Memorial Day

We went to the Darien parade on Memorial Day morning. It was a lot of fun.

Nora very interested in all the happenings...

The fire trucks

Giving sis a squeeze

After the parade we spent some time at the beach. Nora's first time in her swimsuit! (Hence a lot of pictures...) Thanks Ashley for the adorable suit!


She loves the sand and sea shells!

What is this stuff on my hands?

I think we have a beach bum in the making...

Sticking her toes in

Nora 9 months

Nora had her 9 month appointment a week ago.

She weighs 15 lbs (only 3rd percentile - but staying right on her own growth curve) and 27 inches long (25th percentile).

Nora is crawling now and is trying very hard to keep up with her big brother.

Grandma's Birthday Suprise

My mom's birthday was the same day as Mother's day this year- so we decided to drive down to NC and surprise her! It was so much fun. She teaches 7th grade English and we showed up in her classroom on Friday with this bunch of roses for her. She could hardly believe her eyes when she saw Daniel there holding the flowers! It was priceless. We had everyone at her school in tears. They even got people to cover the rest of her classes so she could go home early. It was a fun weekend but way to quick. Daniel didn't want to leave! We can't wait to go back and stay longer!

Giving Grandma hugs

Helping Grandma pick out some flowers

We got to a chance to see my friend Ashley and her new house. She made us a great breakfast!

Daniel and Madison

Weighing himself outside of The Fresh Market

He couldn't believe his daddy let him get that huge sucker!

Nora beating the heat with a popsicle.

Grandma and Daniel going to explore in the forest behind the house (which was not a forest when I was little).

Seriously - it's a forest now! Crazy.

Nora crawled for the first time while we were at Grandma's!

Grandma and Nora

A Child's Prayer

A few weeks ago we were having family night and we talked about prayer. We talked about how we thank Heavenly Father for things that he has given us and we can also ask for things that we need.

Two days later:
Daniel had some new rain boots and had been wanting some big puddles to jump in. It finally sprinkled but there wasn't enough rain to make big puddles. Despite the lack of puddles - when we got ready to go to the library he put on his rain boots anyway. In the car Daniel says to me – “Mom I need more rain puddles! I need to ask Jesus for some rain.” I was glad that he had made the connection to our family night lesson and said “Oh, are you going to say a prayer?” He said “No – I’m just going to ask him...” then he paused and said “Jesus – I need more rain ... See mom – I just asked him!”

Sure enough - on the way home from the library it was raining buckets! We went home and he was able to splash to his hearts content! I was so glad I got a picture of him splashing away with that look of pure joy on his face.

Catching Up

Catching up on all of the pictures: These are some random family pictures from the past couple of months. We've really been enjoying all the spring weather.

Daddy and Nora

Nora snuggling with Daddy

At the beach

Daniel and the totem pole

A stroll in the park

Daniel wearing Daddy's sun glasses.

Nora getting a little too much love from her brother!

Birthday

My birthday was at the end of April. Shannon and Daniel made me a birthday cake that was seriously good. Thanks boys! Can I go ahead and request it again for next year? I think Daniel was a little disappointed in my birthday "party." I'm pretty sure he expected some kind of theme, balloons, party hats, toys etc...he kept asking me what kind of party I was having and if I wanted a shark party or a pirate party. In the end there was cake so he decided it was ok.

The two bakers

Blowing out the candles.

A moist chocolate cake with a stabilized whipped cream, chocolate icing, and toffee bits on top. (Even better because I didn't have to make it!)
Seriously - how do I get this man to cook more often?!

Nature Center

Enjoying some beautiful weather at the Nature Center.

The baby goats were so adorable.

The horse was just sniffing his hat when Daniel looked up.

Pet Caterpillar

Daniel has a bug box and he's always searching for something to put in it. He found a caterpillar on our drive back from North Carolina and Daniel fed him and kept him for several days. After much discussion we convinced him that the caterpillar would be happier outside.

Letting the caterpillar go up the tree.

He named him Doogie.

I'm So Glad...

I took this picture as Daniel ran out to meet Shannon when he got home one day. If Daniel is still awake when Shannon comes home then he listens to hear the train whistle and knows that Daddy will not be far behind. Daniel said "Daddy I missed you!"

I'm so glad when daddy comes home,

Glad as I can be;

I clap my hands and shout for joy,

Then climb upon his knee,

Put my arms around his neck,

Hug him tight like this,

Pat his cheeks, and give him what?

A great big kiss.

(Daddy's Homecoming, Children's Songbook)

Friends

Daniel has a good friend Alyssa who is moving away in a week. We are sad that they are leaving! Alyssa has been the only girl in Daniel's Joy School group and she has always been the "little mother". What will these boys do without her!?

I thought this was priceless! Daniel just couldn't help himself - he had to give her a little smooch on the cheek.

Friends

Fun with Grandma

It was so great to have my mom here over Easter. We always love having her company and Daniel couldn't have been more thrilled.

At the beach enjoying a beautiful afternoon. I love this picture.

Give Daniel a bucket, some water and some sand and he couldn't be happier.

The amazing balancing baby.

A trick only a dad would do!

Grandma and Nora

A little love from mom.

A day at the park.

Nora and daddy - talk about melting my heart!

Nora with Grandma sporting her sunglasses.

Happy Girl

They planted some flowers together.

Thanks for coming Mom! We love you!