Two

My little pixie Jacinta turned two yesterday.

Of course, I had to take a few moments to reminisce about how much she has changed (and stayed the same) in the last two years.

 

She’s still my laid back, go-with-the-flow gal who cruises through the day in her own chill way. And somehow, despite that, she is also prone to some outrageous episodes of drama. As we like to say, the drama goes from 0-60 in no time flat!

She is definitely a little girl, running around and playing with her sister and cousins. You wouldn’t ever guess that her arm was broken at birth. I’m very thankful for the doctors who helped us through that unusual experience.

Though she babbles incessantly there still isn’t much in the way of recognizable words. They are creeping in slowly but surely. She knows “please” and “thank you” and of course “Mama” and “Dada”. The unfortunate phrase “Go away!” makes frequent appearances. A variety of body parts and animal names. She said her cousin’s name crystal clear the other night, too. So we are making progress, just slowly.

 

We had a little family get-together to celebrate last weekend.

 

I made this lion cake, which reveals all it’s asymmetry at this angle.

 

It was a hit, partly because it was a lion and partly because it had fire on it.

 

It even had a surprise inside!

 

Daddy helped her to get to the good stuff. She’s still a little too gentle for unwrapping presents. Though I’m sure Veronica would have been happy to help if she’d been allowed.

 

Uncle Tyler took some time to point out all the animals to her. Yesterday, we got to play zoo with them.

 

Aunt Bridget spent some time holding Ariadne on her convenient baby-holding shelf. Not too much longer until Brian, Jr. makes his appearance.

 

She also spent some time showing Jacinta one of her new coloring books.

 

Peter made sure he was decked out for the occasion.

 

My grandpa even got to be there, which was very fun and special. Even if we had to restrain a tired Jacinta to get a picture.

 

He kept the kids entertained in a way only grandpas can.

 

My mom got some Ariadne time. Two gorgeous girls!

 

And here is another! Boy, does she know how to pose for the camera.

 

I’m not sure what is going on in this picture. But Veronica is obviously enjoying whatever she is inflicting on John Paul.

 

Thank goodness for candle blowing helpers!

Happy Birthday, Jacinta! I thank God for you every single day.

Even the ones with drama.

Melia Down

Last Friday night Paul and I headed out to Tempe Marketplace with the girls to see our brother-in-law take the stage. He’s the bass guitarist for Melia Down, a local band that always puts on a fun show.

 

The show got off to a hoppin’ start.

 

Plenty of good dancing tunes. And dancing partners!

 

There was also the added bonus of a little “snow”, courtesy of Tempe Marketplace.

 

“I like…that one!”

 

“No, that one!”

 

“That one?”

Veronica thought it was great, but Jacinta wasn’t sure what to make of it. Actually, I don’t know if she noticed at all.

 

I thought it was really fun until some got in my mouth. Yech! Fake snow tastes terrible.

And, for the record, it got in my mouth by accident.

 

Unfortunately my camera doesn’t do too well with the stage shots. I had this problem last time we saw them perform. So I didn’t really try too hard this time. Obviously. Clint isn’t even in this shot. I think he’s behind an umbrella.

I’m sure they’ll have pics up on their website soon.

Ahem. Moving on.

 

Jacinta got lots of attention, which is fine with her.

 

She was a trooper, it was getting pretty late.

 

Her eyes kept getting more and more glazed over.

 

Dancing!

Unfortunately (again) night videos don’t always turn out very well…but I wish you could see Veronica’s face more clearly. She was having a blast!

Probably the end-of-the-night energy burst that often comes before bed.

Oh, and the band. She liked the band, too.

 

Hat swap!

It was a fun night for everyone, and we’ll look forward to the next chance to see Uncle Clint and Melia Down in action!

Thanksgiving Photos

I got my camera back from my parents’ house, which is where I left it on Thanksgiving. So now I can share my favorite Thanksgiving photos.

 

A burp cloth can be a bib in a pinch. And a fashionable head covering!

 

“Bring it on!”

 

Crazy boys.

 

Omi and Opa.

 

Is Veronica eyeing Daddy’s drink? Or his cranberry sauce?

 

Me and my Ty-guy.

 

How did I birth these blue-eyed children?

 

Veronica had a little of all her favorites.

 

And a fork for each different one.

Yum!

Another Birthday Party – High Cliff State Park

The weekend before we left Wisconsin there was another fun birthday party to attend. Lots of babies turning one! They grow up so fast.

 

Look up in the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s…oh, it actually is a plane.

 

Some time to chat.

 

And just hang out.

 

Take a look at this picture.

 

And this one.

 

And this. Looks cute, doesn’t it? Fun?

 

Now look closely at this picture. Gah! And we were all walking in the tall grass. Shudder.

 

Veronica wasted no time finding the treats.

 

Or the toys.

 

Or the presents.

“Hey, what’s that?”

 

Sorry baby, but you don’t get another birthday until next July. No matter how many times you ask for “happy birthday cake for Veronica”.

 

Brilliant artists making brilliant chalk art.

 

Oh my! Veronica laid an egg.

 

The birthday boy, and his adorable dinosaur cake.

 

The kids were excited for that cake.

 

Testing the waters.

“What…what is this?”

 

It didn’t take long for him to decide that he liked it. Dig in!

 

Everyone was willing to lend a hand, too. How generous.

 

Om nom nom.

 

“I…I’m so happy. I love cake!”

 

Birthday cake at it’s best.

 

And worst. At the same time. Squelch.

 

All the generous “helping” pays off.

“Here, have some more!”

“Don’t mind if I do!”

 

I’d say the birthday boy enjoyed his party. And so did the rest of us!