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!

A Big Day

Our sweet little baby has become our sweet little boy. Today we celebrated Henry's first birthday with Great Grandma Shamel's homemade pumpkin bread for breakfast, a couple of fun birthday presents, a first haircut, a first taste of candy, and a trip to the basketball court...and the Cowboy Birthday Party isn't until tomorrow! We had a wonderful day celebrating with MooMoo and Grandpa Hacker. Henry showed everyone we met how old he was by pointing his finger at them when asked. He was a very good boy while our favorite Charlotte trimmed his hair. He really looks like a big boy with his new haircut. He was very excited to receive a green little kawasaki four wheeler from the McCarthys. He loved riding around the house today, and was not happy when it was time to get off. The box in which it came, however, proved to be almost as much fun.

We continue to marvel at this little boy of ours. His smile is contagious and his funny little personality melts our hearts on a daily basis. We love the sounds he makes, and the way he walks. We love the gap between his front teeth and his strong, sturdy little legs. We love everything about him, and look forward to all that is to come in year two.

Tonight, the balloons and streamers are hung, the cake is decorated and the cowboy hats are ready...tomorrow we are having a Birthday Party for Cowboy Henry...stay tuned...

Happy Birthday sweet Henry.

Easter Egg Hunt

I just realized I forgot to post pictures from our very first Easter Egg hunt at the park. It was cold and drizzly, but still super fun as MooMoo, Grandpa and Uncle John joined us. Henry really didn't care much about the eggs, but loved the Easter Bunny.

We've had great fun with MooMoo all week. We've been to library class and on several long walks. Henry's favorite place is the kitchen. He loves to explore all of the shelves and cabinets. This morning he learned that he is almost 1 year old. When asked, he will sometimes show one finger. We're going to try to perfect it by Saturday. The Big Birthday is almost here!!

Henry's new cousin Koleton is home, and behaving beautifully. For pictures of the beautiful baby, check out their blog: http://web.mac.com/ericpfaff

A Happy Easter!

What a fun week we've had! Grandpa Hacker, MooMoo and Uncle John and Grandpa Beckman came last weekend to play, and when Grandpa and Uncle John left on Sunday, MooMoo stayed! She is here to play for two weeks, until we go to Bolivar for Henry's Big Cowboy Birthday Party. We've had such an exciting week. Henry has a cousin! Koleton Merick Pfaff was born on March 21, very early in the morning to proud parents Kim and Eric. We are anxiously awaiting pictures, but hear he is a beautiful and perfect baby. And, the Easter Bunny came this morning. Though Henry was not real excited about finding the Easter eggs hidden in his bedroom, he was very excited to find a basket of goodies waiting on the breakfast table. Among them, the miniature Tonka firetruck was the favorite...of course. As the weather improves, we are able to take more walks outside, which is a very good thing. As we approached our house this afternoon, Henry reached his hand high into the air to greet it. He loves to wave. He is really into dancing right now, and playing games. He loves peek-a-boo, and will hide behind corners, chairs, walls, whatever he can find, to initiate a game of "where's Henry?" He had his first taste of Indian food on Saturday, and seemed to love the naan and curried apples. We are looking forward to another exciting week as we count down to Henry's first birthday on Saturday!