Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's day to my wonderful husband.  We spent the day doing relaxing family things like hiking and gift giving.  The kids got daddy a new drill, a special book and some goodies to take to Afghanistan. 

 We had a great time hiking together today.  The weather was wonderful and the kids enjoyed combing the rocky mountain.  Here are a few shots from the day:

30 + 1

This time last year I was anxiously awaiting my 29th birthday where I was scheduled to give birth to my second born.  Though I knew that my life would forever be changed, I had little idea of the surprise that was awaiting me.  At 1:28 PM Dave announced "it's a girl!" and precious Maleah Kailey joined our hearts.  From that day forward, my birthday was going to be blessed in such a different way.  Now, almost a year later it was time to celebrate that grand event.  Because Dave will be in Afghanistan during our birthday we had a little party to celebrate the big day: My 30th and Maleah's 1st!

The theme was "wigging out!" Invitees joined us in wearing crazy wigs.  I made Maleah's smash cake and the theme of course was black, white and pink.

 Maleah sported her very cute tutu that I ordered and she looked so cute:

 Yes, that is me in the neon bob (this picture I had it on backwards) to match her tutu:

 And here are the birthday girls:

 As for the cake smashing, well this girl LOVED her cake.  She spent about 30 min smashing, eating and rubbing cake into her hair:

 Maleah made out with some great gifts, including this elmo:

We are so grateful for the friends that were able to join us and for the family that sent their love.  This was a wonderful celebration and one that we will remember for years to come!

Happy Birthday Maleah Kailey!!

11 Months Old!

Happy 11 months munchkin!

You are a growing girl.  So much in fact that I weighed you the other day and you were 29 pounds!  I cannot believe that you are already in 2T clothing and size 5 diapers.  It seems like yesterday that you were a newborn.  Now your two favorite things to do are eat and crawl all over the place!  

 You and Noah are becoming quite the pair.  Wherever he is you are.  You both enjoy swinging together on your new swing set and playing cars.  I love to see you becoming so close.  Often we will find you and Noah cuddled up on the floor with your blankies.  You just took your first bath in the bath tub with Noah (he wanted to show you how to take one like a big kid) and you had a blast splashing around.

 Right now you love to smile and wave hi at anyone who will give you attention.  You absolutely love your daddy--you cry if he leaves the room!  Here you are posing for him:

Being outside is another one of your favorites.  You love chasing balls and I think you will really enjoy it more when you are able to walk.  For now you are content sitting in a stroller as long as you are moving and seeing new things.

Your new tricks consist of blowing kisses, sticking your tongue out, and copying noises that we make.  Oh, and I can't forget the "toss the food over the side of the highchair" game.  You are one cleaver chick. 

I am looking forward to celebrating your 1st birthday next month.  It will be a surreal moment for me.  For now, I am enjoying each day that passes building up to this big event!

Much love,

Mom

Hiking Around

This is a picture to document our first family hike.  It was a short test run, but it went well.  Noah loves being let free to run the trails and hunt for "bears and hyenas".  Maleah, enjoyed the ride and scenery.  And, well, dave got a good workout carrying our big girl around!  What a fun time!

Buds

This is the perfect picture for me...I love to see my kiddos become best buds.  While swinging, Maleah reached out her and and caught Noah's.  And, they stayed that way for a couple of minutes.  This is a moment that I will always cherish.  I hope that my kids will forever reach their hands out to each other.

Ta-Da!

Well the kid's play areas is officially finished.  Whew! What a project.  We hope to have many years of fun filled laughter coming from this area.  I have to give props to those that did all the work...good job boys!

Grandpa and Grandma Parker come to visit

We had such a great time with Grandpa and Grandma on their visit.  Here are a few pictures of their trip.  Grandpa helped daddy build the kids a play area (and did a few things around the house too!) and we also got to enjoy bowling and the zoo.  It was a fun filled week.  One of the highlights was giving grandma a make over.  She cut her locks to a fun bob and looks fantastic!  Thank you for coming to visit!!