Happy 1st Birthday Lilyana!

Today was Lilyana's First Birthday!!! She is a dear friend and my God Daughter. So this was a party we weren't going to miss! We played, socialized, and had a delicious dinner. Then, it was time for the cake. I love seeing the babies' reaction to the cake and the mess that ensues is always unforgettable. So with that, we watched in anticipation as Lily's cake was brought to her... then, TEARS! Poor thing was scared - maybe of the candle? But after she got a good taste, she gobbled it and made a big mess for her mommy. Of course, a bath was in order to clean her all up. What fun! We're so thankful to have such wonderful friends and to share these very special days with them!!!




































While getting in the bath, Lily managed to smear frosting all over her mommy. Lily was covered in it. What a cute cake face! She is just so precious...

Happy 1st Birthday, Lily!!!

Oma's Birthday

Rachel had a busy day going to visit her Oma. It was lots of fun celebrating her birthday and getting to see Gi Gi and Opa, too! Here are some pictures of her in the restaurant playing with Gi Gi's sunglasses and at their house opening gifts.
Every year, Oma turns 29! That's what she says, anyway! It was lots of fun visiting. Happy birthday, Oma!!!

Finger Painting

Okay, so I am brave.
One morning I was watching Rachel and her friend Carolyn all by myself and both girls were getting a bit unruly. So... I made the quick decision to whip out the finger paints (& brushes) and let them get their creative juices flowing. They had a wonderful time and somehow the mess was confined to my table! I don't know how I did it, but I did, and the little ladies both made beautiful pieces of art. Oh, to be a kid again! Aren't they adorable?

Playin' Ball

Rachel and I went to watch Rich play volleyball last week. We had so much fun watching him hit the ball and play hard. Afterwards, Rachel ran out onto the court to get some play time of her own. Sweet father/daughter time!

Detroit Zoo

Rachel's Grandma and Grandpa came to town for a quick visit and we had a great time! While Daddy and Grandpa went to the PGA Golf Championship in Bloomfield Hills, us girls went to the zoo! We had a blast and saw lots of neat animals. Rachel liked the polar bear exhibit and the sea lions went swimming by many times. The polar bears, however, decided not to take a dip while we were there... oh well, maybe next time! We finished off the hot day with an ice cream treat. Yum.

Fun in the Sun at Lake Michigan

We went to visit friends who live in Holland and we all decided to go to the beach. Our little girl came prepared - toting her very own beach towel and sun glasses. She was so adorable... When we got there, it was time to get to work loading up the sand pail with water, then with sand. She liked carrying it back and forth from the water to our site.

Rachel had a whole lot of fun playing in the sand, letting the waves roll over her feet, snacking on treats while sitting on our blanket and finally snuggled up with Daddy when she was all tuckered out!

Bubbles!

Yay for bubbles! Rachel received this wonderful little lawn mower for her birthday. As you push it, bubbles come out! Rachel was tickled and laughed as she pushed it up and down the sidewalk. She thought that it was the most amazing thing. She liked it so much that she insisted we show her Nana and the neighbors just how neat it was. I must admit, it is a pretty cool little toy. If only it really mowed the lawn!

We're back... FINALLY!!!

I know, I have not updated my blog since winter time. And many of our "fans" have let me know that they missed our posts. So... I am FINALLY back and will certainly try to be better at updating our blog. With that said, here are some recent pictures taken at the pool with our play group friends. Rachel loves to play and splash in the water and we all had a great time!

Let it Snow!!!

What fun it is to play in the snow! We bought Rachel a little sled and pulled her around in it throughout our yard. She giggled and squealed in delight! She is definitely our little snow baby! Rich built her a snowman and she thought that was a pretty neat thing. What a great fun-filled day that was for all of us!

Goofin' Around!

We have so much fun in our house on a daily basis. Below are just a few silly examples! Rachel just loves to "talk" on the phone.

Here Rachel stacks blocks on Daddy while he tries to catch some Z's...

Ha! Cutie Pie Rachel in her Daddy's sweatshirt. Rachel, we think it might be a little bit too big for you... perhaps it could pass for a dress!?!?