Happy 1st Birthday, Anna!

One year ago today, at 4:47am, Anna Ellen arrived and has been a tremendous blessing to our family! Here is the happy birthday girl, crazy hair and all upon her waking.

My baby girl and me on her special day.My big girl! She is standing on her own all of the time and taking steps in between things. Crawling is still lots faster, though.We celebrated her birthday tonight at home with the Cedarblades. Here is Anna opening up her beautiful lamb bank and Bible stories book from Ellen and Charles.We thought Anna needed a Dollie from Toy Story 3. What cuties!Playing with Charles.Opening up a cute dress, swimsuit, cover-up and shades from Aunt Lisa and Uncle Patrick.Opening her present from mommy, daddy, and her big brothers.Happy Birthday to you! Anna loved the singing.Hmmm...sticky and chocolate.All smiles with Ellen.Getting a little messy and having that first taste. Anna wasn't too sure what to think, but she did go back for more.What? Having fun!I love this sweet, little face.Want some?Sharing with Ellen.Anna loves her new stroller walker that we got for her. Best of all, it's made for her doll that she got from Santa for Christmas!Those wheels get moving a little fast for her, but she just giggles through her tumbles. Happy Birthday, peanut!

My Mess Maker

Here is my little mess maker. She loves to explore everything! Her favorite thing to do is just to take everything out from where it belongs, then sit and play in the mess. You have to love that smile!

A Day at the Park

Last weekend, we headed to the cities to visit Jen, Jerry, and Emma. While we were there, we spent part of our afternoon at the park. It was a BEAUTIFUL day out - yes, shorts weather in March! The boys loved the diggers at the park.

Anna was all about swinging. It was a windy day, but she still loved it.We took a long walk around a lake too. Jerry and Brady were racing a good portion of the way. While they ran, Jerry was educating Brady on the types of trees that were around. This was a big one that they decided to hug.Anna was all tired out from all our fun. Love her little foot sticking out!

St. Patrick's Day

On St. Patrick's Day, Brady was excited to show me his cool shamrock project he had done at school.

We started off the day with green pancakes for breakfast. They were a big hit with everyone.The boys enjoyed doing some St. Patrick's Day stickers and coloring as well.

Baseball, baseball!

Baseball season has offically begun at our house. With the gorgeous weather, we have been outside almost daily to play baseball in the back yard. Brady is getting really good at hitting pitches (forget this tee business) and is improving with his catching too. He has a great arm and loves to run the bases.

Alex wants so much to be like Brady. He too loves to run the bases. He wouldn't smile for a picture because he was just too busy playing!Anna...well, she has a great view of the game from her swing.

Thank goodness she loves being in there! Won't be long and she'll be running right along side of her brothers.

Action City

Last week, we hit up Action City with my parents one evening. The boys had been begging to go for quite some time and grandpa caved. :) We had a great night filled with game playing and pizza for dinner. I took next to no pictures of the event, but the boys had a GREAT time. Mini golf was even open outside. Brady's highlight of the night was riding in the big go-carts with grandpa.

Andy won Anna a horse from a claw machine...he was so proud of himself. :)

Carnival!

Two weeks ago, we started getting some unusually nice weather. The boys have wanted to be outside every minute possible. On one of our first really nice days, Andy took the boys out and they had a "carnival" in the driveway. Bean toss, bikes, scooter races, and ladder golf were among the activities. They were so excited to get out these toys that have been off limits in the snow/ice! Great idea, daddy!

Birthday Party Day

Brady was thrilled to get to go to a friend's birthday party from school a couple of weeks ago. It was at the Children's Museum. He had a blast!

Brady with the birthday boy and another friend from school.

The whole crew.Brady and the birthday boy. He was pretty excited that he had picked out a cool transformer for his friend.The parade for the birthday party.Brady with one of his best buds, Madi.

Anna at 11 months

At 11 months old, Anna was finally big enough for us to move her into a new car seat and out of her infant carrier. This cute coat wouldn't fit in her carrier, but she was able to wear it some this month before we got our 70+ degree weather.

Out shopping with Alex while Brady was at Kids of the Kingdom at church. Ah...the peace of shopping with only two.Anna hates her bottle most of the time. Don't know what it is, but none of us can wait to get rid of it. When she does sit still long enough to drink, her little feet are always crossed. I love it!Playing in the tupperware cupboard always makes my kiddos happy. Anna is enjoying exploring just as her brothers did.Brady loves to hold Anna. She is always on the move lately and rarely sits still long enough to be held. Here was a rare moment.In an effort to get rid of that bottle, we have been working hard on our sippy cup skills for months. Still not doing great, but getting better. Doesn't she look like such a big girl?