My parents organized a trip to Branson for my 40th birthday (we used to go to Silver Dollar City almost every year as kids and it was often around my birthday). Two of my brothers and their families were able to come, as well. We had a great time!
She asked me to ride with her on the Pirate Ship. I don’t enjoy this ride, but when your 16-year-old daughter asks you to ride with her, you do! 🙂 And of course she wanted to ride in the top row! 😉
Kierstyn loved getting to hang out with her cousins!
Baby D did SO well! He’s just one of the easiest babies ever and brings so much joy to our home!
My parents watched Kierstyn and Baby D for awhile so that Jesse and I could go around and ride some rides by ourselves and with the three older kids. It was so much fun!
The new water ride was a big favorite!
And we also found apple dumplings with cinnamon ice cream!
This sweet boy loves to give hugs and kisses. He fell asleep on Jesse like this.
My sweet friend, Kate, planned a special birthday night for me at her house — complete with my favorite food from the Cheesecake Factory.
Jesse and the three older kids planned a special surprise evening for me — including getting babysitters! I tried to get it out of them what we were doing, but no one would say a peep. They planned a fun Escape Game (which we escaped from — yay!)
Then, we went out for Indian food at a new-to-us restaurant!
We finished out the evening with cups of steaming tea. So delicious and it reminded us of our trips to India!
She is just the most delightful child. She is constantly learning new words and surprising us by what she figures out.
In a world with so much upheaval and unknowns, her infectious joy keeps us all grounded!
Shoes are her new love! She’s always trying to put on our shoes and walk around!
Look at this boy sitting!! He has made huge strides in the last few weeks and we just continue to be amazed and celebrate his progress!
I got to travel with Kathrynne to Oswego, IL to speak at another Fresh Grounded Faith event.
We had to hit up Portillo’s — which we were told was a must-eat-at place when in the Chicago area!
We got a Chicago dog, fries with cheese sauce, and a chocolate cake shake. It was yummy!
It was an honor to get to share a little about our infertility/foster care/adoption journey with the audience on Friday night.
And then on Saturday, I shared a talk on the lies I believed and the truth that set me free — and how this has radically changed my life. (Some of it was taken from the first three chapters of my book, Love-Centered Parenting.)
I hurried back home on Saturday to get to be with these two. I missed them so much!
Sunday, Silas had a baseball tournament and these two spent close to 11 hours at the ball field. They are so good at just going with the flow and adapting to wherever we take them!
Look at her all grown up with her sweatshirt and leggings!
Guest says
First, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! My 40s have been my favorite decade. <3
Second, we also love Branson and will have to try the Indian restaurant as three of our four are Indian food lovers – the fourth eats naan. Ahem.
Third and I'm not sure how to eloquently ask this but…do you ever feel guilty that you are more relaxed as a mom with your youngest kids than you were with your oldest? Now that my kids are tween/teen I look back and think gosh….I was SO UPTIGHT when they were little. I wanted things to be perfect (though I would not have said that at the time) and was constantly stressed about managing and controlling things. As one is close to flying the nest, I sometimes feel sad and guilty that I wasn't able to more fully enjoy the younger years. 🙁 Just wondering if you've experienced this and how you address.
Crystal Paine says
Thank you for the birthday wishes! And I honestly don’t carry guilt… I know I was doing the best that I could with the tools I had. Plus, I think it’s impacted them to see me change and for us to have lots of conversations around my mistakes and what I’ve learned from them. And we have so much fun now! I don’t think that living in regret over the past really helps anyone or anything so I don’t dwell on it.
JJ says
Happy 40th!!! 🍰🎉🎈
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much!
Kelley says
I had my 40th birthday this weekend too! Great time to reflect and be with family. Here’s to many more amazing years!!!
Crystal Paine says
Happy birthday a little early!
Patti Smith says
You have the most beautiful family! Just think how much fun it will be to have these peeks to look back on in future years. I love how the babies sun gale each other! Happy Birthday 🎈🎁🎊….seems like you enjoyed a perfect birthday ❤️ Thanks for sharing 😊
Crystal Paine says
Yes, I mostly do these posts for me — because I want to be able to look back and remember!
Mary says
Your peaks via family pictures are wonderful. Thanks. My prayers are with you all. God bless His name.
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much!