Playing in the Fabric Box

Mary and I were working on a sewing project, and she started to discover the joys of the fabric box.

Meal Time

Some meals are messier than others.

Swinging at the Park

We've been enjoying the late spring weather by going on walks to a nearby park in the evenings. On one of our recent walks, Mary got to try swinging for the first time. She seemed to like it.

Birthday Buddies

Photo: Gayle

On Sunday, May 12, it was time for more partying. We kicked things off with Mother's Day brunch complete with mimosas.

After brunch, there was time to play with Auntie Laura and new toys.

We had an early dinner mid-afternoon to celebrate Mary and Gayle's birthdays, followed by presents.

Mary had lots of fun opening her gifts.

Of course, there was also more cake and ice cream.

Photo: Lamar

The following day, we had one more visit with the Kerr-Owens and Dave and Gayle before leaving early Tuesday morning. It was great to go down and celebrate Mary's first birthday, plus Elias and Gayle's birthdays and Mother's Day, with all the family.

Elias Turns Two

Saturday was Elias' birthday, so that meant more partying! We had birthday breakfast at the Nickells' house with blueberry muffins, eggs, and sausage.

Then Elias got to open his presents. He was very excited about all of them.

It was fun to celebrate with this sweet little guy. He is a special nephew who is tons of fun and gives great hugs.

Happy Birthday, Mary

Friday, May 10, arrived and we started the celebration of Mary's first birthday.

Mom made waffles for breakfast; Mary hadn't had them before, but she quickly became a fan.

Photo: Heather

Natalie and Emery helped me decorate the cake.

Photo: Heather

Photo: Heather

During our photoshoot to get one year pictures, the cousins decided they needed pictures with the birthday girl. Of course, Heather and I agreed.

Photo: Heather

Photo: Heather

Photo: Heather

Photo: Michelle

Apparently, the aunties wanted to get in on the fun too.

Photo: Michelle

We had a delicious birthday dinner complete with salmon because Mary loves seafood.

Photo: Heather

After dinner, Mary got to blow out a candle (with some help from Daddy) and eat her cake. To my delight, she started with the strawberry.

But she quickly got into the rest of the cake before settling down with her own little slice.

Then it was time for presents, which she also enjoyed.

Photo: Michelle

Photo: Michelle

Let the Party Begin

Photo: Gayle

We headed down to California on May 6 to spend Mary's birthday week with the family. Solace and Amari didn't waste any time reconnecting with cousin Mary.

Photo: Heather 

Wednesday morning we drove down to Visalia and kicked things off there with breakfast at the Nickells' house, followed by a shopping trip.

Photo: Michelle 

We spent a couple days hanging out and enjoying the company; Mary also liked all the space for crawling and the new toys to explore.

Photo:Michelle