Happy Birthday, Little Dude!

We celebrated Rigdon's birthday this past week.  Aaahh, the many ways our family has changed with the addition of our last little guy!

Happy Birthday, Rigdon!

Exactly how old are you now?

(Grandpa helping him show three fingers.)

Wow, a big 3 years old?

You are getting so big!(Rigdon with Grandma Kriss.)


Rigdon's Birthday "Cake" - Donkey from Shrek

This last Sunday we held a birthday celebration with lots of family.

Singing Happy Birthday.

(Video courtesy of big brother, Connor.)

This year, Rigdon new exactly what to do with those pretty, wrapped presents - RIP 'EM UP!

His cousins were a very enthusiastic audience.

Yep, PeRSoNaLiTy with a + right here.

Every present Rigdon got this year was right up his alley, well, maybe not the clothes....those were right up my alley.

Yes, light saber!

Do you have any idea how hard it was to get these kids to look at me all at the SAME time?   This is one of those "must appreciate" pictures.

Digging into the cupcakes and ice cream!

Rigdon's great-grandmother holding my newest nephew, Sterling.

A big bunch of wiggly worms!

Once we were back home, I surprised Rigdon with one last present.


He was all over it. 

Now he can practice basketball just like his two older brothers.

Trying on his new church clothes (had to make sure they fit.)

The cap was darling - even if it was a bit too small to stay on his head.

Rigdon's debonair look.

Oh, Rigdon, how we love you so!  Happy Birthday!

Why Didn't I Think of That?

Sometimes kids do a good job taking care of themselves without any help. This would be one of those times:

Soldiers and Military Families Respond

*Update 11:15 PM (ET)* :  Dear United States Government, finally!!! Thank you for settling your differences, compromising on both sides and agreeing on a deal.  I know it wasn't easy for either party.  From what Obama just said moments ago, there will be no government shutdown.  Which hopefully means we will be getting our full paychecks without delay, so long as the voting on the floor proceeds and passes as planned next week.  So we are not out of the woods just yet, though I am feeling optimistic.  *Crossing fingers*  May I just say, Mr. President and Congress, you've ALL made me proud tonight! Again, thank you.

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Here are a few responses from our military members around the world and their families in regards to a looming government shutdown.  These pictures say it all: