Day at Out of Africa

We were in the process of coming off of a very busy birthday weekend when Aunt Jen suggested a trip to Out Of Africa. With a little arm twisting we were convinced this might be a fun outing. Christopher had a blast and was able to get a camel kiss. Elizabeth, wanting to be just like big bro, held her cookie out without any hesitation and gave it to the camel as well. This was followed by a puzzled look and a desire to have her cookie back. All in all it was a great day.

Look Who's Turning 1

Big Brother never needs much encouragement to help with presents.

Mmmmmmmm, lily pad cake. Oh so yummy.

A toad cake in honor of our little toadie

First Birthday Dress

Birthday morning hair, apparently there was a party in her crib the night before.

So It's been a full year since what I affectionately call the "gelatinous blob" days. She has learned to roll, learned to crawl, almost walked, grew some teeth and some hair. We have gone to the beach, eaten sand and spent many a day in the backpack visiting new sites. She has spent a year exploring her world through most of her senses and shows no sign of slowing down. Yes my little girl is 1!!!!!!!!! I am so blessed to even be making this post, and thank the Lord every day for both of my children. So here we go. Cake, presents and parties, oh my.

Happy Mother's Day

Ten things that make Lil a great Mom!!!!!!!

10. She can organize the hair on a gnat's butt.

9. Taught us everything we need to know about big hair, big shoulder pads and all the etiquette needed to not embarrass ourselves in public.

8. Explained the meaning of "he is a real character" after picking up a wounded daughter from camp.

7. Put up with taking two teenage girls clothes shopping every year.

6. Has always kept us informed of the comings and goings of our family that we don't see as much.

5. Learning how to lay down the law for a child who is opposed to all forms of discipline (spanking attempt anyone)

4. Always there for us with a word of encouragement, drop of a note and a long distance hug.

3. Kept our tummies full with some of the best southern cooking around.

2. Loves our Father like no other.

1. Still loves us after 31 years of dirt in the face, eye poking, "my daddy", hours of time spent in the bathroom and many loads of laundry.

We love you Lil, Happy Mother's day!!!!!!!!!!

The talking in the background is Aunt Jen not Mom. Just wanted that to be clear to all :)

I thought he did a great job although I am finding out that almost 10 year-old boys do not like there Moms to tell them how well they have done. Apparently this is almost as bad as using spit to wipe food off of faces :)

A few a-la-carte pictures. Elizabeth loves Aunt Jen's pillows, Mama misses the mouth, feeds the nose but gets the picture, Elizabeth begins early dental hygene (sort of), Christopher square dances in his spring concert and Christopher babysits in front of the TV.

While Elizabeth may not have understood the meaning of her first Easter all of us around her felt the specialness of the occasion. What better way to celebrate our Risen Lord than a baptism, day with family and of course too much food. Mandy was baptised at the Easter vigil mass. After seeing so many infant baptisms it was nice to see an adult choose to join the faith. While the long mass did pose a comfort problem for our expecting candidate she looked great and responded in all the right spots :) Christopher started off the morning with our tradition of a riddle guided Easter egg hunt. The hunt resulted in his Easter basket being found in the kitchen closet. A good time was had by all (even Mom who was hiding eggs at 11:30 at night). Elizabeth soaked up all the attention lavished on her by all at the family gatherings and looked extra special in her Easter dress.