Backyard BBQ and more...

It was a perfect weekend at our house following a very busy week both at home and in our respective places of employment. Our dear friends Liz, Nick and Stella came to play for the whole weekend. Stella is five weeks older than Henry and they are dear friends already...at least that is what we tell them. The weather was so warm we enjoyed pizza outside on the picnic table Friday with great conversation late into the evening. Despite the cool breeze, on Saturday morning we ventured to the park to play for awhile before lunch. After some great naps taken by the little ones, we welcomed friends Katie, Adam, Avery and Brady to our house for the first time. The weather was absolutely beautiful - perfect for a backyard BBQ. On Sunday afternoon the three of us went landscaping crazy. With three trips to the garden center we were well equipped to transform our yard...just hours after having company over to play in our yard, and hours before two nights of temperatures below freezing. Despite these minor hiccups, with some plastic sheeting and TLC, I think our veges, petunias and daisies are going to pull through. Henry loved playing in the dirt, mulch and weeds...he really has a green thumb...just check out his tomato plants. So...now that our yard is much improved, we welcome all of our friends and family for a backyard BBQ.

Spring!

Last weekend we had two very special visitors...Sarah and sweet baby girl Stevens. Thank you for coming Sarah...we had so much fun with you. On Sunday, Grandma and Grandpa Beckman joined us for another birthday party for Henry. This week, Henry started to run. As he moves from room to room, he runs with an excited giggle as we follow him. He is really enjoying all of his birthday toys...it seems he plays with every toy everyday. He picks a favorite each day, though, and carries it in one hand wherever he goes. Being able to spend lots of time outside is our new favorite thing. We take walks everyday, and have picnics in the park. Today we are going to the Zionsville Green Festival to celebrate Earth Day. Yesterday, we walked in the Race for the Cure. It was a cold and rainy morning, so Henry and Daddy only walked a bit before they had to go home. Shylo and I finished, though, and enjoyed the experience. Last night Henry enjoyed spaghetti with tomato sauce. We stripped him down to his diaper and let him go....he loved it. This week we look forward to storyhour, playdates, Wednesday with Grandma Carol, another picnic in the park and lots of sunshine.

A New Jersey Visit!

The celebrations continued last weekend as we welcomed our dear Auntie Laura, Olivia and Sophie from New Jersey. We loved having them to ourselves all weekend, and were so thankful for the beautiful weather so that we could spend lots of time outside. Together we enjoyed the Toy Museum and Soda Fountain in Zionsville on Friday afternoon. On Saturday we spent our morning at the Trader's Point Creamery and Dairy Farm where everyone was either in awe (Henry) or pretty grossed out (everyone else) by the many, many chickens roaming the grounds. The highlight, though, was the baby calves that were less than 24 hours old! Later that afternoon, after a picnic in the backyard, we visited the Zionsville Nature Center and two super fun parks. On Sunday, before we bid farewell, we spent several exciting hours at the Children's Museum in Indy. It is a wonderful museum and we look forward to spending lots of time there in the years to come. Thanks girls for coming...we can't wait to see you again! XOXOXO

Cowboy Henry Turns 1

A good time was had by all at Henry's Cowboy Birthday party on Sunday. Family and friends dressed up as cowboys and cowgirls to celebrate Henry's first year. Cowboy Jim and Cowgirl Sheila won the award for best dressed, showing up in full western attire, complete with leather chaps. Henry loves all of his new toys, clothes and books. Thank you to everyone who helped make this such a special celebration. A special thanks to MooMoo and Grandpa Hacker for hosting the big event...it was perfect. Here's to year two!