Fun to be 1

Evelyn turned 1 on the 24th and we've had a good time celebrating in different ways in different places. First, a nice photo of Joshua and his girls.

Birthday waffles with whip cream and fruit!

All cleaned up and ready to open some gifts.

Sporting the hair bow from Catherine and Bo and checking out the rash guard from uncle Aaron and Auntie Kate!

Enjoying the pocket book from her great Auntie Mame.

Showing off her current state of mobility.

We had lunch at Applebee's the day before the big day. I love this somewhat candid shot of Sydney and Joshua. It reminds me of one of the last picture on this post with the apple not falling far from the tree.

We topped off lunch with a trip to the McDonald's playplace.

 On Evelyn's actual birthday we were on Long Island where she was exploring the play table and the play house.

Then the girls celebrated both of their birthdays in style with their aunts thanks to an influx of great new clothes! (Signs point to Evelyn's hair color coming from Joshua's family!!)

Joshua the Builder

Joshua discovered some free pieces of playground equipment and has taken to sculpting a masterpiece of a swing set around those pieces over the last couple of weeks. There are still some parts to add (like a roof!) but the progress is definitely worth checking out.

The plot before construction commenced.

The decking which will be reincarnated as platforms and a climbing wall.

deconstructing

Sadie supervising

the middle section

space for 3 swings on each side and a sandbox underneath the middle platform

Sydney turning the wheel she picked out at Home Depot.

Turning the wheel and peaking through the "window" she requested

Today's latest addition - the climbing wall!

Sydney got the hang of it on her second trip up.

Next steps include a roof and a cargo net!

Wheee...3!

Sydney turned 3 on May 7th. True to most birthdays in our family, she started celebrating early (with friends at school), celebrated at home, celebrated at Nana and Papa's...and will continue to celebrate (and sing happy birthday to herself or anyone who will listen) until Evelyn usurps her on Tuesday.

Sydney celebrating with friends at school during snack time.

Celebrating at home with a giant cookie cake!

Cookie cake ala mode!

Evelyn gets her first taste of chocolate courtesy of Sydney's cookie cake.

Enjoying the shape/color game from her great aunt.

Sydney's reaction to the Rocky music we gave her for her birthday. (No, this is not exactly the jumping up and down reaction we were hoping for but she has since warmed up to it and requested it.)

Birthday Chipwich at Nana and Papa's

The orange sensory toy was a huge hit...

especially when she discovered you could outline your face!

Happy Easter

Despite the nagging illnesses, we managed to have a nice Easter. Joshua and Sydney baked and frosted Sydney's first lamb cake. We made it to church and Sydney loved the Easter egg hunt which followed the service. She and Evelyn also did some hunting around our living room. Joshua baked a delicious ham and we enjoyed that with the lamb cake for Easter dinner.

Thumbs up for lamb cake

Sydney getting ready for church and trying on my Mary Jane crocs.

Family portrait which does not fully showcase Joshua's icecream cone tie which Sydney picked out.

Sydney looked adorable in her dress from her Great Aunt!

Evelyn was in charge of the eggs on the floor. She is standing and cruising but not walking yet. She was happy to go after the eggs, until she got caught on her dress and got frustrated!

finished product!