Ellie-belly turns 1!

This was Ellie on her first official playdate with Parker last year . . .

And this is them now . . .

How quickly they grow . . .

Here are some more pictures from Ellie's Mexican-themed first birthday party!

You can trust him.  He's a doctor.

Gracie and Ellie getting ready for the festivities.

Birthday Girl, Mama, Big Sister, Gigi

"It's my party!"

No, she doesn't look pleased, but the adults were.

See prior comment . . .

Parker, Jake, Gracie and Nolan eating

This is pretty much how Nolan and Gracie spend all their time.

Sari, me and Erin.  Yes, I have crazy eyes.

Erin and the kiddos

It was very important to Nolan that he assist with gift opening.  

Yes, thats a 3 year old swinging a bat at a pinata.  We pride ourselves on our good judgement.

Parker taking his turn.

And it was Jake for the win!

Look at that face . . .  How can you not give him everything he wants??

10 years!

beach fun

Yes, I am VERY behind . . .  and I suspect that isn't going to change anytime soon  . . . But for now, here are some pictures of our recent beach trip.  We spent a week in Seaside, Florida with our friends Susanne and Chris and their family.  It was a great time, but I was much more tired by the end of it than I have ever been after a vacation.  Enjoy!

Parker was in heaven with non-childproofed cabinets? Maybe part of the reason I was so exhausted after?

Susanne reading The Cat in the Hat to Sophie and Nolan.

Olivia with Parker.  She is a great big sister to Sophie, and just generally fantastic to be around.

Chris and Nolan playing dinosaurs.  These days if you want to interact with Nolan you better be willing to play dinosaurs.  Or to witness a tantrum.

Sophie in her bumbo! She wasn't a huge fan, but she is still cute as heck!

Parker at the Seaside reparatory theater production of The Stinky Cheese Man.

Susanne and baby Sophie

The older kids playing Go Fish . . .

Baby Sophie! In other news, I need camera that doesn't make adorable babies blurry!

Susanne and Olivia kayaking

sandcastles!

Dada and Parker

Olivia and Sophie

Sophie, Susanne and Chris at the outdoor concert

falling asleep . . .

Nolan watching the concert

He was in love with big holes on the beach and and now refusing to call the bath tub anything other than a hole.  

Family photo!

Olivia hamming up a frown during Chris' game of "lets see who can stand in the corner and be quiet the longest."