Arilyn's first birthday and beyond

Picture day. 1st and 4th grade. They picked their own outfits and hair styles.
Sissy sharing a banana (one of the girls favorite foods). Apparently not quick enough.

That's better! And yes, they are wearing matching sweaters. Perhaps the only time I will be able to do this.

Puppy love. Ari and Braille are stalking the cats.

Thanks grandma and grandpa, I love this toy!

And the outfit.

Lexi wrapped some gifts for Ari, too. (Lexi's toys she gave to Arilyn)

Thanks to the Hydes for my doll and adorable outfit!

More "gifts" from Lexi.

Kyler and Lexi's tye dye shirts they made at school.

Happy birthday Ari! Early October 7.

birthday love before school.

As I baked cake, cupcakes, made whipped cream frosting and decorated, I let Ari entertain herself with the beaters. Don't worry, minimal sugar was involved--mostly just cream.

The cat cake I free handed for her.

Oct 8. Kyler played goalie during their soccer game. They won!

Kyler assisted in a goal, as well. Unfortunately I wasn't quick enough to catch a photo.

Ari's birthday party. Thanks to my dad, Melissa, her cute family and Melanie (who drove 4 hours each way from Seattle) for joining us. We had a blast!

This is the only decent photo of Ari I caught in her pretty dress. Unfortunately. I will have to attempt a photo shoot soon. She is just super active which makes it tricky.

Cake time.

She kept "kissing" the cat.

Brayden and his moustache.

The beautiful Melissa and Sydnie.

Pumpkin spice cupcakes.

Still in uniform.

Rylee. Thanks to my dad for filming for me as I captured photos and video with my phone.

She dove right in. When the cat disappeared, we asked "where's cat?" She became very concerned looking for it.

Wiping her hands clean. I think.

She nearly knocked the entire cake off a few times as grandpa cheered loudly.

Just about done...

DEFINITELY done!

After a quick bath, she's back in action. Present time!

Kissing her baby

"OOOHHH" over the electronic book from grandpa!

Rocking her baby.

Kyler snapped this of Melanie and I right before she left this afternoon.

Hard to believe an entire has come and gone. What a sweet, fun, beautiful little girl we are blessed with. I am very much looking forward to all of the things to come.

Again, thanks to those who helped make her day special--the Endos, the Hollomons, Melanie, the grandparents, the Hydes. All of those who called, texted, etc. It means a lot.

welcoming October

Not much has changed with us. Life is still busy, but good busy. Soccer, cubscouts, dance, school, etc. We love every moment of it.

Here are a few glimpses of our last week:

Arilyn watching the dogs. I caught her opening the screen door to let the dogs in several times now. She opens EVERYTHING--shower doors (while I'm using it), cabinets, drawers, turns lights on and off, climbs, etc. You forget how busy babies are at this stage. But who can complain when you look at the joy it brings their cute faces?
Lexi reading to her baby sister. She is really an amazing sister to Arilyn and Kyler.

Our big walker.

Arms up like E.T. I love it.

Saturday's soccer game.

Taking a break.

Lexi playing with the sisters of the soccer team.

Today I attempted to snap a few photos of the kids before we were out the door for Kyler's friend's birthday party. It didn't go as I had hoped...

Ari was resisting being held in one place...

She is trying to pull her hands out of theirs...

Lexi decides to hold her, Ari cheers...

She once again tries to escape...

I tell Lexi "go ahead and let her go, I'll snap a quick photo."

She RUNS away. That's how fast she is.

So that was our last week or two.

Now upcoming we have: school photos, Ari's birthday on Friday and her party on Saturday. How I wish our family and friends could be here to celebrate the BIG O-N-E with us.

Happy October!