It's your Birthday, shout HOoray!

Happy Birthday Corinne Cate, aka: Cora

You were our third daughter to be born. We were so excited to have you. We have always known that you would be special, sweet and kind. Your spirit is very pure. When I was about 6 months pregnant with you, I was sleeping in one morning with dad. My stomach was pressed up against dad's back, and he laid awake feeling you kick against him. He felt the veil thin, and he said it felt like his spirit touched yours. From that moment on, you were very special to him. You two continue to have a close bond, you will always be our "baby Cora"!

Your birth was the easiest out of all you 5 kids. It went so smooth, the doctor kept saying it was a "textbook" delivery. Everything went exactly how it was supposed to go. I was in a room that was connected to another delivery room by a bathroom. The lady next to me (in the other room) delivered the same day I did. Her baby would just cry and scream...almost constantly. Then there was you, so sweet and special. You would just sleep, and when you would wake up you would just look around. I don't think you did anything more then squeak those first few days. I remember feeling very sorry for the lady next to me, and very lucky to get such a sweet natured baby such as you. That is how you have always been!

We love how you take care of everyone. We love how you love everyone. And we love that you are in our family!!!

Happy 6th Birthday Cora!

The Boys First Visit to Disneyland!

With weekends left in California down to the single digits...we are madly chipping away at our "bucket list". We really wanted to go to Disneyland one last time, while we lived so close. Luckily Disney still has an amazing deal for military, so it was very do-able. This trip was extra special, because it was the boys first time!

Hunter's first Disney line ( we all know that standing in outrageous lines is part of the "Disney experience")
Jack stood in the same line, and it was his first, ever Disney line too!
It was the Buzz lightyear ride.

Cora Hanging out in Mickey's house

I think that this was the boys favorite "ride", the water fountain in Toon Town.

First meeting with Mickey

Jack is so tuckered out

On the "BIG" Ferris wheel

This was a milestone trip for the girls. Anya was brave, after a few minor roller coasters under her belt from different parks, and decided to conquer Space Mountain, the Matterhorn, and the California Screamer (which goes upside down!). Go Anya! The little girls gathered up their courage and braved the rapids of the Grizzlybear. They got soaked of course, but were in good spirits still at the end.

At the end of the ride, and our visit at Disneyland.

Soaked but feeling silly.

Disney magic!

Happy Birthday Hannah!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Hannah Elise Jeppson joined our family 9 years ago ( I can't believe you are 9 already!) on the afternoon of a stormy, spring, Ohio afternoon.

The night before you were born, Hannah, a major storm system ripped threw Ohio. There were tornadoes outside of town, and all night we listened to tornado sirens going off. By morning, it was still grey and wet, but the severe weather had stopped. Off to the hospital we went, and the Doctor was so happy because you arrived right during his lunch break so he didn't have to cancel any patient appointments. So good of you! You were born with lots of dark, dark hair...and right off we noticed the dimple in your left cheek!

We often say that you are our "little buckeye" because you were born right in sight of The Ohio State University Stadium. You are the spice in our family, you keep things real and unpredictable and we love you for it. You are so zainy, and always coming up with silly stories, games and jokes. You don't get along very well with you sisters, but I think that is because you like to be in charge...and they don't necessarily want you to be in charge of them :0 However, you are perfectly great and wonderful big sister to your brothers. You hate to hear them cry or see them upset (anyone for that matter...it really bothers you when someone is sad) and you are quick to help them and make them happy again. We love you Hannah...you are so great to have in our family. Our family wouldn't be complete without you!

We hope your special day is wonderful!