Turning 29 + The Happs.

Hello, friends!

Last Sunday was my birthday, and I can hardly believe that I am now 29. Like, almost 30. And guess what? That terrifies me. Ever since I turned 27, I get a little freaked out over getting older. Can I just stay 24 and call it good? Seriously, that was the perfect age. Let's all be 24 forever, alright?

Putting my ridiculous feelings aside, it really was a wonderful day. Ben and Dylan made my day wonderful, and it was full of cake, french toast, and relaxation. 

How sweet is this cake? Benjamin knows that I'm a sucker for 1. Cake 2. All things girly 3. Anything that says "from your boys." No joke. 

I had normal french toast, but Ben cut Dylan's french toast to be the shape of his Ninja Turtle weapons. This made Dylan's morning... and my morning too, since there are few things that make me love my husband more than watching him be a great dad. 

See what's going on in this adorable, snuggle-loving picture? That would be sweet Owen grabbing my necklace with excitement. Imagine this scene, only we were sitting in our pew at church. Picture my necklace (not the one pictured, thank goodness) breaking after a tug from Owen and little beads flying everywhere (including about 15 that went down my shirt and got stuck in my bra.) True story. 

I totally jokingly guilt-tripped my parents after they told me that my birthday present would be arriving late. This showed up at my door the next day. Best guilt cookies ever. 

It has been long-established that I'm absolutely obsessed with my children, but they have been extra fun lately and I have to share:

You all know how much a love baby-wearing, right? Dylan came out of his room the other morning "wearing" his two favorite stuffed animals. He had their little faces turned out and he said that they were "in his wrap." Too cute. 

My little baby is getting so big! He loves to eat anything you will give him. 

Dylan came out of his room the other day wearing this. He said that he was Gaston (not sure if he means from Beauty and the Beast... I've never shown him that movie.) Here he is, flexing his muscles in his snow boots, Ninja Turtle underwear, and a backpack. 

Also, my sister Sarah seems to think that my house is always clean, clean, clean. While it usually looks pretty good, two littles frequently make it look like a tornado hit. Here's some documentation:

Sarah dared me to keep the room looking like this for 24 hours. I just couldn't do it- I feel claustrophobic when things are a mess. I think that this mess lasted for about an hour. 

** Guess what? Christmas vacation starts in one week! We are headed to Indiana for an amazing 10 days! Can't wait!!!**

What we've been up to.

It's official, we have now entered the busiest time of the year. We have also entered my favorite time of year, too, so I've been quite excited. Thanksgiving+my birthday+Christmas+anniversary= fun times. 

Anyway, it has been long established that I'm the opposite of a consistent blogger. How about I share a rundown of our recent activities?

Oh my goodness, this boy. He's just too sweet, too cute. My wonderful neighbor Lauren made Owen these fabulous black corduroy booties and darling leggings. I'm obsessed with them and would be content for Owen to wear them every. single. day. Lauren also has a wonderful Etsy shop full of goodies for little ones- check out Pitter Patter Shop. 

This year we had a new type of Thanksgiving- we had Friendsgiving. Really, it was fabulous. For the first time in our marriage, Ben and I did not have to travel or cook, and it was glorious. We were able to join the Thanksgiving dinner of some of our very favorite people, Nathan and Taylor Kowallis, as well as Taylor's extended family. The company was wonderful, and the food was delicious. And I didn't have to spend all day in the kitchen, in the car, or in an airplane! Amazing!

Friends for the past 18 years. Wow!

Attempt at a family picture.... oh, Dylan. 

Owen is happy, what's new?

We were able to spend more time with the Kowallises over the weekend, and it was a great time. Ben and Nathan golfed, and me, Taylor, and the kiddos just got to hang out and catch up. Later that evening we went to Tucanos, and I ate waaaaaaay too much food. It was so good, though- I hadn't been to Tucanos in years. 

We walked around the Riverwoods after dinner and Dylan was thrilled to be hanging out with "his girls." He had so much fun with them! Added bonus: Santa was at the Riverwoods and the boys were able to sit on his lap. Score!  

The only not great part of the evening was when Dylan got lost. Long story short, he wandered away from Ben and was found about 15 minutes later in Victoria's Secret, talking to a sales girl. It was the worst feeling, not being able to find your kid. It was dark, there were tons of people around... my mind immediately went into panic mode and I feared the worst. Luckily, the little stinker was just chatting up a storm, completely unaware that he was "lost." Oh Dylan, you will be the reason for my hair turning gray, I'm calling it. 

So that's what we've been doing lately... I really need to get back into blogging, because I feel like I've completely lost the ability to write a post and get my thoughts into words. I'm definitely planning on adding "blog more often" to my list of new year's resolutions.