Am I really the mother of an eight-year-old??

Seriously.  I know every mom already knows this, but I will say it again.  Time FLIES.  I cannot believe it was eight years ago that I became a mother.  The time went so fast, but at the same time I can hardly remember what it was like pre-kids.  Craziness.  Before I know it, Kaine will be graduating high school.  What a sobering thought that is.

Anyway, on a lighter note...we had a good time celebrating Kaine's birthday last week!  He turned 8 last Thursday, but we celebrated with his sweet friends early while we were still in town on Christmas break.  Carter, Hudson and Kaine had a blast together.  They chose Subway for supper...Carter said "Subway is my favorite, because we can eat fresh!"  Haha...good job, Nick and Jess!  You are training him well :)

When they get together, it is instant wrestling, play-fighting, and just psycho-ness in general :)

We had another party for Kaine a couple of days later, with our families (grandparents, great-grandparents, etc).  My mom bought some ninja turtle masks :)

My dad had a fun time making a game for the party--"Who knows Kaine the best?"  Thanks for doing that, dad!  It was really fun.  And by the way, I did TERRIBLE on the game!  Shows how well I know my son, I guess!

Kaine's latest favorite dessert is cherry pie, which he requested instead of cake!  And my grandma went above and beyond and wrapped him up another pie with his gift!  Thanks, grandma!

Kaine's actual birthday was the first day we were back in MO.  He chose Subway for lunch (again!)...

And we had the McCormick's up for dessert and a few gifts in the evenings!  Here Kaine is opening up Abel's card--haha, we always get a kick out of reading what Abel writes in cards!  Funny to hear what a one-year-old comes up with :)

And Kaine requested more pie for dessert that night--this time raspberry cream:)  Jill was so kind to make her award winning raspberry cream pie for Kaine that night--thanks, Jill!  You are a super aunt!

I am so thankful that God has blessed us with this sweet boy.  He is maturing so quickly, and growing in his love and understanding of the Lord, too.  We are beyond thankful!!