End of the Year Updates

THESE TWO...

ONE LEADS, THE OTHER FOLLOWS.

ONE POUNCES, THE OTHER LAYS UNDERNEATH (THOUGH NOT FOR MUCH LONGER).

ONE SCREAMS, THE OTHER SQUEALS.

ONE DANCES, THE OTHER SHIMMIES TO THE BEAT.

ONE READS, THE OTHER LISTENS.

ONE PECKS, THE OTHER DEVOURS.

ONE INCESSANTLY CHATS, THE OTHER BABBLES.

ONE BELLY LAUGHS, THE OTHER GIGGLES.

ONE SMOOCHES, THE OTHER BLOWS KISSES.

ONE CUDDLES A PINK BLANKIE, THE OTHER A BLUE.

ONE REQUESTS STORIES AND FACE RUBS, THE OTHER GOES RIGHT TO BED.

...AND THE SWEET LIST GOES ON

JOSEPH

THE LITTLE MAN HAS GROWN SO MUCH OVER THE PAST MONTH. HE IS NOW WALKING ACROSS THE ROOM FROM OBJECT TO OBJECT, GAINING MORE CONFIDENCE EACH DAY. HE THOROUGHLY ENJOYS CLIMBING THE STAIRS AND WILL CRY OUT AT THE GATE (PREVENTING HIM FROM CLIMBING SAID STAIRS) PLEADING FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO CLIMB. HE CONTINUES TO EAT US OUT OF HOUSE AND HOME, AND SHOWS NO SIGNS OF STOPPING. HE LOVES BANANAS, PEACHES, ANY CARBOHYDRATE, AND ENTERTAINS MOST FORMS OF MEAT. HE HAS ONLY TURNED HIS NOSE AT SCRAMBLED EGGS THUS FAR. HE EASILY TRANSITIONED TO WHOLE MILK AT AGE ONE, BUT STILL PREFERS HIS MILK WARMED. HE IS PRODUCING A VARIETY OF SOUNDS AND "WORDS." HIS FAVORITES- DA-DA, MA-MA, GO-GO-GO, BA-BA AND "BRRR" (WHEN OUTSIDE - HOW CUTE IS THAT?!) HE, LIKE HIS SISTER, LOVES MUSIC AND FULLY PARTICIPATES IN HOUSEHOLD DANCE PARTIES, WHICH OCCUR EACH NIGHT BEFORE BATH. HE ADORES HIS DADDY, AND LOOKS UP AT HIM WITH WHAT APPEARS TO BE AWE AND REVERE (IT IS SOMETHING TO BEHOLD). HE DESIRES TO BE AT HIS SISTER'S SIDE ALL DAY LONG, UNTIL SHE BECOMES WEARY OF THE ATTENTION AND "ACCIDENTALLY" PUSHES HIM DOWN. HE KNOWS HOW TO TURN ON THE WATERWORKS, AND USES HIS SWEET BLUE EYES TO ENSURE YOUR FULL ATTENTION. WHEN HE DESIRES TO BE PICKED UP, HE SWEETLY RAISES ONE HAND HIGH AND PLEADS WITH HIS EYES. IT IS TRULY HARD TO RESIST.
HE IS WORKING HARD ON THE WORD "UP." HE CONTINUES TO NAP TWICE A DAY WITH HIS AFTERNOON NAP BEING THE LONGER OF THE TWO. AND, I CAN SAFELY SAY HE IS STILL A MAMA'S BOY (AND I HOPE FOREVER WILL BE, UNTIL THE APPROPRIATE AGE OF 18.) HE IS A JOY TO BE AROUND, AND IS STILL THE JOLLIEST OF BOYS. WE CONTINUE TO BE SO THANKFUL FOR OUR SWEET JOE!

CHARLOTTE

THIS GIRL...WHERE TO BEGIN?!

OUR SWEET LITTLE LADY CONTINUES TO BE THE LIFE OF THE PARTY AND LOVES SOCIALIZING. SHE APPRECIATES HER FRIENDSHIPS VERY MUCH, AND ALWAYS LOOKS FORWARD TO A PLAY DATE. SHE LOVES TO GO TO CHURCH AND ENJOYS DRESSING FOR THE OCCASION IN "BEAUTIFUL DRESSES" AND HER FANCY BLACK SHOES. WE ARE SO HUMBLED BY HER GENTLE RESPONSE TO WORSHIP MUSIC AS SHE SWAYS BACK AND FORTH GIVING IT HER FULL ATTENTION DURING THE SERVICE. SHE ALSO LOVES TO PARTICIPATE IN HER SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS, AND PROUDLY WEARS HER "HELLO- MY NAME IS CHARLOTTE" NAME TAG. SHE IS WORKING VERY HARD ON HER MANNERS AND WITH STRONG ENCOURAGEMENT FROM HER FATHER OFTEN BEGINS REQUESTS WITH, "DADDY, MAY I...PLEASE?" SHE IS QUICK TO OFFER A PLEASE AND THANK YOU (MOST DAYS) TO HER MAMA, WHICH IS A DELIGHT TO HEAR. WHILE NOT FULLY POTTY TRAINED, SHE IS MAKING GREAT STRIDES IN THAT DEPARTMENT AND WILL ASK "MAY I GO POTTY IN MY PULL-UP, PLEASE, MAMA?" IF WE ARE OUT AND ABOUT (WHICH FRANKLY MELTS MY HEART.) ACCIDENTS ARE RARE WHEN WEARING HER FASHIONABLE DORA OR HELLO KITTY UNDERPANTS. SHE STILL LOVES "LIPPIES" AS EVIDENCED FROM THE PICTURE ABOVE, AND APPRECIATES ALL SHADES. SHE DOES DISCRIMINATE BETWEEN GLOSSY OR MATTE, EITHER. SHE IS ENJOYING HER BALLET CLASS VERY MUCH AND IS QUITE TAKEN WITH HER BALLET TEACHER, MISS GRETCHEN. SHE SEEKS TO EMULATE HER MOVEMENTS EACH CLASS AND ALWAYS GIVES HER A HUG GOOD-BYE. SHE ALSO YELLS OUT "HEY MISS GRETCHEN! HAVE A NICE DAY!" AS WE DEPART. SHE NOW OWNS BOTH BALLET SLIPPERS AND LEOTARD, WHICH ONLY ADDS TO THE EXPERIENCE (PICTURES WILL COME). I BELIEVE SHE TRULY HAS THE GIFT OF MUSIC. A SONG IS ALWAYS ON HER HEART, AND SHE OFTEN WILL HUM AND CREATE SONGS THROUGHOUT THE DAY. HER NEWEST SONG CONTAINS THE LYRICS, "JESUS, JESUS, WHERE ARE WE GOING?" (I PRAY SHE ALWAYS SEEKS HIS GUIDANCE IN SUCH A WAY.) SHE CAN DANCE WITH THE LIKES OF BEYONCE (WHICH IS BOTH INCREDIBLE AND SLIGHTLY MORTIFYING TO WATCH AS PARENTS). HER LOVE OF BOOKS RUNS DEEP AND SHE CHERISHES TRIPS TO THE LOCAL LIBRARY, ESPECIALLY WHEN SHE CAN GO ALONE WITH DADDY. I FIND HER READING IN VARIOUS CORNERS OF THE HOUSE ALL DAY LONG. AND, SHE IS GETTING QUITE GOOD AND RETELLING STORIES OR MAKING THEM UP AS SHE LOOKS AT THE ILLUSTRATIONS. HER EXPRESSIONS ARE PRICELESS. SHE LOVES TO BE IN THE KITCHEN AND MAKES AN EXCELLENT SOUS CHEF. SHE LOOKS FORWARD TO FRIDAY NIGHT PIZZA ALMOST AS MUCH AS JEFF AND I DO, AND ALWAYS GREETS THE DELIVERY MAN AT THE DOOR. SHE IS AN EXCELLENT SHOPPER, AND ALWAYS UNLOADS MY ITEMS ONTO THE CONVEYOR BELT AT TARGET, WHILE WAITING TO PRESS THE "GREEN BUTTON" AFTER I SWIPE MY CARD AND SIGN MY NAME. HER RECENT FASCINATION IS SENDING "EMAILS" AND "TEXTS" TO FAMILY MEMBERS THROUGHOUT THE DAY. SHE OFTEN CLOSES SAID CORRESPONDENCE WITH A HEARTY "AMEN" INSTEAD OF THE TRADITIONAL "WITH LOVE," "SINCERELY," OR "FROM." WE REALLY FIND HER QUITE ENTERTAINING. SHE IS THE PERFECT BALANCE OF SWEET AND SASS.

WE ARE QUITE SMITTEN WITH THESE SWEET ONES IF YOU CANNOT TELL.

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas

THIS YEAR WE HAVE ADDED A SPECIAL ACTIVITY TO OUR HOUSEHOLD AS WE PREPARE OUR HEARTS FOR CHRISTMAS. MIMI (AKA JEFF'S MOM), PASSED DOWN A BEAUTIFUL ADVENT CALENDAR THAT WAS MADE BY HER SISTER, AND WAS SOMETHING THAT JEFF AND HIS SIBLINGS ENJOYED AS CHILDREN. SHE ALSO KINDLY SEARCHED FOR, PURCHASED, WRAPPED AND ATTACHED 25 TINY PRESENTS FOR CHARLOTTE TO OPEN. (NEXT YEAR IT WILL BE MY TURN!) IT HAS BEEN SWEET TO WATCH CHARLOTTE OPEN EACH TINY TREASURE, AND THEN OBSERVE AS SHE FINDS A SPECIAL SPOT FOR IT IN OUR HOME (AND ALSO OUT OF HER BROTHER'S HANDS.) THIS WILL SURLY BECOME A VERY SPECIAL PART OF OUR HOLIDAY SEASON IN YEARS TO COME. WHAT FUN IT WILL BE NEXT YEAR WHEN TWO LITTLE ONES WAIT EXPECTANTLY TO OPEN THEIR TREASURES.

DELIGHTED TO DISCOVER A LADY BUG IN HER WEE PACKAGE.

SHE SWEETLY POSES BEFORE EACH PICTURE AND I AM ABLE TO CAPTURE HER EXCITEMENT UPON OPENING THE GIFT.

"THESE TINY PRESENTS ARE A LITTLE TRICKY TO OPEN."

"LET'S OPEN THAT ONE!"

"WHAT WILL TODAY'S GIFT BE?!"

OUR BEAUTIFUL STOCKINGS

(WITH EACH NEW LARSON, MIMI STITCHES A GORGEOUS NEW STOCKING. MINE MATCHES JEFF, DAWN AND BRAD'S AND HANGS IN THEIR HOME.)

DON'T WORRY, WE DO HAVE A WEE LITTLE TREE THAT I WILL HAVE TO CAPTURE. CHARLOTTE IS ALREADY DREAMING OF THE DAY WHEN WE WILL HAVE A "REALLY BIG ONE" IN OUR HOME.

WHAT A SPECIAL TIME OF YEAR IT IS - THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME, INDEED!

First Ballet Class

CHARLOTTE STARTED BALLET CLASS THIS PAST WEEK. IT IS AN EXTRA SPECIAL CLASS AS I GET TO PARTICIPATE WITH HER. I LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING IN THIS SPECIAL GIRL'S TIME.

WHILE SHE WAS VERY EXCITED TO PARTICIPATE IN HER NEW CLASS, IT BECAME CLEAR TO ME THAT SHE DID NOT QUITE KNOW WHAT A BALLET CLASS WAS ON THE DRIVE TO THE MADISON SCHOOL OF BALLET. SHE WOULD PONDER ALOUD, "THERE ARE PROBABLY GOING TO BE LOTS OF TOYS IN MY CLASS. I THINK MY ROOM IS PROBABLY GOING TO BE BLUE. I'M PROBABLY GOING TO SING SONGS. PROBABLY THERE WILL BE LOTS OF BOOKS TO READ IN MY CLASS." WE SPENT THE REST OF THE RIDE OVER TALKING ABOUT WHAT A BALLET CLASS IS.

SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CLASS WERE:

- THE GIANT MIRROR COVERING ONE ENTIRE WALL. YOU CAN IMAGINE HER DELIGHT!

- AFTER COMPLETING EACH STRETCH CHARLOTTE WOULD LOOK AT ME AND CALL OUT, "LET'S DANCE, MAMA!" APPARENTLY, HER LITTLE "DANCE MUSCLES" DID NOT NEED AS MUCH STRETCHING AS THE REST OF THE GIRLS. (I DID APPRECIATE THE EXTRA STRETCHES!)

- FREEZE DANCE. SHE STRONGLY PREFERRED THE FAST MUSIC TO THE SLOW. IN FACT, DURING ONE SLOW SONG SHE STOPPED DANCING, LOOKED UP AT ME AND SAID, "I NEED TO GO IN THE VAN. I NEED A SNACK."

GEARING UP FOR HER FIRST CLASS.

STRIKE A POSE. CAN YOU SENSE HER EXCITEMENT?! WHILE I WAS TOLD SHE WOULD NOT NEED FORMAL DANCE ATTIRE FOR THE CLASS, SHE WAS SADLY THE ONLY LITTLE GIRL WITHOUT A BLACK LEOTARD AND BALLET SLIPPERS. SHE DIDN'T HAVE A CLUE, BUT I THINK IT WOULD ADD A LOT TO THE EXPERIENCE. :) A SHOPPING WE WILL GO!

Cuddle Bugs

TENDER MOMENTS LIKE THESE WARM MY HEART. I'M THANKFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PART OF EACH MOMENT IN THEIR DAY.

30 Days of Thanksgiving 2010

I am thankful…

1. to be a child of God. I praise Him for His faithfulness in my life and for changing my life at a very young age.
2. for my husband who continues to challenge me, motivate me, humor me, provide for me, and love me in spite of myself - I cherish him.
3. for Charlotte – her bold spirit and sensitive heart, her humor and expressive nature, her petite frame and lovely features, her giggle and rambunctious laughter, and the way she challenges me to be a better mother and example to her on a daily basis
4. for Joey – his adorable blue gaze, his sensitive spirit, his sweet grins and giggles, his love of music (already), his milky white skin, his affection for me
5. for grandparents who love our children and play an active role in their young lives, who consistently give of their time and resources (willingly), and uplift our young family in prayer daily
6. for Jeff’s safe arrival to Nicaragua and for communication with him during his trip
7. for fresh beginnings each morning. “Morning by morning new mercies I see.”
8. for my girlfriends – women of faith who uplift me in prayer, encourage, inspire, and motivate me to be a better mother, wife, and friend
9. for our Madison home – a peaceful place that provides protection and warmth. It is filled with so much joy and we always love returning to i.t
10. for my nieces and nephews – from a young age they have filled my life with additional joy
11. for a free country that so many have fought to protect
12. for technology that helps me stay connected to those that I love
13. for Jeff’s safe return from Nicaragua and the experience he gained while operating there
14. for the opportunity to be a mother- I am beyond grateful to the Lord for the privilege and honor of caring for our blessed children
15. for evenings on the couch (alone) with my husband
16. for Victor Allen’s French roast and raspberry scones - They always turn my day around.
17. for afternoon naps
18. for the fellowship of other Christian mothers
19. for the opportunity to shop for, purchase, and consume a variety of foods -what a blessing it is to be able to provide for our little ones a well balanced meal
20. for laughter
21. for music and how it fills our home
22. for my husband’s little texts throughout his busy day that let me know he’s thinking of me
23. for a wonderful bed to rest my head at the end of a long day
24. for my siblings and the experience of being a sister
25. for the fellowship of believers on Sunday morning and the privilege of freely attending church
26. for our van that provides space, comfort, and reliable transportation for our family
27. for stimulating conversations with my husband and for the laughter we share
28. for the opportunity to share my journey through residency with other wives of residents who encourage, listen, and support me through good times and bad
29. for Super Target allowing me to one stop shop with the perks of Starbucks and free bakery cookies for Charlotte
30. for God’s grace, His promises, and for the work of the Holy Spirit in my life

With Gratitude

SINCE WE HAVE BEEN MARRIED, I HAVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF SPENDING THANKSGIVING DAY WITH JEFF'S MOM'S SIDE OF THE FAMILY, A TRADITION THEY HAVE KEPT UP SINCE JEFF WAS A CHILD. I HAVE GROWN TO LOVE THIS FAMILY AS MY OWN AND ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO THIS SPECIAL DAY TOGETHER. SINCE HAVING CHILDREN, THE DAY HAS BROUGHT US EVEN MORE JOY AS WE ARE ABLE TO WATCH OUR CHILDREN INTERACT WITH EXTENDED FAMILY THAT WE SEE ONLY ONCE A YEAR. THERE IS QUITE A SIGNIFICANT AGE GAP BETWEEN CHARLOTTE AND THE YOUNGEST COUSIN BEFORE HER (12 YEARS), SO THERE ARE MANY EAGER HANDS TO SCOOP UP OUR KIDS AND HELP US ENTERTAIN THEM. WITH MANY OF THE COUSINS BEING YOUNG, PRETTY GIRLS CHARLOTTE WAS ENAMORED WITH ALL OF THE CELL PHONES, JEWELRY, AND LIP GLOSS AT HER DISPOSAL. JOEY QUICKLY PICKED UP ON ALL THE EXTRA LOVE IN THE ROOM AND SPENT HIS DAYS CRAWLING FROM ONE FAMILY MEMBER TO THE NEXT. IT WAS A SWEET TIME.

THERE IS MUCH TO BE GRATEFUL FOR DURING THIS TIME OF THE YEAR. SPECIFICALLY ON THIS DAY I WAS THANKFUL TO BE A PART OF SUCH A LOVING AND GENEROUS FAMILY. I AM BLESSED TO HAVE GROWN UP A BURGER AND AM EQUALLY BLESSED TO NOW BE A LARSON.

AND, ON THIS DAY I AM ESPECIALLY THANKFUL FOR MY BROTHER-IN-LAW, BRAD. THANKSGIVING WAS ALWAYS HIS FAVORITE HOLIDAY, AND I CAN STILL RECALL A SIMPLE REQUEST HE MADE OF ME YEARS AGO - IF AT ALL POSSIBLE TO SPEND EACH THANKSGIVING DAY WITH HIS SIDE OF THE FAMILY. HE CHERISHED RELATIONSHIPS AND HE LOVED SEEING HIS ENTIRE FAMILY TOGETHER. AND, SO I AM HONORED TO SHARE THIS DAY OF GRATITUDE WITH HIS FAMILY. A PROMISE IS A PROMISE.

I MISS YOU, DEAR BROTHER.

OUR LITTLE TURKEYS

GRATEFUL FOR ONE ANOTHER

GETTING HIS FIRST TASTE OF DEEP FRIED BIRD. AFTER A FEW (CAUTIOUS) BITES, HE WAS HOOKED.

BONDING OVER BUBBLING OIL

WHAT A MAN. WHAT A TURKEY.

FORGET THE TURKEY SANDWICH, I'LL TAKE A MOMMY SANDWICH.

CONTEMPLATING GOING DOWN THE STAIRS.

LITTLE BUDDY MADE SOME SIGNFICIANT PROGRESS IN STAIR CLIMBING OVER THE WEEKEND. HE NOW CONFIDENTLY SCALES THE STAIRS WHENEVER THE OPPORTUNITY ARRISES, WHICH IS USUALLY WHEN HIS DADDY FORGETS TO CLOSE THE GATE. :)

WE WERE EVEN ABLE TO SLIP IN A VISIT WITH OUR DEAR FRIENDS, THE HAILAS.
CHAR AND JUDE AT PLAY.

HOME AFTER THE HOLIDAY - A LITTLE RAGGED FROM OUR TRAVELS, BUT STILL QUITE CUTE.

PERHAPS, NOT HER BEST EXPRESSION OF LOVE.

WE PRAY THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAD A BLESSED DAY OF THANKS! AND, AGAIN IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRY A DEEP FRIED BIRD, GET YOUR HANDS ON ONE ASAP!

The Boy is One!

OUR SWEET BOY IS ONE.

I HAVE SAID IT BEFORE BUT I'LL SAY IT AGAIN, THE PAST (ALMOST) THREE YEARS HAVE GONE BY SO FAST SINCE WE HAVE HAD CHILDREN. FROM THE MOMENT YOU SEE THE POSITIVE PREGNANCY TEST YOU KNOW YOUR WORLD IS GOING TO CHANGE AND YOU ARE THRILLED AND SCARED IN THE SAME MOMENT. YOU THEN SPEND THE NEXT TEN MONTHS PRAYING FOR YOUR UNKNOWN LITTLE BLESSING, IMAGINING THEIR APPEARANCE, ANTICIPATING THEIR ARRIVAL. AND, THEN THE GRAND MOMENT ARRIVES WHEN YOUR SWEET BABE IS PLACED ON YOUR CHEST (AFTER ONE OF THE MORE DIFFICULT EXPERIENCES OF YOUR LIFE PASSES.) YOU LOOK DOWN AND SEE PERFECTION. AND, THEN YOU BLINK AND YOUR CHILD IS TURNING ONE.

JOSEPH BRADLEY HAS BALANCED OUR FAMILY IN WAYS I NEVER EXPECTED. HE IS CALM TO OUR CHAOTIC MOMENTS. HE IS PEACE TO MOMENTS OF TODDLER TRIALS. HE IS BLUE-EYED TO HER BROWN. HE IS FAIR TO HER OLIVE. HE IS CAUTION TO HER ADVENTURE. HE EATS IN ABUNDANCE WHILE SHE PECKS. HE WAKES EARLY FOR ALONE TIME AND GOES TO BED EASILY SO SHE CAN GET HERS.

HE FINDS HIS PLACE IN MY ARMS, WHILE SHE OFTEN JUMPS IN DAD'S.

AND, TOGETHER WE ALL ENJOY MUSIC, DANCING, WATCHING TELEVISION ON THE COUCH, FAMILY TRIPS IN THE VAN, CUDDLES AND KISSES BEFORE BED, PLAY TIME, STORY TIME, DONUTS AT THE FARMER'S MARKET, DADDY'S ARRIVAL HOME EACH NIGHT, BATH TIME, SUNDAY MORNINGS AT CHURCH, FAMILY VISITS IN MILWAUKEE, AND RETURNING HOME TO MADISON.

JOEY, YOU ARE CHERISHED AND LOVED BY MANY. WE REJOICED IN YOUR ARRIVAL AND WE ANTICIPATE SO MANY MORE BIRTHDAYS TOGETHER. YOU ARE OUR SON, OUR BLESSING FROM ABOVE.

HIS BIG DAY ARRIVES.

LET US EAT CAKE.


OVER THE PAST YEAR, JOEY HAS RECEIVED SEVERAL GIRAFFE KEEPSAKES. THUS, A THEME WAS BORN.

MY ATTEMPT TO ADD TO THE THEME.



OUR FAMILY OF FOUR.


FROM EARLY ON, HE ONLY HAD EYES FOR HIS MAMA.


PROUD PAPA (FRESH BACK FROM NICARAGUA).

PAPA JOE HELPS GET CHARLOTTE IN A FESTIVE PARTY MOOD.

"DID YOU KNOW I'M ONE TODAY, NANY?"

OUR BIRTHDAY FEAST - THANK YOU MOTHERS!

THIS LITTLE MAN LOVES TO EAT.

HANGIN' WITH COUSIN ZACHY.

FEELING BLESSED TO RECEIVE HER OWN BIRTHDAY GIRAFFE. THIS LITTLE LADY ADORES ALL THINGS LITTLE.

SURROUNDED BY TOYS!

LITTLE DOES HE KNOW BIG SISTER WILL GIVE HIM A RUN FOR HIS MONEY BACK AT HOME WHEN HE ATTEMPTS TO PLAY WITH THEM.

THE MOMENT HAS ARRIVED.

HE KNOWS A GOOD THING WHEN HE SEES IT.

HE WAS QUITE CAUTIOUS WITH THE CAKE. I TRULY BELIEVE IF WE WOULD HAVE DELIVERED A GIANT PIECE OF LASAGNA ON HIS TRAY IT WOULD HAVE BEEN DEVOURED IN MINUTES. HE CHOSE TO PICK AT HIS CAKE WHILE WE ALL WAITED IN ANTICIPATION FOR THE TYPICALLY ONE-YEAR-OLD SMASH FEST.

GAINING A TAD MORE MOMENTUM WITH ENCOURAGEMENT FROM PARTY-GOERS.

SO PROUD OF HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS!

FROM THIS SHOT, YOU CAN SEE HE DOES NOT SUFFER FROM LACK OF FOOD.

GEARING UP FOR A POST-PARTY BATH.

TUCKERED OUT FROM THE DAY'S EVENTS. IT IS HARD WORK TURNING ONE.EVEN OUR SWEET GIRL TIRED FROM ALL OF THE DANCING, RUNNING, CHEERING AND CELEBRATING. OH, HOW WE LOVE THAT FACE.

HAPPY TO BE REUNITED WITH HIS FAMILY AFTER EIGHT DAYS IN NICARAGUA, I KNOW THIS SHOT EXEMPLIFIES HIS GRATITUDE, AFFECTION, AND LOVE FOR THESE SWEET ONES.

WHAT A DAY OF REJOICING IT WAS!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BUDDY!