Camping @ Sparge!

Some quick pics from our camping trip this past weekend, which will surely be an annual event (as it has been for Maddie's daddy Randall for the past 10 years..) You may notice Maddie's really (REALLY) into making funny faces these days.

With My Dad Vinnie

In the tent!

Another tent pic (with a favorite silly face)

Crazy about this tiny camping chair!

Trying to get in on some gaming

Relaxing in the river

Finally a few warm days.

This has been an extraordinarily chilly summer here in Santa Cruz, with temperatures barely hitting the 70's for the bulk of the past three months. Until this week.

Maddie decided to don her sunglasses, hat, and swimsuit, and get outside. Here are a few pics:

At the beach watching the waves:

On top of the slide!

On the jetty at the S.C. harbor:

Pointing out a favorite flower while cruising through a friends garden:

Swing!

We're learning the need to get Maddie active EVERY DAY. She's got a lot of energy to burn, and it's hard to keep up!

No more high chair?

This morning we sat Maddie in her booster chair. What happened? She ate her breakfast like a champ, using a fork, grown-up plate, and no bib.




..is it time to get rid of the high chair?

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.