Friday, October 21, 2011

First Birthday

Callie Reese turned 1 a few weeks ago, and I truly can't believe that she is already one! She is truly such a joy with a happy, adventurous, and loving personality. On her real birthday, both sets of grandparents did FaceTime with us so that we could see each other and sing together. It was so great to be able to do that. Although I wish we could have had our family here to celebrate, it was a good birthday celebration. For her party, we had some friends over and magicians, "Mystical Matthew and The Great Nancini" entertained and did temporary tattoos and balloon animals. We had a fun time, and Callie seemed to know that everyone was there for her! She was so happy! We love our sweet girl more than words can express!
I was so happy with how pretty and simple this table turned out! Those are real roses...so beautiful!



Callie getting her temporary tattoo...a pony. : )

During the magic show, Callie giggled waving her hands at everyone! She loves a good magic show!

Sitting and watching


Yum!

Keeping Me On My Toes

This little cutie never sits still...never. : ) We had library storytime today. Brayden has his class first, and then we have Callie's. Brayden has always been a child who sits in my lap for storytime or any class that we are in and pays attention hanging on to each word, song, or story ivery intently. Let's just say that all children all individuals because Callie wants no parts of sitting with me or singing with me during library time. She enjoys smiling, laughing, waving and visiting everyone else in the class. The librarian is so wonderful and sweet. After the first class, she came over to me and told me how her daughter was the same way and how children learn by exploring and each child has a different personality. (This meant that she totally didn't miss the fact that Callie had taken her water bottle while she was reading and walked away laughing...) She explained that I should really just let her explore and enjoy rather than holding her back and trying to have her sit with me. Well, alright then...today while she was using a puppet and singing, Callie ran right up to it, grabbed it, and ran away holding it above her head laughing. Wow. Brayden and I looked at each other and Brayden said, "Are you going to go get her now?" : ) Everyone was laughing and thought it was so cute, but this type A momma's blood pressure was sky high. It really is fun to see her little personality shining through, and its shining through alright! : )

Thursday, October 20, 2011

The Gardener

My little man and I had such a great time with our first garden! We had so much fun keeping up with the garden and finding our little treasures as they ripened. This garden encouraged me to try new recipes and eat more veggies. We grew the largest basil plant that I have ever seen! The first picture shows basil on the far right...the very next picture shows Brayden standing next to the ridiculously large basil plant just a few weeks later! Crazy, right?!?! Ahhh...I am going to miss our fresh basil pesto! Yum!







New York

We drove to Syracuse, New York for Ray's cousin Chris' wedding. We had a great time spending time with family! On the way to Syracuse, we stopped at Niagara Falls. Such an amazing sight...absolutely breathtaking. It is so neat to think that Niagara Falls is where my Grandma went on her honeymoon. We also got to see Ray's parents first house. It was so neat to imagine them there. Fun fun time!




The Happiest Place on Earth
































While many things have gone on during the last few months, our trip to Disney World is one which deserves its own post. We had such a FABULOUS time! Seriously, one of my most memorable and joyful times!! Disney World has always had a very special place in my family's hearts. We have always treasured our vacations to Disney World. Bringing my own two children to Disney World was even more magical than I had ever experienced or expected. Some of my favorite memories from the trip were: watching Brayden dance during the Oktoberfest in Germany at Epcot; watching Callie wave to the princesses during the parade and them wave back at her; playing/swimming at the pool with my family; the character breakfast buffet...etc. One of the most special nights was when we let Brayden stay up later than he ever has before to watch the fireworks over the castle from the pool at our hotel. It was so much fun. After dinner, we all went swimming in the pool. Then we roasted marshmallows on the beach, and took a boat ride around the lake to watch the water show. Once we got back, we sat and talked watching the fireworks over the castle. So relaxing and fun! It was so nice to spend a good amount of time with my family...the BEST part. I am so thankful to have had such an amazing time in such a special place...planning our next trip there already!

I'm Baaaaack!

I have been such a blog slacker over the last couple of months, and it ends today! I am seriously going to make an effort to blog about what has been going on in our lives. I LOVE the book that I made from Brayden's baby blog, so I would love to do the same with this one each year...plus, with us in Ohio this is such a great way to keep family and friends updated. Anyway, if you are reading this...I am totally open to a little push to update when I am lagging behind. : )

Friday, April 1, 2011

6 Months Old

Callie Reese is 6 months old...I would really like for time to slow down a bit! It has really flown by, but it feels like she has always been a part of our family! I love the dynamic she brings to our family. She is such a sweet and happy baby, and she absolutely adores her big brother. I am so thankful for her and her smile that melts my heart!