Patiently waiting

Julia has always done things on her own schedule and it works for her. She started walking super late (15 1/2 months) but was practically running after that. She talked later than most but was an avid signer and now you can't get her to stop talking! :) She only got her first tooth after turning 1. Combine that with the fact that Chet didn't lose his first tooth until 3rd grade (crazy, right?), and we knew that Julia would have to patiently wait to lose her first as well. Last year, her 1st grade class had a "tooth" chart to celebrate each child's lost tooth. Needless to say, Julia never made the chart and was still waiting this year. She is the last in her grade! I love her smile full of straight, little baby teeth!

She finally lost her first tooth last night! It was a true family event- we were all egging her on to just pull it, it was barely hanging on anyway. The Tooth Fairy came by and left her $5- which I have heard is the going rate for "1st teeth". (I think I got a quarter!) She was super excited- she woke up at 3am, felt under the pillow and held up the bill by the nightlight to see how much it was! She woke us up at 6:30am to give us the news. SO cute!

More fun!

My sister's family came to visit and we had a blast! They live in Idaho and we only get to see them once or twice a year. It's hard being so far apart but we make up for it with visits like this one. The adults have fun together and the cousins are all so close in age and play so well together! We all stayed in our small house but it didn't feel cramped and no one ever fought.

We were outside most of the day and loved every second. We hiked South Mountain, went to the park, played in our sprinklers, made cookies, and most of all just enjoyed being together. Sorry to sound SO sappy but it's true. I wish we could live closer and do this every weekend.

Master Chet with the kids

Bobo (my mom) with some of the grand kids.

Buchanan's- Pat, Braden (5), Elise (3), Suzanne and Will (2)

Look how green it is! The wildflowers were everywhere!
Suzanne and I with our babies. :)
Julia and daddy
The girls! Elise is so sweet and nurturing and girlie (but tough at the same time). She fits right in with our girls. Julia and Bella loved playing with her! With brothers at home, I think she also loved some time with her cousins!

We had so much fun with you guys! Hope to see you this summer!

Camille's birthday bash

We celebrated Camille's first birthday this past weekend. It was a small party- mostly family and a few friends. It was perfect- we had time to focus on her and her special party! Camille had a great time- playing with her cousins and friends, playing with her new toys (huge hits!) and eating a chocolate cupcake. What more could a one year old ask for?

The 3 B's- Brennan, Braden and Bella (5 yr old cousins). Will and Camille- new found friends!

My sister and her family came into town for a visit and for Camille's birthday party. My kids are so lucky- they are always surrounded by family on their birthdays. My parents and Chet's family live in Arizona and Suzanne's family has been here for every one of their 1st birthdays (even coming from out of state).

My side of the family. A rare photo of all of us together!

A wee bit of mischief

The leprechauns paid us a visit last night and they left us a bunch of surprises!

Green milk, backpack hanging from the ceiling, hidden gold coins, shoes on top of cabinets, and to top it off- green water in the toilet!







Happy St. Patrick's Day!

How time flies

Happy 1st birthday Camille!

I cannot believe that it has been a year! 366 days ago, Chet and I sat at the Outback Steakhouse still trying to come up with names for our little baby. The next morning, Camille was born and we were suddenly a family of 5! I loved holding her on my chest, watching her sleep. I remember not sleeping at all that night- I just wanted to hold her and look at her all night.

She has brought so much joy in our lives! We all adore her- I am still in awe over how much Julia and Bella love her. I love watching they way they look at her. It's nothing I can ever capture on film so I hope I remember the look.

I am not usually a sappy person about milestones but today has been bittersweet for me. I have dreaded this day for a few weeks now. I can honestly say that I have loved her baby stage and don't want her to grow up- probably because she is our last.

We spent today doing all the stuff she loves- riding her bike outside, playing in the grass, and dancing to daddy's crazy music. Her official birthday party isn't until next weekend so it was nice just to relax and truly enjoy her and this special day.

Happy birthday my forever baby!