Max is TWO {Superhero Party}

Sweet Max turned 2 last week (sob), and today we celebrated the milestone SUPERHERO STYLE with a house full of those who love him most. 

Kudos to Omaha Cake Gallery for yet another delicious cake and to Max's superhero dad for the perfect little 'guys' on top!  :)

"Spidey Cakes"

 "Marshmallow Hulks" 

Or as Maxo calls them - "Hulk Heads"

 The birthday boy was less than thrilled with our rendition of "Happy Birthday!"

 Red frosting = topless dining

 Maxo could have cared less about eating cupcakes - he was just relieved to have his superheroes back. 

 Hoarding his heroes.

My heart.

Harrison (3)   Max (2)   Benson (2)  

Thanks to everyone who came out to play today and helped make Max's birthday celebration a special one. 

Happiest birthday, Maxo! We love you to the moon and back!

Bogler/Goeser Christmas {2015}

In the hustle and bustle of holiday celebrations, I managed to forget my camera for not one, but BOTH of my family's holiday celebrations.  Good job, Kristen. Good job. Thankfully my sister was a little camera happy at both events and had a few images of our family/kiddos to share.  

We spent Christmas Eve just as I spent those of my childhood - with my aunts, uncles and cousins in the Bogler family. This traditional gathering represents one of the highlights of my childhood. After church we would rush off to my aunt and uncle's home in Defiance and cram our over-sized family into their basement for a night of celebration. There were endless trays of goodies, gifts spilling out from under the tree, and....clears throat....the occasional adult tap-dance performance. As a child the night felt absolutely magical. What a blessing to have the chance to recreate those special memories for my own kiddos.

// Bogler Christmas Eve 2015 //

The day after Christmas we re-grouped at my mom's house - this time as a much smaller group of sisters + hubbies + almost hubbies + kiddos. We watched the Packer game, opened gifts, and simply enjoyed each other's company. We all live within 20 minutes of each other, but busy schedules make days like these to feel few and far between.  I think we need a lot more Sunday dinners at Grandma Debbie's house.

// Goeser Family (Day After) Christmas 2015 //

Poor Aubrey - the lone girl in a group of crazy boys. 

 "Hey boys, will you smile for a picture together?"

Why do I even ask...?

Nothing brings brothers together like Grandma Debbie's sugar cookies.

Ritchie Christmas {2015}

The first of our 2015 Christmas celebrations was the perfect balance of familiar traditions - take-out pizza, wine, Lithuanian torte, good conversation - and the unexpected moments that come courtesy of small children. With new babes added to the family each of the past four years, our gatherings have definitely seen lots of change.  Gone are the Christmas traditions of afternoon pedicures and late night movies. In their place - baby snuggles, little boy giggles, and wrapping paper dance parties (and maybe the occasional tears, boy brawls and diaper blowouts - but thats beside the point!) 

Its the absolute best kind of chaos. 

// A Merry Ritchie Christmas //

If only a photo could capture the sound of the giggles coming from that table. I can only imagine the trouble that these yahoos are going to get into!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Thank you NamNam and PopPop for yet another perfect Christmas gathering and for helping fill our boys hearts with the magic of the holiday season.