The Barton Family Blog

Spring break was beautiful at the beach! We headed down for a day trip to do whatever we pleased! We started in Depoe Bay to check out some shops and the whale watching exhibits.  The kids were excited to try to spot some whales... and the visitor/ whale-watching center was super helpful in pointing out blowholes and helping us know where to look!  Beautiful girls!!!!!  They decided the anchor was a good picture-op!      Nonnie and Papa met us a few hours later. They were heading to the Sandcastle Inn in Lincoln City for a night away. We were so amazed by the gorgeous weather, we decided to try to secure a last minute room as well... we just wanted to stay forever!! Having my parents there, meant I actually got a picture with my kiddos! Yay!! Nonnie & Papa's hotel room was literally 10 feet from the sand! We played for hours!!! Papa taught the kids the ins & outs of a good construction hole! :) ...

On March 22, Miss Natalee Grace turned 8-years-old! Wow! How can it have been 8 years since she came into the world!? Time truly does fly!  Sweet little party with family... Uncle Zachy!  Aunt Auttie Maga  Fun gifts from sweet cousins & friends!  Homemade dress from Maga (She may or may not have insisted on wearing it backwards the first few times she wore it! :) ) Her one request was she wanted a nightgown....  and she got two!! (She wanted them so she could wear them to church!) Darling outfits! & Sweet friends! A failed attempt at a cousins pic.... ha ha ha ha ha And.... I think she loved her nightgowns (and flowers from Paga!) Happy 8 years sweet girl!!! You fill our lives with joy!! We are so grateful that YOU made us parents all those years ago.  We can't wait to see all that God will do in your life in the years to come! {smooch!}

This sweet little boy who brings such joy to our world, turned 2-years-old on February 25th!!  We can't imagine life without you baby boy! You are a whirlwind of energy and copy-cat-ing... you love to be YOU... and you love to be just like Brock and do everything he does! You pretty much think Brock is the coolest thing EVER... and the most frustrating play-mate EVER.. just depends on the day... or the moment! :) You love you Daddy fiercely and can't wait for him to get home each day. Yet, often, you are 100% a mama's boy!  You love your sisters, and fight and scream at them at the same time.  You love to be held and read-to... and you love to have fun with them. You also like what YOU LIKE and want what YOU WANT, pretty much every moment of every day, so when that contradicts with what you sisters say... the whole world knows!!  You are such a little cuddle bug buddy... I love the way you want me to rock you each night... and the way you co...

Sweet girl had some crazy stuff going on with her teeth! Adult teeth trying to come in sideways and cut into the root system of her other adult teeth.  Sooooo... 5 teeth abstractions later (which she handled like a CHAMP!).... she got braces. And she was just a LITTLE excited! :) The awkward application process....   SOOOO EXCITED!!!! And MAN does she look CUTE! Can't wait to see the progression through the year!

Merry Christmas!!! It has been a blessed year. God has been faithful and we are so grateful for His many blessings. Namely, a steady job, wonderful children, 10 fabulous years of marriage, and a precious relationship with our savior!!!  Praying your Christmas is blessed and that you know the true meaning of Christmas...  I can't read it... Or hear it read... without crying. God loved us so much that he send his only son to pay the price for MY sins.  http://youtu.be/y7aWe5Y4AWk And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, “Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings o great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the bab...

We headed to story book land last night with the kiddos! Such a magical place for them... They act like they've never seen the displays... It's so sweet!  Some of the pics are terrible! But I love the moments captured!  They were just so excited to see each new display!  Con-con all bundled up! He was so excited by everything & a little overwhelmed too.  Brocky's smile kills me here!  Natalee wanted her picture taken by Aurora who apparently is her favorite princess. Although she's never seen be movie (to my knowledge!) because CREEPY! :) Daddy & hollie watching the trains go by  Shy & hollie showing sisterly love with Monsters Inc... At least Connor is smiling ha ha ha Can't wait to do it all again next year!!

Ooo sweet Shyanne girl... You have blossomed into a beautiful little lady! Your joy and enthusiasm for life is so easily seen in these darling faces you make.   Your birthday party was simple, and sweet. Probably the  least stressful most enjoyable birthday party yet! We had a brunch theme and family came to celebrate. Can't think of a better way to celebrate YOU!  (Animal lover - through and through - and you def. had a theme running through this party... lots of horse stuff, a panda bear, etc.  You were in HEAVEN!) We always do our presents to you ON your actual birthday morning.  This year, your gift was HIGHLY anticipated by Mom.  I was pretty excited...  And... so were you....!!! When you found out that you got to go horseback riding!!!! Fast forward to a few days after Christmas..... and your very first riding lesson...  You were very serious as the instructor taught you about ho...