Devin's Birthday/Fourth of July

It's the age-old question: Is it Devin's birthday or is it the Fourth of July? When Devin was little, his birthday definitely took precedence over the Fourth of July, but as soon as he realized we could do our own fireworks, the Fourth of July definitely became a bigger part of his day.

I didn't take many pictures this year because we were all too busy playing with Delainey and holding baby Sallie. We LOVE those two girls to pieces!! :-)

Devin opening presents, balancing on a ball, and letting Delainey help....
He has definitely become a multi-tasker!

Blowing out the candles while holding Sallie
(You know you're old when they don't put on all the candles you should have....)

After dinner and dessert, as it got dark, we headed out to Devin's driveway to do some fireworks. We haven't gone to the big fireworks display in years, but we'll have to do it again one year so Delainey and Sallie can enjoy. I don't know if Delainey would have enjoyed the big ones, this was her reaction to the little ones....

Devin has been a great example to his younger brother and sisters throughout his life. He's a great son, brother, husband and father. He works hard and is always willing to help out others. He plays hard too--and is always willing to play a little Wii or Xbox with Darin! :-) I've loved watching him be such a good dad over the past almost two years. Delainey and Sallie definitely have him wrapped around their fingers--and that's the way it should be! It's an amazing thing to watch your child that you have loved and cared for so many years become a parent. You remember so many things that you did with them and that you loved doing with them and for them when they were little and suddenly they are doing the same things with and for their children. You miss the little one that you used to have, but you are so grateful that you were able to be a part of their becoming who they are now and it's an incredible process to see it start all over again. I am SO thankful that Devin and Sarah live so close and that I've been able to enjoy watching Devin grow into such an incredible father these pat two years.

We really did all get to hold Sallie that evening, but the only picture I took was of Darin. It's sweet to see him hold a tiny baby, but it's also a little heartbreaking as I realize that he'll not get to see this little one grown from baby to two just as we'll miss "seeing" him grow over the next two years. Don't worry, Darin, we won't let Delainey forget you and we'll keep showing Sallie pictures so she'll know who you are when you come back!