It's a......

GIRL!

Without a doubt, there will be a sweet, baby GIRL joining the Silves family in July.  The boys are ecstatic to have a SISTER and Tyler and I just can't believe it.  New adventures are coming our way!

Happy 6th Birthday, Wayne!

Last weekend, Wayne turned SIX.  And I have to say... turning 6 is a monumental birthday.  5 still feels like a baby, but six?  Definitely heading towards "Boy."  (not to be confused with "Big Boy")  We celebrated all weekend, staring out on Friday with his family party, and rounding things out on Sunday with pizza and an ice cream run.  Whew!  Amid all the festivities - I wasn't my stellar self with the camera - so excuse the lack of pictures.  Wayne - someday when you are reading this, know that we spent all weekend having too much fun!  

At his party, after welcoming everyone I had Wayne talk a bit about what it is like to be 6.  He told everyone that 6 year old's like to do their chores, play basketball and baseball, go to school, and they are good at reading.  That sums up his little 6 year old life pretty well!

Hmmm..  I guess these two qualify as "babies" more than a 5 year old, but still...

These two ARE OUR BABIES!  And they always will be.  And I think they like it that way (so far!)

A party isn't a party without Ethan there.  These two are quite the buddies.

Everyone quickly learned Wayne's love for money - "I am saving for a 3DS!"

On his birthday, we opened presents before heading to church.  Wayne was pretty excited!

And Wyatt and Weston were just as excited.

We had just enough time for a little Lego playing before scooting off to church, and from there to the BIG McDonald's by the mall.  The boys ate and played, and then we headed over to TARGET to buy Wayne his 3DS.  He was just a little short, so he sold his old DS to Weston.  It was beyond precious to see the 4 and 6 year old haggle over price and games, but they decided $10 was fair, and the second we walked in the door at home, Weston ran to his piggy bank and forked over the $10 bill.  Wayne handed him the DS, and the shook hands, "Deal!" 

Wayne LOVES his new DS, and the Mario game he bought with all his birthday money.  Weston and he can even "download" together - if you know what that means!

Grandma stopped by with the SECOND Mocha Cake of the weekend.  Seriously - this is the finickiest cake ever, no Baking 101 project.  She made TWO of them, just because she knows it's Wayne's favorite.  And seriously, what 6 year old's favorite cake is a Mocha Cake?

Happy 6th Birthday Wayne! 

You are one amazing kid, and every day we are learning more about who God created you to be.  You are kind, joyful, and full of life.  You are compassionate, and put others before yourself.  Fun loving and eager to try new things - you can out-eat any other kid I know.  I show joy and appreciation, and you love your family so much I think it hurts you sometimes.  You are a great leader to your brothers, and I appreciate all of your help.  Have a GREAT year!

I'll love you forever, I'll pray for you always.  Forever my baby you'll be.
Mom

Wayne - Author and Artist

Wayne has been learning all about being an artist and an author at school, and is perfectly content to sit at the dining table and draw all afternoon.  He loves to make things for people - a boat for my Dad, a family picture for me, you get the idea.  Here is one that he did for Weston's bulletin board - what a brother!

Found: Mario Brothers DS game

We lost Wayne's FAVORITE DS game about 6 months.  I finally caved and bought him a new one 1 week ago. 

Want to know what I found yesterday?  The other DS game.  Where?  In the case.  SERIOUSLY?

Dear Madelyn,

Hello Sweet Niece!

I know you like to have your mom load the blog and play the music for you to dance to, so I added a few new songs.  Rock out!

Love,

Aunt Tanya

PROOF - Project Completion 2012

On December 22, 2004 we moved back into our newly remodeled home (after living at Mom and Dad's).  We spent the next year finishing up all of the major projects: putting in a lawn, painting the house and trim, planting flower beds, and finishing all of the other odds and ends that a major construction project leaves it's handy owners with.  But the ONE project that was ever elusive... the mantel for the fireplace.  Odd, right?  The one thing that everyone sees when they walk into the house - and it took....  6 1/2 years to complete.  Although...  2011 was a rockin' year for progress!  :-)  We finally just got it done, and my sweet mother and her artistic touch came over when the house was quiet one day and stained it.  BEAUTIFUL!    Tyler then told me, "you better take a picture - if the house burns down, I want proof that I finished it."  Well here it is.... PROOF!  

Now, I could have waited until the Duplos were picked up again, but....  then the house might have burned down.  And lets face it...  With Wyatt around, the Duplos are NEVER picked up!  I must say... it is beautiful in there.  Now we are inspired to replace the old windows (next project on the list) and I even took the curtains down.  I have yet to decide whether I am dry cleaning them or replacing them yet.  I better check with my interior designer!  :-)

Nacho Time

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree around here when it comes to the love for nachos in the evening.  Somehow the 3 muskateers here talked their Dad into making them ALL their own plate to chow down on before bed. SPOILED!  :-)  It's been fun to see them start to really play together, and pretend things, and work together to do chores and solve problems.  They have their moments when they are at war with each other (usually 2 on 1) but for the most part these 3 are thick as thieves!