Best Shot Monday ~ Slide Fun

Posted on August 17, 2009 by Amanda

We’re soaking up the final days of summer vacation around here. The weather has finally felt like summer, and again, I’m thankful for how cool it’s been the majority of the time. To beat the heat we’ve been enjoying splashing around in the kiddie pool, a few trips through the sprinkler and general frivolity in the backyard.

Here’s a bunch of pictures from a recent slide-climbing trip Seneca enjoyed…I’ve been pretty enamored with her big girl tennis shoes, and I think she can tell because she gets such a proud little expression whenever I put them on her.

I love the chubbiness of her little thighs here…

…and her complete and utter excitement. I think this has to be my best shot for today!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Goofy Girls

Posted on August 12, 2009 by Amanda

Wander this way for more Wordless Wednesday…

Crafty Tuesday ~ Birthday Time!

Posted on August 11, 2009 by Amanda

I actually have something to share today! With the festivities of Miss Seneca’s first birthday party this weekend, I was baking up a storm. I’ve come to find that I really enjoy decorating cakes, and with practice I’m hoping I can continue to improve.

Here’s her delicious chocolate and yellow layer cake, with yummy buttercream frosting. I’m so thankful I started the baking Thursday night and finished the frosting on Friday because the torrential downpour all night and Saturday morning, meant the house needed a quick once-over before decorations were hung and the Butterfly Garden Party was moved inside!

Calder helped me make little tissue paper butterflies, and this one, is my favorite as it hung on the chain of our ceiling fan and did lots of little swoops and swirls throughout the day. In fact, it’s still hanging there….

Here’s Seneca’s little birthday crown…I was amazed at how much she LOVED it! When I was making it, I tried it on her, and she instantly sat so still and smirked! She would’ve kept it on for a while I think, but I kept hitting it as we opened gifts! Of course, Calder felt left out, so we crafted a foil-covered prince crown for him!

Here’s a picture of Seneca’s little birthday cake. The oringal plan for the big cake was to cover it with pre-made fondant (I’ve been watching a bit too much Food Network Cake Challenge) but, I quickly discovered it was much harder than I thought. So, I opted to make her cake fondant-covered only.

I’m not sure if there’s craftiness happening today, but be sure to check it out another time because there’s always good stuff to be found!

Happy First Birthday, Miss Seneca!

Posted on August 11, 2009 by Amanda

To My Sweet, Sweet Girl ~

I spent a few minutes (OK, several minutes) looking back through pictures from this past year and watching with amazement at the ways in which you’ve grown and changed and blossomed into an adorable little toddler. You are quickly exploring the world around you, interacting with your big brother, and learning every single day. I love your tricky side as you offer to share your Cheerios and then take them back at the last moment, a huge grin making your cheeks even fuller, rounder. Or when you quicken your pace when you hear me coming behind you as you climb the stairs, the chair, the couch – whatever you can conquer.

On the one hand, I want to suspend time so I can keep you snuggled in my arms forever, feel the soft squish of your chubby arms, watch your slow smirks stretch across your face making your eyes sparkle. And yet….I see you thinking, learning, watching and responding to the world around you, and I anxiously await your first words, and the conversations that I know will make me laugh and cry. I’m amazed by the tenacity you already display. You are courageous and strong, you are funny and silly, you let nothing stand in your way. You offer glimpses of the young lady you’ll become, sharing a sly side of you that I’m sure will keep me on my toes in about ten years.

Baby Girl, you are the light of my life and I hope you always know how much I love you. I am so very blessed to be your Mommy and share in celebrating the person you will become. Thank you for reminding me of the joy that comes both in giving and receiving unconditional love. Happy Birthday!

Love,

Momma

Best Shot(s) Monday – Let’s Go See the Animals, Mommy!

Posted on August 10, 2009 by Amanda

Our first zoo tripthis summer has become the beginning of what I’m sure will be several. I foresee many zoo memberships and at least bi-weekly trips in the coming summers. Garth and I often joke about the poor individual who screens our little man for kindergarten. Sure, we know that as his parents we are completely biased and think he’s beyond genius, but still, when marmots and komodo dragons are among the animals he names on a whim…I think the whole entry into formal education will be really interesting! 🙂

During a routine grocery trip, I found a little flyer advertising a very reduced entry fee for the John Ball Zoo, so I made the mental note to make the trip. The plans were set, we headed out with our packed lunch, even Grandma came along for the day. When we rounded the corner and saw the insanity that was the line to park, as well as the admission line, I realized the grievous mistake of planning a trip on Kids Day!

While we could scarcely maneuver through the crowds we did manage to see several exhibits – the penguins were among his favorite seeing that he’d recently been on a Happy Feet kick. In the past couple of months since our visit one of the preferred post-dinner activities involves running to various corners of the house looking at the “animals.” I absolutely adore the imagination he has, and the blossoming little personality of Miss Seneca. I suppose it’s better late than never, so here are a few shots from our day at the zoo…