4th of July

my big 1 year old!!

Phew!!  We are back from our week long road trip and I am one tired mama, but I need to get caught up so here's where I left off, the 4th of July!!  This was a great day.  Michael and I were relieved that Janelle's party was over and that everyone survived and that Michael had the day off and we could just relax.  We started the day off at the lake so the kids could play at the beach and Kandace & I eventually got a turn on Todd's mastercraft and I got to ski.  I hadn't been since 2010 because I had Janelle last year, so it wasn't as easy as I'd hoped but I got up the first time and it felt good to ski again.  We were also excited that my brother Clay and his family could come for a few days.  They live in Concord right now and we love them so much and cherish our time together.   After the lake we went to Asay's and had a delicious dinner with chicken, rolls, salads and s'more for dessert. Stetson & Kandace loved doing fireworks even though Stetson had his ears covered almost the whole time.  He cracks me up.  There's nothing I love more than watching my kids have fun and trying new things.

l-r: Kandace, Zach & Anna

l-r: Carson, Charlene, Kasi, Jan, Jacob, Britt & Daniel, Christian, Jill, gpa Asay, gma Dorothy

Janelle's 1st birthday party

On Janelle's birthday we had a wild and crazy party!!  We were THRILLED that so many could come share in her special day.  Michael had to work that day but got home soon enough to help get things ready and grill up some burgers and hotdogs.  My super duper crafty/creative sis in law Kambrie came to my rescue and decorated Janelle's cake, hung streamers outside and helped with some other last minute things.  Michael and I set up a little volleyball net our neighbor loaned us and we had our little blow up pool filled up with water and EVEN had water balloons compliments of Jill.  This is where things got crazy!  As soon as we got those suckers out, all the kids went crazy but it was way fun to watch them.  Even Jacob and Michael Simmons got thrown in the pool.  We love our family and are GRATEFUL for all they do for us.  happy birthday Janelle!!! 

this is when the water balloon party started

After we sang to Janelle, she just dug her little fist in the cake and held it there for about a minute.  I was wondering if she was even going to try it.  Michael eventually gave her a taste and then she was all over it!!

She cried when I took a star decoration out of her mouth because I didn't want her to choke.

Happy 1st birthday Janelle

To my sweet Janella.
We love you so much.  This last year just seems like a blur, it went so fast.  Today is the day of your party so I've been a little frantic but I've also been trying to slow down and take in the day. You are such a sweet baby.  You've been getting lots of teeth for the last coupls months so that makes you a little cranky, but thats ok. 
You love to watch your big brother and sister play.  You aren't a fan of strangers.  You ARE a fan of food, and lots of it.  The only thing that I can think of that you wouldn't eat is avacado. 
We think you are beautiful.  One of the most vivid memories I have of your birth is noticing your pretty lips right after they put you on my chest.  I was OH so glad you were out and that you were here.
You love to suck your thumb.  You are getting really good at pulling yourself up to furniture and standing up holding onto something.  You are SO loud in church. Everyone is really nice about it though and just comments on what a cute baby I have.  I'm not sure if people are just trying to be nice or if they really think it but we get so many comments about what a cute baby we have.  You bring a smile to everyone's face. 
Your family is absolutely in love with you.  Your brother and sister always want to come with me when we go get you from your crib because you give THEE best smiles and kisses when we get you out.  Stetson & Kandace always ask for "good morning" kisses from you. You give them on demand now, you just open your mouse wide and go in for the kill. 
We call you nella.  Your dad loves you.  He gives you a big kiss every time he picks you up.
We thank Heavenly Father every day for sending you to us.
Happy 1st birthday sweet baby.  I love you.    mom

the night you came! 

July 3, 2012