The Sun is OUT!!

Let's go play!! I am so happy it has been sunny the last couple of days. So on Saturday we we decided that we would go to Blue Lake Park and maybe go in the water park thing that they have there and have a picnic lunch also. I wasn't sure if the kids would get in water since it was only in the 70's, but they did, what troopers!! So while Lexi, Spence and their cousin Billy played in the water Bella was watching them play and really wanted to go in and see what the fun was all about. Here is her looking at the water wanting to walk over there and play. (oh I forgot to tell you she is full on walking a little unstable at times, but prefers to walk most of the time!)
So I decided to let her go in the water, since I figured that she wouldn't like it and come right back out. Does the picture look like she didn't like??

Of course she loved it and got all wet and didn't want to come out, but I made her so that I could put her swimsuit on. Here is a pic of Lexi and Bella playing in the water!! She is having so much fun.

Even when it was time to go she didn't want to be done. Here she is trying to escape back to the water!!

After the water we went over to the playground and let the kids play for a little while.

All in all we had a great day and the kids were totally exhausted by the time that we got home! Thanks sun for coming out to play!!

I had to add this last picture of Bella she has a thing for shoes. While we were at the park she had both pairs of her shoes and just wanted to hold them. She does this all the time, she will walk around the house with her shoes. I think it is just so silly!!

Lexi is now a Second Grader!!

Lexi had her last day of school this last week. She is so excited that she is now a Second Grader. She had a different type of First grade, with the move and all. I realized that I didn't get a picture of her other teacher at her old school. But here is a picture with her teacher that she had at her new school. Below is a picture from the first day of 1st grade to the last day of 1st grade.

Way to go my beautiful angel!!

My Beautiful Niece Graduated!!

My oldest sister's second child, Sarah, graduated from High school this last week. I was able to attend it and was so happy to be there. We were also able to attend her graduation party the next night where Bella had fun in the grass in their backyard. I had fun talking with family. Congrats, Sarah I am so proud of you!

Abby and Bella chillin' in the grass

Bella playing with the graduate!

It's my Party!!

Well actually it was Bella and Abby's party! For those that need a reminder, Abby is Bella's Cousin who is 6 days older than her. My sister and I decided it would be fun to have the girl's parties together and I think it turn out great. It was a family event with a BBQ. The food was delicious (I just love BBQ's). My sister Michelle and her husband BJ were kind enough to let us use their house for the event. Michelle also did a beautiful job of decorating the cake for the girls. Bella was in a great mood for the party and so it made it easier on me. She was being such a ham for pictures and smiling at everyone. She really enjoyed opening all the gifts that she got and really liked what was inside too!! She got lots of cute clothes, that I can't wait to put her in. When it came time for cake she really had a blast with that. My niece, Megan made and decorated the little cake for Bella (the cake was made of Banana bread). I think the only reason why Bella stopped eating it was because it fell on the floor. She was at it for a long time and enjoyed being the center of attention. I realized after the party was over that I hadn't taken a single picture with the other kids. I know that other people did, so I will have to get copies from them. I think the party went great and my family really had a great time. Thanks for those that came and for the wonderful gifts!!

My niece who made the little cake for Bella

The personal cake for Bella

The Birthday Girls, Abby and Bella

I sure have had a fun first year with her! She is such a joy in our lives and gives me smiles everyday! Happy Birthday, Bella!

Bella is ONE!!

I can't believe my baby is one today she has grown so much this last year!! She is such a happy baby always laughing at her big sister and brother. She loves to walk all over the place now and sometimes will try and walk before she crawls. She eats all sorts of foods and loves to eat. She loves to play peek a boo with anyone that will play with her and loves play with her toys. We are going to have a family birthday party this weekend for Bella and Abby, since Abby is only 6 days older we decided to do a birthday party together. I will post some pics of the party later. Here are some pictures of her growing up this last year. ENJOY!!

My Climbing Girl!!

Bella has discovered that she can climb up thing, which means she is trying to climb on everything including the stairs. She does a pretty good job climbing the stair, though I am always there to make sure she doesn't fall backwards. Another thing that she loves to climb on is a blue chair that we have in our living room. Here are some cute picture of her in this chair. She absolutely loves this chair and get upset if Lexi and Spence are sitting in it.

Book Signing

This last weekend was Jared and his brother's (Jeff and Craig) signing and reading of their book. They did it at this cute little bookstore in Seaside, OR, called Beach Books. I was lucky enough to be able to go with Jared. We left Lexi and Spence with family, and took Bella with us. All of Jeff and Craig's family were there to enjoy also. They had a few friends and family show up, which I think was just the right amount for the size of the bookstore. They started the evening with an introduction, which Jared was in charge of and then Jeff and Craig both read a chapter from the book. Then they answered any questions that anyone had. I thought it went really well and I even took some pictures for you all. Not only did we have a nice time at the bookstore, but we also had a nice time spending some time with Jared's parents with out all the kids, which was nice. In the picture above it is a picture of their book (which Jared took and cut off the top of the book) and a poster from the bookstore and an article that I believe was in the Daily Astorian, about the book.

Craig, Jared and Jeff getting ready to start

Jeff reading from their book

Craig reading from their book

Jared, Craig and Jeff with their book