Princess Josephine

What an amazing 1st birthday!

We were so lucky to have our family and friends with us to celebrate Joey's big day. She looked like quite a princess in her pink tutu and tiara (which actually stayed on for most of the party!) She had so much fun playing with her friends and eating cake that she was completely exhausted by the end of the day. Jack had fun, too, especially since he tried convincing us that he was going to keep Joey's toys and let her play with them once in a while!

One of her favorite presents was this pink barbie car that my mom bought her. She loves playing with Jack's race cars and monster trucks, so now she can have her own girly version to play with!

My dad and grandfather came to visit from Minnesota over Joey's birthday and it was the first time either of them had seen Joey. She's named after my late grandmother, Josephine Collyard, and I know it gave my grandfather great joy to be able to see a little piece of her in Joey. Both Jack and Joey immediately took to my dad and I think it took him awhile to get used to hearing Jack call, "come play race cars with me, grandpa Duane!" We had a great time visiting with them and miss them already.

As the week has wound down, we've still managed to find some pretty fun things to do. One of which being tape mustaches, which Kevin taught Jack one night (from sheer boredom). Jack, much like Kevin, was pretty impressed with himself! They have so much in common...

Birthday Girl!!

As Joey's birthday (week) begins, I find myself so sad to think my little baby is growing up! We went to dinner with Kevin's parents and brother Monday night to celebrate and boy did Joey enjoy it! They bought her a pink car to ride on (which Jack is convinced is his, but he'll share it with Joey) and she is absolutely in love with it!

When the waitress brought out her birthday brownie, she practically dove into it! She is definitely her mother's daughter...

Pretty in Pink

It's almost Joey's birthday!! We've been working on all kinds of projects for her 1st birthday party over the last few weeks and Joey especially liked playing with the tulle for her tutu. We're having a 'pink' themed party so, of course, she has to have a pink tutu! I think I'm more excited about her party than anyone, mostly because I can do all kinds of girly stuff that I couldn't do for Jack:)

Super Saturday

What a fun day! We went to the local farmer's market this morning and were surprised to find all kinds of exciting things! There were several inflatable castles, slides and bouncy houses - all of which Jack couldn't wait to try. We thought he might be a little apprehensive to go by himself but he dove into the bouncy houses and screamed with delight! He had no problem laughing and bouncing with other kids and wasn't very happy when it was time to leave!

Fortunately, a few feet away was a small petting zoo with baby goats. Jack was so excited to talk to them. He kept saying, "Hi goat, how you doing?" Oma (my mom) offered to buy one for Jack - I think we'll pass!

After the farmer's market we went mini golfing...boy, was that challenging! Jack was eager to learn for about the first 2 minutes. He let Kevin show him how to use the club and hit the ball, but after 2 or 3 swings he thought he'd do it his way. It was pretty funny listening to Kevin tell Jack that he was cheating whenever he'd pick up the ball and put it in the hole. After today, I'm not sure Kevin will be taking Jack golfing any time soon!

Fun at the water park

Nothing beats the heat like a day at the water park! We spent a few hours at a local park and you'd think Jack had never seen water before! He was so excited that he ran around like crazy and couldn't decide what to do first. He took turns dragging Alli and I through the spraying water, laughing and screaming the entire time.

Joey decided to try out the water, too, but it was a little too cold for her taste. She curled her toes the minute they touched the water and grabbed onto me for dear life! I think she'll stick to her nice warm baths!