Jean-Margaret's First Birthday Party

Ironically, it snowed while we were in the hospital (February 19th, 2012) and it snowed again today on Jean-Margaret's first birthday party! What a beautiful day for a beautiful little girl. We had so much fun celebrating her first year of life. I cannot believe our little lady bug is one year old. We love you baby Jeanie!!

Jean-Margaret recieved some fun gifts and we all have full-of-sweets bellies. Happy Birthday!!

Everyone Needs...

A spontaneous beach trip!

 

 (even if it requires huddling into a hotel room with 2 adults, 2 kids, and a dog).

 

 

We didn't put much thought into preparing for this trip...just hopped in the truck with the essentials to celebrate Evans's birthday! (Note: Van's guitar is clearly an "essential" these days:)

Its a good thing we forgot to pack baby food because Jean-Margaret decided to swipe Van's grilled cheese sandwich which I am positive she found more satisfying than pureed peas :) Van had a blast collecting sea shells for show-and-tell and Sophie looked like a puppy playing in the sand and ocean. What a fun time!

After visiting with some awesome friends, we came home and Evans had to head right back out of the door to travel for work -- so we occupied ourselves with tent building, birthday cake making, and soccer practice. (I am not sure if there is a competitive bone in Van's body but I am not complaining...)

Go Van!

STAY WARM!!

Hard at work!

 

 

Van missed some cool bands along the way--sleepy fella!

 

With Jean-Margaret's first birthday right around the corner, Evans and I decided it was time to catch up on some things we neglected more than usual throughout the past year! (Cleaning, exercising, cooking!!) Just as life seems to slow down for a second, a new adventure arrives. We are gradually adjusting to this life and wouldn't have it any other way. The ease of instagram has slowly defeated the difficulty of blogging :) I am still trying to capture main events though!! Happy 2013!! 

Christmas + 2012 Recap

Happy New Year's Eve! Here are some pictures from a wonderful Christmas...but first, I'd like to post (without a doubt) my favorite picture of 2012!!

What a wonderful year. We have been through many amazing adjustments as we have welcomed Jean-Margaret into our lives. This photo captures the excitement, newness, and love on so many levels. :)

As we wrap up the holidays and probably the busiest few months of my life yet--I welcome 2013 and all it has to offer with open arms!  Enjoy :)

Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls...Yum

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Happy Holidays

Life has been busy--a good busy--and in the wake of such a recent tragedy, we are trying to preserve all the joy this time of the year has to offer. We have had Van's Christmas program at school, cookie decorating parties, family visits, tee ball 'practice', and lots of time in the kitchen.

Even with all of the fun activities, we are trying to pause and appreciate these two little blessings. Jean-Margaret is changing right before our eyes! Today she swiped a sugar cookie when I wasn't looking and chewed a few good bites before I discovered her. Sneaky! Speaking of sneaky...Van has managed to unwrap a gift or two when I am not looking...

We are all excited for the Night Night Fairy, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day! :)
Merry Christmas!

Soon the bells will start...

And the thing that will make them ring...

 

 

Is the carol that you sing

 

 

Right within your heart.