Isla's 1st Birthday Celebration!

Aunt Verna made home made birthday hats for all the party attendees, they were super awesome!

Our sweet, sweet Bitty Babe turned one year old at the end of September. I just recently posted her month photos, but here are the party pictures! Her actual birthday was on a Friday and she sported her, "I'm the Birthday Princess," shirt all day, and we had all her favorite foods that day and of course a little pre-birthday cupcake treat since her party wasn't until the next day. I know I've already gushed about how unbelievable it is that an entire year has already passed by, but it really is just amazing. Only a year ago she was this tiny little newborn, and now she is this toddling, not still an infant, but not quite yet a toddler, of a girl. She is able to communicate exactly what she wants, or doesn't want with grunts, pointing and clapping. One thing about her is that she still LOVES to be held and cuddled. She pretty much always wants to be near you, touching or just held and walked around. Yes, it can be very challenging and frustrating at times, especially when you are trying to get dinner made. But it is also still very sweet and endearing that she is still the cuddle bug she was when she was born. We adore you sweet girl!!

I'm One!!

Her favorite for dinner, Lasagna! This girl can eat her weight in pasta. She is a carb. loader for sure. 

"Mama, where's the cake?!"

Silly Sam. Even after a year, he still adores her. However, she does make him more frustrated
now that she is mobile, and often steals his cars, toys or anything he has interest in. 

Isla's actual birthday day with the family

"Finally, the cake!"

Her first baby doll, or really fairy doll. Up until now, she's really only had trucks to play with. 

Awaiting the birthday party

We couldn't forget Odelia!

"I'm so excited, it's my Birthday again!!"

Aunt Verna's birthday banner handy-work, glitter and all!

Probably my favorite picture of all. Andreas getting his birthday
 gear all tied up. Gotta love that German!

Our wonderful Granny Nancy and Andreas made the festivities. You guys are the best!

Quinn had to pull out his homemade brew. 

Presents!!

Sweet Amelia gave Sam and Isla very thoughtful gift from her own favorite toy stash. 

Oh Granny Nancy, you are so adorable!

Auntie Debbie and Eric whooping it up, they are the best and it wouldn't
be a celebration for Sam or Isla without them!

Isla LOVES strawberries, so it only seemed appropriate to have a strawberry cake. 

Mama and her baby

The foursome

Isla's feet hardly touched the floor with Amelia around

These were the only kids, but they sure had the house rocking with fun and noise.
Amelia and Eric were the best party entertainers you could ask for. 

Our boy-boy!

Helping Bitty making a wish and blowing out candles.

Daddy and his girl!

Quinn giving Isla cake support

"What!?!? It's just my 3rd piece."

Isla is ONE!!

Our baby girl turned ONE year old just 2 weeks ago! It is so hard to believe that an entire year has flown by. It really does seem that we were just planning for her arrival and now she has teeth, she is walking, throwing food off her highchair tray onto the dog, and tonight she learned how to head-butt Sam when he makes her frustrated...it has been quite a year! We are so in love with this girl and are so happy to have her join our family. Happy Birthday sweet girl and we look forward to another year of growing, laughing and watching your little personality blossom. 

Isla's birthday-day. 12 days over due and I was praying that this day was the day and it was!

California-Austin travels 2014

The Great Aunts Elizabeth, Pat and Uncle Tima

The months of July and August were busy travel months. July is also a very busy birthday month with Quinn, then the pup Odelia, Sam and Verna all had birthdays, and all are within a weeks time. So this July we were in California visiting the family over Sam's birthday and he had the special treat to spend it with his Aunt, Uncle and Cousins. While there we were able to meet up Aunt Elizabeth, Aunt Pat and Uncle Tima, what a special treat and a great time catching up. It was also great getting to spend several days with Anna, Eric, Phoenix and Griffin. Sam and Isla had so much fun playing with their cousins and we all enjoyed the amazing California weather and great company. 

Then in August, the California crew came to Austin for a week visit. Despite the 100+ degree weather, we had a great time. Papa also made the trip for a surprise visit since 3 out of 4 of his kids were in one location for once. He had a lot of great grand kid time and they were also so happy to have Grandpa to play with and read stories to them. 

Love the view from the baby pool

Griffin having some splash pad fun 

Isla taking a little snack break from swimming

Make way for the 3rd Musketeer!

Birthday Boy!

It's so hard to believe that he's 3 years old! Our sweet boy, getting so big so fas

Now in Austin. Grandpa having some one on one time with Phi and putting together puzzles.

These boys has so much fun rumbling and tumbling. Peas in a pod.

Griffin and Sam trying to walk in Grandpa's shoes/boots

Craft time!

Story time with Grandpa. Their favorite book of the week was, Otis and the Tornado. 

At the children's museum, the Thinkery, they had a great time

Sweet girl getting so big and smart

Isla working on her standing and tongue sticking out skills

Papa and the girls

Aunt Anna had plenty of baby Isla time. Between Anna, Verna and I,
 I think she had a hard time telling us apart and we are all equally acceptable. 

More Grandpa story time, again reading Otis and then the Tickle Monster

And here's Grandpa getting tickled from the tickle kids!

Early morning send off. Papa had to head back to Kansas,
but not without his farewell committee to see him off.