Tanner's Orchard

On Columbus Day, Monday, Selah and I got to go to Tanner's Orchard with Grandma G. and Trista and the kids. It was so cold! But, we did have lots of fun. Selah got to ride on ponies, which she loved. She of course had a fit when she had to get off so luckily there weren't many kids there and we got to take 3 rides :) She also got to feed goats and ride on a barrel ride with Addy.

Arizona

Well, we got back from Arizona last Friday. We were blessed to get to spend the week with our close friends Todd and Nicole Steffen. It was great! Made us realize how much we miss spending time with them hanging out. We also had the privaledge of staying at Nicole's parents' guest home, which was fabulous.

The first look walking into our place...

Our view every morning from the pool...amazing!

Daddy and his girl before church in the morning.

One day we took a drive to Sedona. It was amazing seeing all the red rock. Since it was the first time seeing it for both of us, we soaked in God's beauty around us.

Then the next day we got a visit from my cousin Kelli and her husband Ryan. We loved hanging out with them for the day. Selah obviously was having a grand ole' time :) We made such memories guys - "some like it hot" Mexican resturant...

And the last day Nicole and I took the kiddos (minus Adelayde who was in school) to the Phoenix zoo. They had a great time and it was really nice out that day. It was the first time I really felt Selah was taking in all the animals around her. We got to go through a monkey village where the monkeys were loose in the cage with you :) and Selah had her first carousel ride!


Amelia gets to ride on the camel.

Two peas in a pod...Amelia and Selah, they loved riding in the stroller together.

Cheese!


And thanks to a close family friend Laura W, we got a date night out the last night to The Melting Pot. And if there is ever one in your area, we HIGHLY suggest going there with your close friends. We have never laughed so much in one night. Dinner is 4 courses and all fondue. It was such an experience! Thanks Todd and Nicole for the fun filled week. We definately miss the nice Arizona weather since lately around here it is 40's and rainy! We love you guys!

Isn't it one-durful to be ONE!

Well, on Saturday we got the pleasure of having Selah's 1st birthday party. Of course she technically doesn't turn one until Oct. 2nd, but on that day she will be flying on an airplane to Arizona, so Saturday was the celebration!

Here she is modeling her birthday outfit I made with the help of my mom of course, and yes it may have to be her Halloween costume as well so she can get some more wear out of it :) We do think she is quite one-derful!



For Selah's birthday the theme was butterflies and flowers...

The whole house got decorated...and yes it was probably extreme, but Selah loved all the balloons and streamers!




Our immediate families came for dinner before the party. Of course the mothers asked if they could bring something so I said sure. Besides their lettuce salad and fruit salad, did I make anything you ask...Nope :) We just ordered pizza! It was great all around though!

Then we set up for the party...we had cupcakes with flowers, cupcakes with butterflies, candy, rice krispy bars shaped like butterflies, and ice cream and sherbet floats. Needless to say...plenty of sugar to go around!



This was Selah's cake for us to eat

and this was her cake to dive into - it is hard to tell by the picture, but it is only about 3x3 inches wide

Selah wasn't so sure about the candle at first. The crowd was a little overwhelming at times :)

Then she started to dig right in...

and in...

and in some more...

Until finally Tadd thought she was going to get sick so we took it away. I know mean parents! And the funniest part was when Selah picked up a stray piece and threw it after we took her cake away from her. Yes, we figured out at that point that she was a little mad :)

What was left of her cake.

Then it was time for presents. And as all you experienced parents know by this time we as parents are just shot. The energy is wearing off, Selah was getting tired, and we had lots of "help" opening presents :) Don't get me wrong it truly was lots of fun!


This picture I find the most humerous because... For the record the little coupe that Selah got from Tadd and I, I put together :) and it took me nearly an hour. So, when Selah got a little ride-on from Tadd's parents I told him he had plenty of guys around so get to work! Ha! And after they found the directions they got it together - Just kidding guys!


I can only imagine what Selah is thinking at this point :) Is she pulling out her hair?!


Thanks to all of you who came and shared the evening with us and for all the parents. We truly are blessed with a wonderful extended family and many friends. God has blessed us and I am still in shock that Selah is one already!

Busy Weekend

So it has been a while again since I've updated. Mostly I need to get Selah's latest "accomplishments" in here :) She now blows kisses when she says goodbye and most times doesn't even need to be cued. She also knows the answer to "what does the snake say?" to which she responds with a slobbery "sssss" She still is just walking around furniture, but no walking on her own yet. She also gives some great fully open-mouthed kisses now too :) We are loving every minute and looking forward to her birthday party in a month.

I have been sewing a little at home. I made her the dress pictured below and am in the process of making her a skirt for this winter. Grandma L. helped a lot and we got her birthday outfit completed - it is a super cute tutu and t-shirt...stay tuned for more pictures!

Besides that, we had a great Memorial Day Weekend. Saturday we got to travel to Mathessein Park/Starved Rock with friends and spent the day hiking and eating a picnic lunch. We took Addy and Brooks with us and Selah did great. She loved riding in the backpack and looking all around. She just talked and talked the whole time! Sunday we went on a double date with my "sister" Jod and her husband Drew. It was a great night to catch up with friends. And Monday we even had a great day of weather and got to take the boat out with more friends. We can't help but reflect at how blessed we are!

Selah modeling her new dress after church.




The front... (the pants were made earlier)

The back...

Addy, Brooks, and Cade hiking.

The beautiful scenery

The whole crew getting ready to head out...Yes, Selah is in the picture just hiding behind Tadd's head :)

Selah shining moment :)

So to preface this clip a little...Selah as many know has been a little clingy lately and kind of whiney :) I know, hard to imagine. But there are times that I wonder if she is hitting her terrible 2's early! Come to find out after this was shot that she is now cutting through two more teeth on the top - that will make 12 before she is 1! Enjoy this clip - the ending is the best.