8, where has the time gone?

Bayli has been so excited for her 8th Birthday.  Too bad she was sick for the big day.  Missing school is not her favorite thing.
Since her birthday was at the beginning of January, she had to be very patient in waiting for her baptism day.
Groundhogs Day will have a new meaning for us.  Sorry Bill Murray, you've been replaced with the smiles of a wonderfully beautiful young lady.

Posing in her awesome "jumper"

A very proud dad in said "matching jumper"

 Bayli had so much love and support from wonderful family, friends, and neighbors.  She was beeming all day long.
She told me that when Jed had confirmed her and gave her a blessing, "I kept my eyes closed through his whole prayer!  And it was a really good one!"
I must say it was a really good one.  He seemed to hit all the key areas that are important and meaningful in her life right now. 

Bayli was lucky to share her special day with two of her wonderful friends.  Aren't they lovely?

Afterwards she had a wonderful time celebrating with her family.  She was so grateful for all of the support that she received.  As soon as her company had left, she started working on her thank-you cards.  Love that girl, she is so grown up!

We were so busy with the days events, that we almost forgot to take pictures of her in her special baptism dress (I love it, not your traditional baptism look).  I'm glad that I remembered to put her special wrist-let from her blessing in her hair.  One of those sentimental gifts from her Aunt Katie that we have cherished and been eager to use for this big day.  The next time she'll wear it is on her wedding day, not so eager for that day!

The world is yours to discover and experience, live worthily and make it count little B!

April, a month full of exciting things!

 Easter

Out of focus, but for some reason I LOVE it.

Finally her own purse, she hasn't loved it as much as we thought that she would.

Her own phone, next to books and food, her favorite thing. I love the concentration in this one.

He was pretty stoked over his new gun.

She is so funny, what a poser.

 Sliding, her scary passion.

just love this little imp

 Happy Birthday Chase, the BIG 4!!!

The cake that he had been eying for the entire last year, it was a necessary purchase.

How many funny faces can a little guy make on his big day?

He was so excited to add some big rigs to his collection.

Thanksgiving Point 5K and 1 Mile fun run

It was a pretty cold morning.

My girlfriend Cecily, love the crap out of that girl!

My cute little mommy, still trucking at 62, she ROCKS!!!

My first official 5K, I totally beat the socks off my training PR.  Still slow though.

Bayli was super nervous to run her 1 mile race.  Her preparation building up to her mile had ended the week prior with a complete meltdown.  I told her that she was officially a runner now, a runner isn't complete without being completely broken down by their own personal failure.  We knew that she would be successful in completing her goals after that. 

Cutest little runner ever.  I loved her energizing sprints throughout her run, she kicked my can, it was difficult to keep up with her.  Next time I'm going to strap a sign on her that says "I'd rather be swimming."  Speaking of swimming, her biggest accomplishment this month, making swim team.

7

Bayli had a delightful day with her family and bestie.  A visit to the Aquarium, Wendy's, and cake was all that she asked for.  Well, not all, mother nature didn't provide her in way with much snow. She wanted to go sledding.  

water fun? must be one!

 Happy Birthday littlest bird!

Lily had a wonderful day celebrating turning one.  All kids should have summer birthdays.  I know that is what Bayli has always wished for.  

She visited with Grandma Bev in the morning, while mom recouped from working overnight.

After she got home and had nap-time, she crawled about the house and played with her favorite toys and friends (Bayli & Chase). 

Then she did her favorite thing, went outside and played.  She loves being outside.

Although she still is hesitant about letting her bare limbs touch the grass. 

She has to work herself up a bit.

She takes a break from touching the grass by standing up.  She is pretty great at doing squats.

Then she takes a few steps to try and escape from the tickly grass.

She ends up back on her bottom after about 3 steps.

 This turns into a pretty fun game after a while.  

Until she decides to make a mad dash (crawl)  to the basketball court.  

And tries to climb into the pool. 

We usually thwart her efforts at this point.

 In the evening we had our entire family over to join in the celebrations.  

We enjoyed some serious water wars. 

Everyone got drenched.

No one was safe.  Including the person packing around the birthday girl and camera.

There were a few who managed to hide out from the drenching. 

I think that they must have given serious threats, that or they escaped into the house.

 Lily did get a bit overwhelmed by all of the people.

I love her cute little posture and bum.

 She had a good time picking up balloon entrails.  With the help of her trusty blue duckie.

Until the adults forced her to stop that game. The big meanies!!!

Then we enjoyed hotdogs.

Can I just say how much I love having the walk out patio done?  LOVE IT!!!  

Now we just need the basement done so we don't have to make a billion trips up and down to the kitchen.

Lily loves to eat, so she was more than willing to eat a hotdog.

 

 While holding onto her blue duckie, the entire time.

 Then it was time for cake!!!

 Of course she didn't hesitate to test that out.

 She had a bit of a pause after the first sampling.

Then she dove right in.

And before long, looked like this.

And was scouring her tray looking for more.

She was forced to take a bath after that. 

More like, she screamed at mom to help get the cake out of her eyes while trying to shake it off of her hands.

 After the cleanup, present time!

She had a bit of help from brother and sister.

And she made out with some really fun gifts.

She has so many people who love and adore her.

Not focused, but for some reason I love this one. 

Probably  because all of the movement reminds me of all the joy she exuded.

 And this doesn't show her first loves given to her pillow pet. 

I hope we got them on video.   

Because it was so darn cute and tender.

 She was a pretty happy little gem.  

Thanks family for coming and celebrating with us!!!