Danielle's 2nd birthday party!!!

Tonight was the first of Danielle's birthday celebrations this week. This was the party where I baked the cake, we got her balloons, and family here got together to enjoy Danielle's big day. The funny thing was that Danielle was most excited by her balloon plates! All the other efforts and she loved the birthday plates. That was until the presents started showing up. She quickly figured out that part. She received lots of clothes (Mommy loves that part), stuff for her baby dolls, a toy doctor set (she thinks the doctor is neat because we go every 2 weeks now!), a toy horse, and the cutest little pig ever that grunts sweetly and crinkles his nose when you pet his back. The pig was from Uncle Tim, it was such a great gift and watching her with her little "Wilbur" is so touching.

I could go on and on about her big evening but I really should get the pictures posted and get to bed. We all enjoyed it very much and Danielle did a great job I thought. Aunt Roxie took pictures for us so I'm in some of the photos...that was so wonderful of her. I do have to mention that the one picture of Danielle getting a bite of cake...that was about as long as she took to sit still for cake. She just wanted down to play with all her new stuff. Pretty hilarious, I thought.

I did bake her a cake and decorate it with my beginner skills. It tasted pretty good and I enjoyed making her a pink cake (her request of course).

Decorating the cake before the party:

Early Thanksgiving

Tonight we had an early Thanksgiving dinner with my family. It was a wonderful way to start the season. We went for a walk in the afternoon (not quite a Turkey Trot but still great to get outdoors!) and then had an early dinner, played cards, and had dessert. The highlight for Danielle was the ice cream. I snapped a few photos of her enjoying it and then showing me it was all gone!

Now it's time to get ready for the first of many birthday celebrations for Danielle. Tomorrow evening we'll have a little family party here. Then Monday we leave for So. Cal. and have lots of family gatherings, including another birthday party or 2 for Danielle. Should be fun. I guess she should soak up all the attention she can before the new baby arrives!! (still 8 weeks to go).

Ok, now I'll post the photos and be back to post more tomorrow. By the way, Danielle's real birthday is Saturday, Nov. 29th. How can our little miracle baby be 2 years old?! Everyone said it would go by fast but wow...now I believe them.

Danielle and Mimi having a little story time.

I like ice cream...

All gone!

Danielle on her pink & purple bike that she rides at Mimi & Papa's house. She's still learning about pedaling...

Of course baby has to take a turn!

Almost 2

Since Danielle will soon be 2 years old and I really don't have any great photos I thought I'd try again today to take some pictures. Luckily the weather was overcast which made for good photos. Suddenly this week Danielle likes to get her picture taken and posed quite well. Guess it's time to get to JC Penney and do the 2-year professional pictures!

Bowling Fun

Last weekend a friend had a birthday party at the bowling alley so Danielle went bowling for the first time. She didn't really get the concept but she seemed to enjoy going up with Daddy and pushing the bowling ball. She seemed a bit shocked when the pins disappeared but since we were all clapping she clapped, too. Then she would clap for everyone no matter how well they bowled. It was cute.

It's probably time to post the latest words/phrases Danielle says. At somewhat random times she will say "Oh my gosh" (and repeat it several times). :-) She has figured out that "please" and "thank you" work pretty well. So, it's "please milk", "please cracker" ("tata" is more what it sounds like), or when she drops her baby on the floor of the car "please baby". And about 9 out of 10 times she then says "thank you, mommy" or "thank you, Daddy". Our favorite thing of all is once in awhile she says I love you. Actually she copies us from saying "I love you so much". So, she will wrap her arms around our neck and say "love much". I don't think anything could melt our hearts more than that. Oh yeah, it's also hilarous when she hears us call eachother "honey" or "Lis" or "Jeff" and then tries it out herself.

Well, I could go on and on but I think Danielle's waking up now. I'll just have to post more random stuff later.