Austin is 8!!!!!

Somehow my children don't get the memo to stop growing up so quickly. Our Austin Alan is now an 8 year old!!! He is our music loving, artistic, energetic, creative, crazy about dogs, natural-bent leader, outdoor-loving, all-around typical first born boy! :) And we praise the Lord every day for blessing this family of five, and our extended families, with our Austin!!!

He had a few friends over to celebrate in simple-style: a fun afternoon of playing some of those 'traditional' birthday games and laughing with all of his buds as they devoured the sugar-goodness in cake form and threw water balloons at each other across the span of our backyard. 

Love this boy!

game time!

His buddy Ryan knows him so well :)

goofs! (minus 2)

Soccer ball!! :)

A singing puppy card? Jackpot! :)

pretty sure they're scheming....

On his actual birthday, June 2nd, we headed to auntie Heather & uncle Mitch's house for the family festivities.  It was simple, but another fun afternoon of water-wear, cake, presents, laughter, etc! 

his request: Clifford cake!

jumping on the tramp--sprinkler style!

birthday wishes from Pap!

Thanks Grandma!!! :)

And it wouldn't be Austin's birthday without the wind picking up, causing us to finish his party/opening presents/cake indoors! :)

his expression when opening the ukelele from Nan and Pap!

brother present...

...complete with hugs

Opening a present that started out 'big'...

...but ended so 'small' (sorta). Austin's iPod shuffle! :)

And Heather knew just what to get him. ;)

It works and he's lovin' it!!

Birthday spankings from auntie Heather!

cake time!!

happy birthday buddy!

our handsome 8 year old!!!!! :)

Such a happy PJ! :)

cousin time :)

 HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY AUSTIN ALAN!!