I was bummed when I got sick 5 days before Katie's first birthday party. 

I didn't know it was going to be so bad.

I didn't get out of bed the entire week.

My sister came to rescue my almost starving children.

How many days can kids eat canned corn and peas?

I missed the Biola Christmas tree lighting that I attend every year.

and worse of all, I had to cancel the party.

But a girl must have a party so the following week we partied.

It wasn't as big but it was really fun and that's all that matters.

 

One of Katie's favorite spots.  Waiting for her 1st birthday party to start.

 

Opening her gift from Mom and Dad.

 

The table was decorated with The Hungry Caterpillar decorations.

I changed the theme two days before the party because I felt like it.

 

 

Auntie Rachel made Katie felt food. A huge hit with the girls.

 

The cake was fun to make and more fun to eat. Loved the rainbow. 

I couldn't taste it because my sense of smell has not returned.

Bummer. 

But everyone else seemed to enjoy it.

 

Of course, the Hungry Caterpillar turned into a beautiful butterfly. 

The end.

 

Piper is back 

and brought a little sister!

These girls know how to have a good time.

Can't wait for play dates to come.

Happy Birthday Katie!

It feels so much longer than one year.  

It has been fun...except for the bitting...pinching...clawing...and headbutting...

hopefully that phase will pass soon...and hopefully my nose isn't broken.

We love when you spin in circles and dance with your sister as "The Sound of Music" plays. 

We love how you sit with the big kids at preschool pretending you are learning with them.

We love how you hide to make us laugh.

We love how you pretend you are a puppy.

We love how you push a full Costco cart all by yourself and 

look to make sure we are watching.

We love all of your giggles.

 "I had something to remember. That's right, it's Nana's birthday!"

The pictures say enough. I won't bore you with unnecessary words.

 This photos is missing Leah but you get an idea of how beautiful everyone was. 

They had the same gorgeous dresses that my sis 

used for her bridesmaids, only in grape instead of teal.

 Katie-Boo and Mama making sure everything was just right for the wedding. 

What a champ she was with all the chaos.  She sat in my arms and took it all in.

One of our favorite people, Mrs Dejeu and I share an anniversary date.

She and Katie share a name.

And she is just a wonderful lady.

As if that wasn't enough,

she knew to pray for Colin when he was blown up even before I called.

 

She is SO fast!

The weather has cooled so back to the zoo we go.

Look at K walk like a big girl. 

 

A red carrot!!!

We are so excited as our garden transitions for summer to fall.  

Homemade pesto with fresh basil is awesome.

Carrots are plenty.

We STILL have zucchini!

And tomatoes.

The rosemary is used to make fresh bread almost constantly 

now that people have started requesting loaves.

Our citrus is ripening.

The bell peppers are still growing as well as

the spicy peppers.

We finally had a little cauliflower and lettuce but

it didn't seem to do very well.

And we had a second batch of peas.

This is a Halloween left over.

I was totally impressed by Mars and Heidi's creation.

Good job gals.

Yea for flower girls, room service and fancy dresses.

Congratulations George and Dana!  

It was beautiful!