas!

We had a blessed Christmas this year, and greatly enjoyed celebrating with each part of our family. During all the festivities, I kept thinking that next year there will be a new member of our family....a little brother or sister for Daniel! What a joy and blessing!
Praise be to our Lord and Savior who is the best gift of all. Merry Christmas!

Our Exciting News...

Happy Halloween!

Here is our little cowboy at age 3 1/2. He did an excellent job playing the part!

And here is his daddy, who was also a cowboy for Halloween back in 1979 when he was 2 years old.
Cute cowboys must run in the family! I sure love them both.

Our little Star Wars fan

I think it began when we attended the Star Wars day at our local library. Or perhaps it was that lightsaber we found for a quarter at a garage sale. But, what certainly cinched Daniel's fascination with Star Wars was when he found his daddy's set of vintage Star Wars figures. Brian had collected these figures when they originally came out in the early eighties. They had been well-loved by little Brian, but now they are absolutely adored by the next generation. Daniel talks about Star Wars when he wakes up in the morning until he goes to bed at night. We have allowed him to see a few short clips from the older movies, and this has only furthered his great love for all things Star Wars. He asks us questions about the story line, memorizes the details, and then reenacts them with the figures.

I am amazed and somewhat worried! Star Wars is not exactly what I would pick for my three year old son to love. How about something more tame, like, oh say, teddy bears? Despite my concern, I have to laugh at times. Earlier this week, he wanted to dress up as Luke Skywalker. I found a large brown towel, and we wrapped it around his shoulders for a cloak. Then, he picked up his lightsaber and looked at me very solemnly. In an unnaturally deep voice, he said "I must go to Darth Vader. He is my father." He turned and walked away as I dissolved into laughter. Then I heard sounds of a lightsaber fight taking place in our living room.

O glory. What will be next?

Sweet Conversations with Daniel

Daniel: Mommy, will you marry me when I get bigger?

Me: Well...I am already married to Daddy.

Daniel: (Very exaggerated) Ooooooohhhhhhh. I forgot! (Long pause) When you are done being married to him, then will you marry me?

Me: (Trying not to giggle) When you grow up, I think you will want to find a little girl your own age to marry.

Daniel: Yeah. But, when I get married, will you come live with me?

Me: Of course I will!

Daniel is learning more and more about how this world works, but at the same time, he is just a little boy. These are precious, precious days. I desperately try to not take one for granted.