Elliot's First Steps! ~13 months; 2/11/2017

Last weekend, daddy was able to capture a big milestone for our sweet boy! Go, Elliot - you are on your way!

Cora's Fight Song!

In case you missed it, here's Cora's inspiration: 

Cora Ann's 5th Birthday - part 2

Cora and her good friend Chisa shared a fun 5th birthday party with their Mini U classmates and other friends. 

Rather than gifts, we asked guests to bring recyclable items. From these, we created DIY craft animals. Thanks to Deborah, Chisa's mom and our friend, for her creativity in organizing this great activity. 

Cora was most excited for the piñata. Daddy "softened" the piñata a bit in the hopes that the kids would be able to bust open the paper mâché without parental help. He might have taken things a little too far... Cora, Chisa, and Lucinda got to whack the pinata... and then, the pony's head severed from her neck! :-X Interestingly, Cora reported that this was her favorite party of the party. She seemed especially pleased that she and her friends did SUCH a good job opening the piñata on their own. :) 

One of my favorite parts of the party was circle time singing. I especially enjoyed learning A Tooty Ta, and I felt proud of Cora when she led her friends through a rendition of the Reindeer Pokey. Additionally, we played the "Balloon Game", and Cora and Chisa each got to choose one book to share with their friends. Cora chose Hello, My Name is Octicorn, which is a disarming children's book from Aunt J.

Happy birthday dear Cora and Chisa! You are both wonderful girls, and we had so much fun celebrating together.

Cora Ann's 5th Birthday - part 1

"The days are long but the years are short."

Happy FIFTH (!!!) birthday to the bright, beautiful, exuberant, silly, sensitive child who made me a mom.

We were so lucky to have Grandma Mel in town to celebrate with us. 

Happy birthday dear Cora! 

Cora received many generous, thoughtful gifts from her family. Thank you! We love you! 

 

On the move!

Happy First Birthday Elliot John Magee!

Presently, Elliot has a pretty limited repertoire of favorite foods -- bananas, blueberries, yogurt, milk, peanut butter. Fortunately, he will usually tolerate squash and sweet potatoes too. Hence, we enjoyed squash soup for Elliot's birthday dinner.

Cake time! Cora chose this special cake for her little brother. (Not pictured: the pink frosted cupcake Cora also chose for herself).

Elliot received some wonderful gifts from his Clerkin and Magee families. Cora was the most enthusiastic present-opener helper. Also notice the artwork behind Elliot's highchair; the picture on the right is a crown.

Elliot's big party! Thanks to Uncles Andy and Brian for this cute, personalized shirt. The perfect attire to wear to his first birthday party.

Lots of baby-approved food -- blueberry muffins, mini cupcakes, hummus, graham crackers, apples, bananas, veggies, chips... and wine, of course. 

Elliot had fun with his baby friends from the infant room -- Bennie, Torsten, and Elise.

Happy birthday, Mr. Elliot!

Time to open presents with Nonno Mark and Grandma Mel. We were so excited that they could celebrate with us!

Elliot John, thank you for making our family of four feel complete. You are such a sweet, snuggly, fun little (big!!) boy. We love you with our full hearts, and we hope that you never forget how truly special and loved you are.

Family Summer Vacation 8/2016 - Lake Michigan

For our "little" family vacation, we rented a cabin in southwestern Michigan. I loved spending time at Hagar Shore Beach, which was remote and relatively unpopulated. 

We enjoyed peach picking at Jollay Orchards, an eclectic and unique farm and market.

The tacos and donuts--a seemingly incongruous pair at this roadside market--were delicious!

Cora made sand art, had her face painted as "Hello Kitty", and caught a movie at the Loma Theater in Coloma.

Daddy's birthday wish was to eat at Silver Beach Pizza in St. Joseph, Michigan. I felt proud when one of the other customers stopped by our table as she was exiting the restaurant. She apologized for "staring" throughout her meal, stating that she thought my kids were "just so beautiful." :) 

Super Elliot! and the Silver Beach Carousel. 

Happy 35th birthday, Daddy! Where has the time gone? The painting is of Muckish Mountain, which is near where Josh's ancestors are from.

A final evening at Silver Beach.

       

Cora really got into helping to dig this hole.

So much joy! 

Sunrise, sunset.

Goodnight!