Some spring photos

I've finally gotten around to uploading some photos onto the computer (time to free up the memory card for the BIG DAY!!!) Here are some highlights from spring. Their impact is somewhat diminished, I suppose, in that they go all the way back to March. We're in summer mode now. But still, it's fun to look back at the blossoms.













We thought we'd try out a new 'do on Anna. What do you think of the ponytail?



We've been letting our creative side out a little bit, too.







Ta-Da!!


(Ok, so maybe she had a little help with this...)



And finally, EASTER!!

Playgroup Easter Egg Hunt









She had a much better idea of what the fuss was about this year, although she was still more interested in simply being outside than picking up eggs. The first one she picked up, she put in one of her friend's baskets.

And finally, here is a "belly shot" from Easter morning.





Hard to believe it's May already.

Little visitor

A few weeks ago, during a rain storm, we had an unexpected visitor on our back deck. Anna was delighted.

Party Day!

Here are some pictures from Anna's second birthday party.

It was beautiful outside, so the kids could run off some energy before lunch.







We had pizza--



And cake--


(It's a little hard to make out in this picture, but the lettering says "Happy Birthday Anna"--the "Anna" is in blue frosting. This cake came from a local bakery called Rita's, and it was possibly the best yellow cake I've ever had).



And presents --







And there were a few balloons---



I'm disappointed that I never got all the guests together for a group picture, but little girls just seem to know the drill. They got together for this one completely on their own.



Anna had a great day and was so happy that her friends all got together to wish her a happy birthday. She was especially excited when everyone gathered around to sing "happy birthday." She really knew it was for her. We are grateful to have so many wonderful friends.

Our little girl is 2 !!

We had probably our best weather yet this year, right on time for Anna's birthday. It was in the mid to high 60s. To celebrate, we took our first trip to the park for 2011.



Anna loves this picnic table, in its own tiny "house." It's just her size.

She also mastered the slide. She must have climbed up and gone down a dozen or more times, all by herself. (No face-first attempts yet. That may be awhile still).





Later that evening, cupcake time! As you can see, she was a little concerned by the flames on her dessert.



But there was no problem eating it.



And finally, PRESENTS! She definitely understands the idea of birthday gifts now. She was very excited. Grandma and Grandpa joined us via web chat, too.





Next blog entry: The party!!

Teaching Anna some moves

One of Anna's favorite games with Grandpa. Notice at the end she asks to do it again.

Christmas memories

We had a wonderful Christmas in Tennessee.


Anna did a great job with Santa Claus at her favorite place, the library! He was a wonderful, library-friendly Santa...with a real beard. Anna needed her thumb for reassurance, but no tears, so I consider this visit a success.


Grandpa and Grandma came to celebrate with us. Anna could not have asked for a better Christmas present.


Anna was getting a little tired of pictures by this point.



And here is the tree on Christmas Eve. Anna actually went to bed on time without too much fuss, and we reminded ourselves we should enjoy this stage while it lasts.

We have had a truly blessed year. Christmas was a reflective time for us to remember and give thanks.

My Poor Neglected Blog!!

Oh dear. I haven't forgotten you. This blog has been rattling around in the back of my mind for--let's see--about four months now. Booting up the computer, uploading images from the camera and videocam, uploading them again to Blogger, editing, proofing, troubleshooting---it's all been a bit much for me to contemplate right now, not only because we have a 21 month old, but also because

we are expecting our second child in May.

We could not be happier, and personally, I could not be more tired. Well, that's not quite true, since I do remember life with a newborn. But it is true that I was wiped out for the first trimester. I slept through just about every spare moment I had, and maybe even some moments that weren't so dispensable. The great thing is that even though I'm ages behind on everything, I have not had much nausea, which is fantastic. Now that I'm well into the second trimester, I have more energy, but those 1-2 hour naps in the afternoon are just hard to give up. So I'm not making any resolutions here, so much as poking my head out and saying, Yes, we're still here, and yes, there is more to come.

As always, we appreciate your love, support, and prayers.