Hodges Family Blog: April 2016

How it all began

Ralph and I have been together since the summer of 2008 but it all began in 1992. Ralph's sister, Colleen and I have been best friends since 6th grade and we grew up at each other's houses throughout the years. Ralph was always around but being the younger brother was forbidden to be around us (not that he wanted to make up dances with us). We said hi during high school and when I needed a jersey to wear to school on Fridays, Ralph was nice enough to let me wear his. He visited Kent State while I was there once to look at the football team and campus but decided against attending. He joined the Marine Corps and we spoke through emails every now and then just to see how the other was doing. Life went on and our paths finally crossed again in 2008 when Colleen invited me to their families yearly 4th of July party. Ralph was home on leave from Iraq and I just moved back to Cincinnati. This time when we saw each other things seemed a little different and the rest is history. In December 2011 we were engaged, July 2012 we were married, April 2013 we bought our first house and March 2014 we had our first child, Braxten! Each year has been more blessed than the last and we are so excited to see where our future takes us!

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Braxten is 2!!!

This picture captures the pure joy of a 2 year old getting balloons dumped into his bed on his birthday morning! It took a second for him to enjoy it but then it couldn't get enough! We went to Kroger and there was a school bus that B was invited to climb on and explore, he picked out a choo choo balloon and a free cookie and then as we left there was a fire truck in the parking lot! Grandparents came over for dinner and he loved all the attention. The only thing Kane loved more was the cupcake - she attacked it as he picked off the sprinkles one by one! It was such a wonderful day and an amazing past 2 years! We love you so much B, there is never a dull moment when you are around!

Worried about Puppy under the balloons

Still making this crazy face!

B wanted to hold Kane

Of course the "big" brother will want to hold his baby sister hahaha! She looks so much bigger than him although it is one of my favorite pictures ever!!!

I am starting to feed myself a bottle, kind of

Working with my tools

Walking a mile in Daddy's shoes

She loves the same toys Braxten still loves!

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Good Morning

You have to smile when you walk into Kane's room and she is waiting for you

with this smile every day!