Happy Birthday Big Girl!!!

Today is the big day!! The day that seemed so far away not too long ago. When we look back at our past year we just can't believe what a wild and crazy one it's been. We had a beautiful baby girl who is wonderful and everything that you could ask for, changed jobs, lived in four different places in five months, bought a new house, travelled to California, celebrated our 5th anniversary and had an amazing 1st birthday with our daughter. God definitely has given us many, many blessings and has given us strength when we needed it most! We are very thankful and grateful for the family and friends that surround us.

Happy Birthday K! And thank you again to everyone who helped us out this weekend to pull off a great party! We couldn't have done it without you!

Here are some pics from the party and the birthday girl!

These boots are made for walkin'

Yes! She is starting to walk! We are so excited! She first took steps on Monday and ever since she has become a little more brave each day!! Monday is a special day because it is M's mom and dad's anniversary so it will be easy to remember the day K started to walk on her own. Last week she got her first fat lip... I think we were more worried than she was. She cried a little but then we gave her an ice cube and she just thought that was the best thing ever! Aunt E came over to watch her for a little bit on Thursday for M and played and had lots of fun! This past weekend her Aunt, Uncle and Grandma came over for dessert and an early birthday gift.

Here are some recent photos...

Here K is enjoying some ice cold water after a hot walk outside.

This is K having a healthy serving of rubber ducky!

Here K is sound asleep with her elephant she got from Aunt H when she was first born and the Elmo daddy got her for Christmas- they're her napping pals!

House Pics

Here are some pics of our house. I'm not sure why our camera distorted the house picture, but you get the idea at least :) !

St. Louis Here We Come! Came! :)

This past weekend we went down to see K's aunt and uncle in St. Louis! The weather was HOT but that didn't keep us from getting around town and seeing lots! After being in the car seat for five hours K was ready to get movin' and scootin'! She found the stairs in all of about 2 minutes of being there. She tested out all the railings and balusters.

Saturday morning we went to a friend's of Aunt H's who has the most amazing garden ever! They have been featured in several magazines including Better Homes and Gardens and they have even grown one of kinds in their gardens. Absolutely magnificent! K was fond of their fish pond and actually had a fish in her hands for all of about 3 seconds, then it got away! This garden has hundreds of different types of hostas and lilies among other plants! Definitely will go and see this again next time we are down that way!

After the gardens and K's nap we went to the Budweiser Brewery and took the tour. We were able to see the Clydesdale's, their Dalmatian, and the manufacturing buildings. Quite the operation! And of course at the end you get to sample as much beer and their other products as you wish. For dinner we headed to the top rated Mexican restaurant in St. Louis. Pablo Solis. They make awesome Margaritas and the food was authentic! Unfortunately, the band for the night was a jackhammer- after a few margaritas it wasn't so bad :) !

Sunday morning we walked to a local diner for breakfast and then went to downtown St. Charles. It's a great little town with shopping galore! Lots of shops line the main street in historic buildings. Being that it was 96 degrees and who knows what the heat index was- we only spent about an hour and a half there. We will have to hit that up again next time as well!

We had a great trip and we are already talking about "next time..."!

Thanks Aunt H and Uncle B for a great time!!

Happy 4th of July!

We had a great 4th! M's favorite day!

We went to Aunt E's family cookout at her mom and dad's and then headed over to the parade in Crown Point. M grew up in Crown Point and going to the parade was something her family did every year growing up so it was fun to do it all over again with K! The very patriotic dress that K wore was from Aunt E and Uncle G. After the wonderful parade we went to M's parent's house for dinner and a fun visit. K took a brief nap before the fireworks that night. We went to the Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point and met up with Aunt E, Uncle G, K's cousins, and Aunt E's family to watch them. The fireworks were magnificent! The finale was rushed a little due to rain coming into the area, but we got back to the car fairly dry.