Summertime!

Another lengthy delay between posts because we've been busy running around enjoying summertime! Some shots of our activities:

With my dad at the park:

With my favorite Giraffe!

Shoes! I. Love. Shoes.

In my kiddie pool:

With dad at a concert in the park:

More to come later..

Higher Ground

Maddie's not content to only add walking to her list of accomplishments this week, and decided to tackle climbing, which she mastered this morning. She's very proud of herself, as seen in the final "victory" shot below:





Nothing's safe now!

And she's off. (Walking, that is)

Today Maddie made her usual trip to Tuesday morning Sing-a-long class. As her dad took her out of the stroller she simply stood up and walked away. She walked right passed the sitting area, made a lap of the room, and then walked right out the door.

She walked back at home, to see several different neighbors, and again on cue for this video.

Who flipped the switch?

Maddie's First Birthday

It seems impossible, but here we are at Maddie's first birthday. To mark this milestone, and celebrate what has to be the best year of our lives, we planned a little garden party. Following several weeks of cloudy skies the sun came out and we spent the afternoon outside eating, visiting and singing happy birthday to our little girl. For her part, Maddie was smiling, laughing, and throughout the day remained as cute as ever.

Here's Maddie with a very special cake baked by a very special friend:

Maddie with special guests Papa and Nana and her dads:

..and another special guest, Maddie's cousin Zach:

Beautiful flowers by our great friend Maggie:

TONS of food and even more flowers!

With Nana, Papa, Auntie Lori and cousin Zach:


With the the Schwartz family:



Friends!

More friends!

Of course, a little tackling and playing around (some of the boys were actually *in* the fireplace!) in what has become known as "the playroom" .

A very special birthday card from cousin Megan.

Finally, Maddie in a quiet moment, reflecting on the day and thankful for so much happiness.

Thanks to all who helped to make this year and this day so amazing.

So close.

Wanna see Maddie on the verge of walking? Watch this:

Spring and Sunshine

Spring has arrived and our little girl is happy to finally get outside, crawl around, and see all the blooming flowers!

Posing in a little spring dress with matching purple shoes.

Daddy! Look at all these flowers!

JOY!

And then there's this one slightly odd thing: Maddie now thinks she's a cat:

Hangin' with my cuz.

Maddie had a great weekend of "lots" with Auntie Lori and cousin Zach: ..lots of stuff, lots of noise, lots of food, lots of laughs, and lots of love!

Here, Zach giving Maddie a little hug: (we're working on cleaning up the pic!)

Maddie & Zach playing piano:

Zach out on a hike in the Santa Cruz mountains:

Zach & Mom on the tire swing:


..with Uncle Randall in Maddie's play tent: