One Year Old

Today is your birthday!Weight: 19 lbs 4 oz - 7%
Height: 30 1/2" - 98%

Happy Birthday to You!

Samantha Michelle

October 8th
Alayna Elizabeth
October 14th

What a weekend! We celebrated Samantha and Alayna's birthdays on Saturday with a backyard party! We are terrible at editing lists of friends, so we invited just about everyone. At the craziest, I think the count was 16 friends, 5 babies, 7 siblings, and 17 adults. Yikes!

Bounce House
We were sure this would be the highlight of the party...but it was trumped by the fort.
Fort & Swings
They could have played for 2 hours on here alone.
Craft Table - Jump Ropes
Grandma & Papa were in charge of the jump-rope making table. I underestimate the focus that little girls have....they just love to chit chat and craft...wonder where that comes from :)
Lunch
Although none of them really ate a thing, they have appreciation for the social time. Lots of giggles and friendly name calling.
Dance Party
Aunt Melissa was in charge of the music, and did great! Most of the dancing was done with the family while setting up, but Heather and Sammie continued it throughout the afternoon. If anyone wants a CD, I am happy to burn you a copy!
Baby Ball Pit
Yes...we were also celebrating Alayna's birthday...kind of. She had a few of her buddies over to play: Isla, Atley, Lyle and Henry. Of course, not a single one would look at the camera (all 15 takes and this is the best).
Impromptu Make-up Session
One of Sammie's presents was a giant makeup case. It was a hit. They all went right outside and starting having a beauty parlor...there was no stopping the fun. Thank you Brooklyn!
I even caught the boys checking out the loot...
Cake & Ice Cream
Alayna will be having her very own cake on Friday...pictures to come.And, presents!
Quite a whirl-wind of wrapping paper, bags and happy faces. Both girls got lots of great gifts...thank you!
Thank you to everyone who helped us make memories today!

Doughnuts with Dad

Huntsville State Park Camping

We spent a total of 24 hours camping in Huntsville, TX. It was perfect! We realize that doesn't sound very long, but with an 11 month old, you take no chances past one night!Sometimes we are just amazed at how well our planned outings go...and then wonder why others are such epic failures.

We spent the early afternoon setting up camp (Grandma's favorite). We were right along the lake with a huge concrete slab under the picnic table...a must have with Alayna, who spent hours sucking on ice from the cooler.

Then, we went exploring around the near empty park (my favorite).Whenever we did run into someone, they were instant friends and shared their toys. We missed the canoe rentals by about 10 minutes. Instead we tried our luck fishing. We bummed bait and caught...nothing. :(

There is a burn ban throughout Texas that includes no charcoal and/or camp fires...thank goodness for propane! We planned great food and s'mores!

Papa, Blake and Sammie's favorite part of the trip was the hiking...could it be because they left Alayna, Grandma and I behind for naps and reading (also a favorite of mine)? Father and daughter teaching moments...with Papa along to photograph each memory.
Sammie's other favorite was playing house in the screened shelter and tent. She was begging to go to sleep!
True sign of a successful day!

Schlitterbahn Round 2

If it had been one week sooner, this would have been perfect! We got rained on, a lot. Luckily, we still had tons of fun and very low crowds. I think we even rode all the rides we wanted too...including Scaredy-Cat Melissa!

And, She's Walking...

11 months old tomorrow...and walking today!

Not the best video...excitement in the moment trumps quality. These are the true first steps while everyone was away. I love how she just babbles on and on.