Quick Post

We just got back from Florida last night, and of course I'm NOWHERE near finished going through the pictures! Surprised? :) However, I just had to show you what Hopey thought of the Ocean. More to come later!

Really Cold Grapes...

I guess I didn't realize the grapes were really THAT cold...

The Cake Pictures...

I've had several people ask when I was going to update the blog with Hopey's birthday, and especially birthday CAKE pictures. Well today is the day!!!! We had Hopey's family party last Sunday, a party with my parents and gram on her actual birthday, and a small party with Aunt Renae on Friday. Needless to say, I think Hopey's just about partied out! By the way, Chuck E. Cheese is still happening, I'm just not sure when!! :) Anyway, I can't thank all of you enough for the super sweet cards, phone calls, and presents you sent to Hopey! That was so incredibly thoughtful, and all of you made her first birthday so special!

Quick disclaimer, Hopey DID NOT like her cake or cupcakes...Yes, I was devastated. Every time I tried to give her a piece, she'd put her hand out to stop me and shake her head no. Sigh...it's true, MY child doesn't like sweets. I did get a few pictures of Hopey picking at the icing, throwing it around, and squishing it in her hands. But the majority of the mess on her face came from her wiping her gross little hands all over herself. Okay, without further ado, I'd like to present Hopey's first birthday pictures!!

This was the family party last Sunday...

And this was her actual birthday...

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY HOPEY!!!!

One year ago today, at 8:49 PM, our little miracle baby was handed to us for the first time. She was 6 pounds 15 ounces, 20 inches long, 4 days early, and super feisty! My little Doodle Bug was only 3 days old in this picture. I truly can't believe the time went by so quickly. My precious little Hopey Doo, I love you from the tip of my toes, and I thank God everyday for the wonderful gift He blessed me with on March 11th, 2008. Happy Birthday baby girl!!!

The Wonders of the Park

Last Friday, Hopey got to play at the park for the very first time, and she had a WILD time!! My super wonderful friends, Meg and Kara, planned our whole crazy adventure so that the kids (and us) could get out in last week's gorgeous weather! I can't even begin to tell you how much fun we had!! Okay, maybe I should say how much fun I had... :) I could talk and talk, but that would get boring, so I'll just post pictures of our fabulous day!

A Day at the Children's Museum

My sweet friend Katie took Hopey and me to the Children's Museum last week for Hopey's first visit, and let me tell you, we had FUN!! In fact, it's quite possible that I had more fun than Hopey!! Katie's daughter, Madeline, and nephew, Brennan were old pros at knowing the happenings of the museum, so they showed Hopey where the action was!

Our first stop was the Lego Castle Adventure. Hopey was a little nervous for the first few minutes...

...which seemed to shock Madeline...

...but it didn't take too long before she joined in the fun!
All three of the kids were mesmerized by the dragon...
...while Katie got to know the knight a bit better!
After a super fun time in Lego Land, we found the highlight of our trip at the water area in Playscape. I had absolutely no idea that water could be so fascinating for so long!! Hopey was absolutely soaked by the time we left, but it was well worth it!

She also thoroughly enjoyed licking the water tub from top to bottom, but we don't need to share that with my mom. :)
Before we left, Brennan made the catch of the day with two fish and a boot! Sadly, the other fish and boot had already fallen off by the time I took this picture.

Finally, we finished up our fantastic day by going on a carousel ride. Believe it or not, Hopey absolutely loved it!
Katie, Madeline, and Brennan, we can't thank you enough for sharing such a wonderful day with us!!