Parks!

It's official. This girl wants to be outside ALL the time. I'm glad she came in to this phase when the weather was finally starting to look shades of Spring/Summer. She crawls or walks, yes walks, to the door and reaches for the knob while looking at me with expectation. She knows the outside world is a magical play land and she wants to live there.

These pictures are from a trip to Greenlake with our friend Camiguin and her two beautiful girls, Pearl and Tasmin. Parks are even better when you get to share them with friends.

Have you seen how big my mouth is?

Wheeee!

The "playground pout".

Beauty girl Taz! I don't have a picture of Pearl because she was off with a freshly made friend.

Swing it ladies.

Let's go over here!

The post park cool out. Stay cool my babies!

Spring Neighborhood Fun

We are so lucky to have our dear friends the Croasdale family in our neighborhood. On the same street even! It makes spring and summer impromtu hangouts or bbq's easy. I hope to take more and more advantage of that as the summer gets closer. My little girl loves her some Croasdale's. You can see it in the pictures below.

Oh yeah, she's taken some steps on her own but still prefers to hold at least one finger.

I love this picture. It looks like summer.

Kisses for Fin? You betcha!

Eva was kind enough to cut up watermelon for Goldie but she wasn't havin it. She's right. It's way more fun to eat it of the rind.

Flowers are so fun to play with... and apparently delicious to The Gold. Got to keep an eye on that.

Do you want to read this book to me?

This looks like a good one.

I heard the ending of this one is hilarious!

I wouldn't be opposed to reading this one again. (I could not make this underline go away! AAh)

This one looks super sweet.

Thanks Mama. I love books.

We love that you love them sweetie.

Hair do's

Her beautiful fuzzy hair is really starting to grow. Especially the part that used to be her mohawk. It's growing right down in to her eyes. I am trying to let it grow and keep it out of her face. Here are some of my options...

Crazy bug barrette side pony.

The "natural" look with much side sweeping of the bangs...

See her little curl on the left? How bout that!?

Spiky pony that makes her easy to spot.

Heart shaped barrette.

Ribbon bow off a present.

Sun hat!

Marigold, I would like to apologize in advance for how terrible I am at hair. May you grow up and teach me a thing or two. Seriously, please do that.

Guitars and Grandparents

I don't know if she really had a choice in the matter but this girl LOVES the guitar. Lucky for her she has a Dad who plays for her almost ever night and a Grandpa who thrills her with his picking prowess.

She gets some good harmony from her Grandparents too...

I'm so glad she loves music like her family does. Her singing voice is sweet and high and melts my heart every time.

Mother's Day

I hope everyone had a fabulous Mother's Day! This was my second one. I can't believe that. Marigold was exactly two weeks old last Mother's Day. Seems so long ago and at the same time, it seems like yesterday. I tell ya, this mom stuff is rad.

I got my first Marigold Louise Schoolcraft original. Casey had the idea to do handprints but Marigold is a little more abstract. They also treated me to a facial at my favorite spa. Can't wait to get that much anticipated pampering! I am so lucky.

Her closed mouth smile kills me every time.

Out to brunch. Don't they look interested in what I'm saying? I see this a lot.

We had an early dinner (linner?) with Grammy Joanne, Auntie Jodie, Grandma Great, Uncle Steve and Candy. Auntie was nice to walk The Gold all over the place when eating got boring.

Still loves to look out windows and talk about what she sees.

My little family. Marigold, thank you so much for making me a mom. I love it more than anything. Next up Father's Day. I need a good idea....

Let them eat cake...

It's crazy that I haven't posted about Marigold's first birthday yet. She turned one on April 25th. We had a small party at the the park and the sun blessed us with it's presence. I'm not sad she's one but I think her birthday reminded me of how fast this amazing experience is going to be. I want to be present. I want to feel it all and embrace each day. I am the luckiest mama ever.

First birthday = First sugar ever. I made the cupcakes and cream cheese frosting so I could know exactly what she was eating. Yes, I'm that crazy mom. I stupidly thought she might not even like it. HA!! She ate all the frosting first in internal bliss. Like no one else was there.

Thanks to everyone who sent me pictures. I was way too engaged to take any myself and am so glad to have some document of the day. First year of parenting, check.

Delaeny came all the way from Yakima! Her birthday is next:)

She got way too many presents. This girl is spoiled... I mean loved.

She had lots of help opening gifts. All the kids took turns revealing the loot.

And did I mention cake? Cake is good.

Seriously good.

One Year Stats:

Length - 30 in - 80%

Weight - 21 lbs 5 oz - 55%

Head Circumference - 18.11 in - 77%

One year old and still perfect. Isn't she amazing?!