Cora is ONE?

On October 18th my little baby Cora turned 1 year old.  You may ask, "is this possible?" I know I do. So much in fact that Grant and I actually forgot it was her birthday until my MIL called wanting to wish her a Happy Birthday (about 1 1/2 hours after we got out of bed).  I don't want to blame this all on "Well, it is the third child" or maybe it happened because I totally lack an ability to remember anything to do with numbers, dates, birthdays.  In Cora's defense I had Jojo's Bday wrong for a while (confusion with the due date and birthdate being one day apart) and that I really did write Lillian's birthday down wrong on the calendar (It just seems like she was born on the 12th and not the 13th, I even had to think about it now). I shared my excuses now you'll have to ask Grant why he didn't remember. 

 Anyway, I think the real reason is because Cora is such a perfect fit in our family, she's bring joy to all of us everyday, she is just as sweet as they come, so that we aren't keeping track of her days.  It just feels like she has always been here with us.  

 Mom guilt got me so I had to stop and get a cake on my way home from work.

 I think she was happy for the extra thought :)

 She knew what to do...

 Time for bath to get the icing off and this diaper.

 maybe I should pull this up, nah I'm getting in the bath anyway.

 The only thing I can think of on this one is BRAVEHEART!

Her birthday gift for the day.  Getting to take a bath all by herself!

Now, that is a 3rd child present.

 I can't believe that she has grown up so much in a year.  I can go on and on about how much I love this little thing, but if you've met her she speaks for herself.  She has been a huge blessing to us.  So much so that I actually somewhat forget what a rough start we had with her.  I can't wait to watch her grow and to see her personality to really develop.  You definitely want time to slow down and cherish every moment with your last child.  

Happy Birthday Cora!

                  Love, mommy

Part II: The Party will be coming soon

Skipping School

Josiah has been in school for well over a month so we decided it was time to take a day off.  Aunt Christine and I were ready to see the new frog exhibit at the Children's Museum.  So off we went with the kids for the day.  I didn't take many pictures at the frog exhibit, but it was really cool and worth the trip.

 Josiah dressed up as a frog playing with Cora.

 Jojo could not wait to dress up as a "scuba man"

 Lillian was so cute.  She was walking around the coral with holding her breath like she was under water.

 Digging for the terra cotta soldier.  

The new National Explorer exhibit is really cool also.

 DINOSAURS!

Josiah being the scaredy cat he is said, "I'm going on a walk through the dinosaurs and thunder by myself."

Big step for him. Especially since the only way I got him into the Dinosphere this time was because they had turned the thunder off temporarily.

 Laying in her Dino nest.  

It looks like a big pile of poop here.

Josiah had a great time skipping school and I think it's safe to say he had a very "educational" time. 

Orchard 2011

We headed out to Anderson Orchard this morning for some fun.  It was a great time.  Minus the fact that Cora was being a grump and Lillian wanted to pick apples from the trees the whole time.

            

 How can  you not love this face?

Josiah was actually loving have his picture taken.

 They loved the hay bale play area.

 The only time I could get Cora to smile was while she was in the swing.

Fall is in the air!

Have a happy day!

Lillian's 3 and...

Everyone knows that time goes by too quickly, but nothing makes it seem faster than your child's birthday.  Lillian's been with us for 3 years...  She is such a unique kid, so fun, silly, and sweet... most of the time :)  I really can't imagine what God has planned for her life. Since she has so many facets to her personality.   I'm very excited to find out though. 

Here is to another blessed year ... and hopefully an end to the terrible twos ;)

We love you so much Lillian! 

 She got a sink for outside the house.  She loves to clean, wash, and scrub things.

 I was surprised by her "diva" move here.

 This is the bow I bought for her first birthday thinking I would be able to get it attached to her lack of hair.  

 Jumping... she LOVES to jump.  

 This is the cutest "3" you'll see.  It's the only way she likes to do it.  I'm glad I got a picture because someday we won't remember how she held her fingers up.

 Drinking her milkshake

(I didn't show the picture after it spilled out on her)

Aunt Catherine and Uncle Zach gave her a Disney gift card.  I saved it for her day to make it special.  If you go in on your birthday they make you a button with your name, a certificate, and a sticker.  It made it extra special for her. 

Another night we had pizza with the GGs Reilly and the Forcums.  She had a Barbie ballerina cake. I swear her birthday has been going on for a month!

Happy Birthday Lillian!

and....

GRANT IS 30!!!

So your daughter turning 3 make time fly, but so does your husband turning 30!

We met when we were 6 and now he is the big 3-0!!!

Really, where does time go?

I do thank the Lord for creating a such a wonderful husband, father, son and man. 

We had a wonderful time celebrating with a scrumptious dinner at Carnegie's and spending time with his family.   

Grant, I love you and Happy Birthday!