That kind of love...

On February 3 (yes, Superbowl Sunday!) we had our dedication service for Lucas and Landon.

Before you read our letter, you must listen to this song :
(click on the word song, or the song title to listen)

ThatKind of Love : Pierce Pettis

Can't be bought or sold or faked -That kind of love

Always gives itself away-That kind of love
Wiser than the wisest sage
It's innocence makes me ashamed
Til I'm not sure I can take-That kind of love

Pride and hatred cannot stand - That kind of love
Greater love hath no man - Than that kind of love
Won't be kept unto itself
Spreads it's charm, casts it's spell
No one's safe this side of hell-

From that kind of love

Love rejected and ignored
Held in chains, behind closed doors
Stuff of legend and of songs
Deep down everybody longs (for)
That kind of love . . . oh, that kind of love

Some people never know-That kind of love
Though it only takes a child to show- That kind of love
Widows smile and strong men weep
Little ones play at it's feet
Deaf can hear and blind can see-

That kind of love

Love triumphant, love on fire
Love that humbles and inspires
No conditions, no restraints
That kind of love . . . oh, that kind of love

How could anyone deny-That kind of love
Every heart is measured by -That kind of love
Even stars fall from the sky
Everything will fall in time
Except those things that cannot die-

That kind of love
Oh, may you be remembered by- that kind of love

We sang this song at Mars a while back and IMMEDIATELY the lyrics struck a chord in my heart.  I knew right then and there that I wanted to include it some how in the twins' dedication.  We had the lyrics printed out for every one to read and we played the song before reading this letter:

To our precious, miraculous, ‘surprise it’s twins!’, little guys-

Writing our 3^rd (and 4^th) dedication letter has proven a little tricky as we feel like we are repeating ourselves a bit.  However, we want you to know how important it is for us to stand in front of our family, our friends, our community here today and dedicate you as two beautiful, unique children of God.   It is our prayer that you will understand that kind of love; the love of our family, through all our ups and downs, joy and fear, and that kind of love of a Heavenly Father with no conditions, no restraints.  

We want you to see that kind of love in our home; the way Daddy and Mommy love each other and stand by the vows we made years ago.  The way we teach, train and encourage your big brothers and the way we will do so for you.  The way it’s a safe place for you to be honest, be real and be forgiven.  We promise to fill our home with that kind of love.

Lucas David-

We promise to love you for you and to celebrate your individuality. We want to challenge you to use the gifts God has given only to you, for his glory.  We commit to teaching you -with the help of the Bible and the community that surrounds us- about that kind of love.

Landon Jonathan-

We promise we will love you as you are and encourage you to grow into a godly man unlike anyone else. We want to challenge you to use the gifts he has given only to you, for his glory.  We commit to teaching you- with the help of the Bible and the community that surrounds us- about that kind of love.

Our promises to you may sound the same (and a bit like your brothers’ as well) but we realize how unique and different you are.  We understand how blessed we are to be called your parents and we thank God for that privilege. We also thank God for showing us that kind of love and pray that you both will share it with this world.


Sometimes I am STILL shocked and amazed that we are the parents of twin boys.  These little guys are so precious to us that sometimes it's hard to put into words.  We are incredibly blessed.  Being called daddy and mommy by these four handsome, healthy, energetic boys has given us a life changing glimpse into that kind of love.

Landon - Grant - Lucas - Tanner

Epic Celebrating :: GWL Edition

After a yummy breakfast buffet (whoever invented the waffle iron is a genius!) and more swimming at Sugar Beach, we packed up our rooms and headed out.
We had a little time to waste between hotels so we stopped at Toys R Us to pick something out for Tanner.  We had the brilliant  ridiculous idea to let Tanner PICK something out. Whoops.  Combine an indecisive 3 year old and a HUGE toy store and you can plan on a lengthy trip.
In the end he chose (with some big brother pressure) an airplane from the Cars 2 movie.  It still gets played with so in our standards- that's a hit. 

Pumba!! at Toys-R-Us

Give this kid a balloon and he is seriously entertained for hours.

Tanner even got a balloon and birthday crown- SCORE!


We walked around PetSmart, ate lunch at Fazoli's and then headed to Great Wolf Lodge.

Our rooms weren't ready so we changed in the locker rooms and 'dove in'.  The older two were off in no time.  Lucas and Landon even put on their swim trunks (can you say adorable?) and splashed around for a bit. Then it was nap time for Laura's boys and the twins and one of our 3 rooms was available so Laura and I headed up for nap time.

I told you they were cute.

For supper the entire group headed to Culver's.  All 19 of us! I am so bummed I didn't get a picture.  We get lots of gawks and smiles and stares when we go anywhere.  Thirteen kids from 9 years old to 6 months!!  Love it.  The best part? They were all well behaved!  Love it even more!

When we got back we sang "Happy Birthday" to Tanner and had some cake.  We took Grant, Tanner and Bryce down to the arcade room.  Stimulation overload!  They had fun though.

I almost beat the high score for the day. For real. I don't mess around.

So did Mommy.  Whenever I go to an arcade place, I MUST play this game.  There is just something about smashing those little guys on the head as hard as I can that I find so theraputic (does this mean I need therapy!?).  :)

Bed time for the kids, game time for the adults.  We played a few rounds of Apples to Apples (with Mom, Laura, Ben, Robb and myself).  Then Doug & Kate joined us and we played  The Game of Things.  This game is really hilarious.  I am seeing a purchase and game night in our future.  The jist : Tons of cards that say "things that...." like "things that would get you fired", "things that you never see in the country", "things that you keep hidden".  Everyone writes an answer down on a piece of paper, folds it and puts it in a pile.  Each player takes a turn reading what everyone wrote.  You go around the circle and try to guess what other people wrote.  Serious good times.  Even Dad was intriuged for a while (which is saying a lot!).  Adults headed to bed around midnight.

(left to right) Bryce, Auntie Laura, Trevor, Abraham,Pop-pop, Sofi, Abby, Gina, Kelly, Daddy and T-man!

Next morning was more swimming, more splashing, more fun fun fun!  One of the bonuses of our Groupon deal was late check out which was GREAT.  It also included a meal deal: pizza, breadsticks and salad so after a morning at the park (twins included) we went back to our room to eat lunch and pack.

Naptime for the twinkies!! They actually napped great in the park.
Look at Luke's cute little piggies peaking out.

Grant was big enough to do ALL the slides. He even went down the green one by himself! 
He LOVES the water. 

We had a great weekend. Great Wolf Lodge (although expensive) is a really fun place for a family vacation. I anticipate more trips there for our future!

The closest we got to a whole group picture (fail!).
Left to right: :Robb, Tanner, Laura, Kelly, Cody, Kate, Abraham, Gina, Sofi, Grammy, Austin, Grant