The last hoorah

Last Saturday, we had one last birthday bash for Annabelle. Mimi and Poppy wanted to see her blow out her candles, eat her cake and open presents so that is what we did. She loved all her gifts and we want to thank everyone who made her 1st birthday so very special. As you can see, Jackson and Cy are pretty excited about the new toys, too!

Annabelle and Maggie

While we were in Ruidoso, Miss Priss decided her favorite toy was Maggie's dog leash. I guess she likes it because it is pink and it makes a jingle noise. Anyways, she is getting so good at walking that she tries carrying objects with her and she even walked Maggie. Well, sort of!

Ruidoso sneak peak

Here is Poppy, Daddy and Jackson tubing in Ruidoso, NM. We just got back from a little family vaca. We had a blast and I have tons of pics to post.

Our little monkey

With all the Birthday hoopla, we can't leave out our first born monkey! Here he is in his monkey boots. Out of the blue, he decided he wanted to wear his monkey boots that have been in his closet for 6 months. Better late than never. What a sweetie!

Saturday night

After the birthday party, Maggie and Drew came over to bring Annabelle a birthday present. As you can see, Drew and Jackson were more into the present than Annabelle. She could barely get to her present. After that, the kids got to play in the playhouse and Maggie got Annabelle to take some steps. After Annabelle walks, we always clap and cheer for her. She loves some praise!

Big brother cheering on some of Annabelle's first steps.

Jackson trying to give Drew a hug.

Clapping for herself.

Birthday Party

Saturday, we went to Bellamy's first birthday party. Bellamy and Annabelle were in the hospital together when they were born. We had a big time!

SUPERBOWL Sunday

Poor Daddy had to fly out of town on Superbowl Sunday. It is the third week in a row for out of town business meetings. He will be home today. We are so glad this is the last one for a while. We miss him!

Superbowl Sunday it was too cold to go outside to play so we put up Annabelle's princess tent and watched movies. Jackson decided he really wanted to help me with chores. Here he is folding laundry and below is the pile that he folded. He was so cute trying to help and he was so proud of himself.

That afternoon, we headed to the Leach's for Superbowl Sunday. There was lots of kiddos at the party. It was all boys and our sweet Annabelle. She can definitely hold her on. She was right in the middle of it all. Jackson and Cy had a blast as usual chasing each other around and playing basketball. They are so cute!

Annabelle walking

Our little Valentine is WALKING!

On her actual birthday she followed in her brothers footsteps (no pun intended!) and took her first few steps. She took a few more on Saturday night when the neighborhood kids stopped by to play. Then, last night we were at a Superbowl party and Annabelle took off. At least two separate times she took four or more steps. We had lots of people counting for her! I wasn't sure how long before the next steps. But, this morning before school she took off again, grinning the whole way. I guess we have a walker!

Annabelle's Birthday Celebrations!

Yes, plural. We have been celebrating Annabelle's birthday for the last 48 hours. Here is a run down of the events of the last two days. On Thursday (her actual birthday) we had a birthday breakfast, the kids went to school, and Russell and I came home to put together her birthday gift. We picked the kids up from school early to come home and play. That night, the Leach's came over for dinner. On Friday, we took Annabelle to her 12 month doctor check-up. In the afternoon, she had her class birthday party and, Friday night, was her family birthday dinner.

Today we have a birthday party to go to and next weekend, we have one more birthday celebration in store for Annabelle. I'll admit, I am a little tired. But, it is so worth it!

Birthday Breakfast

As much as Russell gets annoyed with my constant picture taking, even he was trying to savor the moment by getting a picture of the birthday girl on his phone.

I really want to try and make birthday's special for my babies. What better way to start off the day with a special breakfast. Although we may pick up breakfast, we never go out for breakfast as a family. So, for Annabelle's birthday, we went to the donut shop that we love. Annabelle had her first donut and she ate every bite. Jackson got his favorite, chocolate covered donut holes with sprinkles. The owners put on cartoons for the kids and even sent us home with a bag full of donuts for Annabelle's birthday. It was such a nice way to start the day. I am hoping we make this a family tradition!