Hazel's IA Birthday Party

During the party, we had an Easter Egg Hunt at the park behind Papa and Gma Dillavou's house (thanks for hosting the party!).

Josh, Gus (hiding) and Kennedy searching for eggs.


At the party, Shae, Kacy, Avery and Kennedy eating some cake and ice cream.

Hazel and Gus.

Parker, Ty and Cade.

Every time I looked at Andi, she was sneaking a mini cupcake.

My girl loves to eat. We sure didn't have to show her how to chow down a cupcake- she's a pro. Other than the fact that she ate part of the cupcake wrapping too!

A swarm of children surrounded us!

Hazel and her Fairy Godmother.

A Gigantic Cupcake!

Hazel's KC Birthday Party

Opening up presents.

Messy cake face!

Last week Hazel turned one. We had a huge party planned in Iowa for Saturday, and since mommy worked so long on the actual day, we had a family birthday party for Hazel on the eve of her birthday. It was a lot of fun. We didn't do much, just some cupcakes, ice cream, a few gifts and some decorations that Gus and mommy made, but it was really nice. Gus had a good time helping mommy get the party ready.

Happy First Birthday Baby Girl!

I hope you have a wonderful day Hazel. Mommy has to work all day on April 20, from 9-9, so I may not get the chance to see you on your first birthday (when you are awake anyway), but I will miss you and think of you all of the time. There are so many reasons why I will miss you today... I love the way you say momomomomom and walk (no run!) to me when you want me to pick you up. I love the way you and Gus play little copying games when you two don't know I'm listening, like when he makes high-pitched sounds and you repeat them, or how you mimic your big brothers actions (like banging toys the same way right after he does it). I love how you have a sweet tooth (six of them actually already!) like me, and I love that you love to eat, also like me! I love to listen to you laugh when you are being tickled by daddy, love to listen to you breathe when you sleep, love you so much that I cannot remember what it was like before you joined our family. Gus has had to sacrifice and share mommy and daddy, but he tells you every day that he "loves you so much," and he is always willing to find you a pacifier or bring me a diaper when you need either one. We all love you more than we can describe and I hope your first birthday is the funnest day of your life (well, so far anyway!). I promise to sneak into your room and kiss you goodnight when I get home. Love you girl.

Sunny Sunday at the Playground!

30 Balloons

I had a big birthday this week. This is what 30 balloons floating around the kitchen look like.

Thanks for the great gifts! Gus picked out the chipmunk card and the mean green dinosaur for me.

Hazel loved the balloons too.

Gus had fun with them as well.

" I'm so thirsty!"

Give them a toy, and all they want is the box it came in.

One Runner, One Walker

I've learned that it is impossible to get a good picture of everyone looking at the camera, so I have stopped trying. Lately I just go with what I can get from them!

We took the kids to Legends shopping center near our home on Saturday. It was such a beautiful afternoon and evening.

Gus ran around everywhere! Evidence that he has been cooped up too long this winter.

More running.

Hazel is standing and walking more and more each day. Today when I picked her up from daycare, she walked about 15 steps to meet me at the door. I'm so sad she is getting so old. It's exciting to have her walk so soon (11 months) as Gus was a bit older when he finally got the hang of it (14 months), but where did my little baby go? At least with her lack of hair she'll LOOK like a baby longer :)

Chillin'

Cuddling close to daddy when the scary dinosaur noises started at T-Rex restaurant on Saturday night.

" That was a fun trip shopping mommy but I'm ready to go back home."

Riding back home from church on Sunday.

Must have been a great sermon, it just wiped Hazel out completely!

Back at home playing with her toys.

Gus apparently really mad about something; he's probably yelling at me to stop taking his picture.

And it's in! No longer challenged by the bean bag board, Gus goes right for the basketball hoop.

Hazel is literally addicted to daddy. If he is around, she has to be near, if not held, by him. She loved being tossed up in the air Sunday evening when we cleaned out the garage. The temperature got to about 92 on Sunday (a KC record) and it was a good opportunity to clean out the garage a little bit.

Typical supper, earlier tonight.