Recent Events

We've had a fun couple of weeks here at the end of May!

I got these shots of the girls playing together with the blocks on May 19th. They were having so much fun. Adeline would build a tower (her tallest was 12 whole blocks!) then Evelyn would come knock it down and they'd laugh hysterically. It was too cute :).

On May 23rd we went bowling with some friends to celebrate Hannah's daddy's graduation from grad school. This was Adeline's first time bowling (and my first time bowling in a looooooong time!). We had a blast. Adeline really liked cheering for her ball.






We took an ever-so brief trip over to Holland Thursday-Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. We went downtown to look at all the changes and new stores; Adeline and I went out to lunch with Amma; Adeline, Alan & Amma went out on the pond with the kayaks; and Amma painted Adeline's fingers and toes for the first time! It was very cute, and Adeline was (still is!) super excited about her pink polish.




We also did a belated birthday celebration for Evelyn since Amma was in Tibet on the actual day. Amma and Papa gave her a real xylophone! She loves it!! (Yes, in this picture she is playing the instrument with an IKEA plastic knife, because the mallets were too dangerous ;-).


Finally today, May 30th, we decided to walk to and from church. It was a beautiful morning! Alan had a meeting at church so I took the girls to McD's. We met Alan back at church and walked home together. Then we went to Island Lake State Park to enjoy a day at the beach with the McAlister family. We swam at Kent Lake, ran around, played games, ate brats (that's "brahts" ;-), and had a great time!

Evelyn's One Year Stats

Took Evelyn to the doctor today for her one-year physical. She got three shots and did great. She is 29.5" tall (63%), weighs 18 lbs. 14 oz. (15%), and her head is 18" (69%). What a big girl!

She's really getting the hang of walking now and will often choose to get back up and try walking again even after falling down. She really gets a kick out of it and laughs and smiles the whole was wherever she's walking. Such a sweet little girl :).

Happy First Birthday, Evelyn!!

In honor of Evelyn's first birthday, here's a (rather long) video of her eating her birthday cupcake :).




And here's a random little adorable photo of Adeline with Doug.

A Good Time Was Had By All!

Today we celebrated Evelyn's first birthday with friends from church. We had such a wonderful time! We ate build-up tacos and had ginormous cupcakes for dessert. Evelyn even took some steps for everyone! (She's up to 6!) Here are some photos from Evelyn's big day!

"I love build-up tacos!"

The kids decorated cookies

And did some sand art

Evelyn being a gracious hostess,
greeting her guests :)

All the big kids loved helping Evelyn
open her gifts

Cake face!

An exhausted birthday girl
She fell asleep on the 5-minute car ride home
and made a seamless transfer to bed
where she napped for two hours!

My dearest Evelyn,
You are such an unbelievable joy! You are funny, quirky, spunky, vivacious, social and an absolute delight! Having known you now for a year I know why God gave us your name to be Evelyn Ruth. You have certainly lived up to your name as you are full of life and very friendly. What a blessing you are. I cannot imagine our family without you. I remember after your sister turned one the next 12 months were some of the most amazing. I can't wait to see you grow, change, and begin to talk and walk even more. I love you my precious daughter, and I thank and praise God for you every day.
Love,
Mommy