Memorial Day

We had a nice, low key Memorial Day around here. After going through our usual morning stuff and getting the baby for a nap, we met Zack's family at Sugarhouse Park for a picnic of Sugarhouse Barbecue (yum!) and some frisbee. The baby enjoyed playing with her daddy's empty Coke bottle.

After the park, we all went to TCBY for some frozen yogurt, then Zack's parents took us to get some shoes for Clara since she is really getting good at walking.

Thanks to the Noyces for helping us have a nice holiday.

We've missed you

We made time in Florida for some of the things we have missed in Utah since we moved back here from Philly.

Florida wrap up

The last couple days in Florida, we trekked up to Orlando for some theme park fun. The other kids hit up Harry Potter World at Universal Studios. We realized that would be no fun for us with the baby, so we decided to go to Epcot instead.
Just arriving on a sorta chilly morning.

 We started out by riding the Finding Nemo ride, which Clara loved.

 She also enjoyed looking at the fish and dolphins in the aquarium after the ride.

 Clara had a blast waiting in line for Spaceship Earth.

 She was kind of a nightmare once we actually got on the ride, but we survived it.

 Once the world showcase opened, we spent most of the rest of our time there. Clara enjoyed the little ride in Mexico.

 And we all enjoyed pigging out on lunch at the delicious restaurant in Mexico.

 Of course we had to get a picture of the topiary Pooh, since Clara loves Pooh so much.

 Look, Zack was there with us too!

 Taking a little break from the stroller.

While we were walking around some of the shops, we just happened upon Pooh and Tigger. Clara was seriously so excited. She actually got impatient because there was someone in front of us in line to see them. It was adorable.

As the day went on, the weather really warmed up, and it was very nice out.

Later in the evening, we went and picked up the other peeps at Harry Potter, went out to dinner, then met the parents at our hotel for the night.
The next day, we started out at the Animal Kingdom.

 We spent the middle of the day at the Magic Kingdom.

We polished the day off at Hollywood Studios. Looks like we didn't actually get any photos there. Since we hit up 3 parks in 1 day, we mostly just rode some of the best rides: Dinosaur, Expedition Everest, and the Safari Ride at Animal Kingdom; Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Thunder Mountain at Magic Kingdom; Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios. To be honest, it was kind of a long day, and somewhat difficult, but we still had a fun time. We drove back to Tampa late that night since we were all flying out of there the next day.

The Becks

On Monday, I got an unexpected text from the Becks saying they were in town and the wanted to get together. We ended up at Gourmandise for some delicious desserts. Oliver brought me this pretzel as a special gift.

Zack was substitute teaching that day and was sad that he wasn't going to get to see them, but they were kind enough to wait for him to get home, then they came over to our place for a while. The kids played and we got caught up a little. It was such a pleasant surprise to see them. Thanks for squeezing us in to your busy trip guys.

More Florida

Well, this wasn't the spring break weather we have enjoyed in Florida in years past. It was still warmer than it was in Utah all but 1 of the days though. Of course we had to hit up a Phillies game while we were near Clearwater. It actually ended up being farther to Clearwater than we expected, plus we got stuck in traffic, so it was a bit of a drive. When we got there, our little family had seats on the grass while Z's parents had seats in the stands. It worked out well so that the baby could crawl around and have some fun.

Go Phillies!

Alas, there was only such much fun to be had in the crowded, windy ballpark. I tried to keep Clara entertained by walking around the park a few times, but eventually she was just done done done, and we had to cut out early. We especially felt bad making Z's parents leave early. We made sure we got some water ice before we left.

A view of the park on the way out.

Go figure, the year we decide to get a condo on the beach, it's not really beach weather. Still, one day we headed out and checked it out. It was pretty and the sand was so soft. But it wasn't that warm and it was still windy so we didn't last long. Maybe next time.

A First Birthday

Prepare yourself for some major photo overload. Seriously.

I was so excited for Clara's first birthday. I have had a great time planning it and getting it all pulled together. After weeks of thought and planning and days of cleaning and preparation, today was the big day. We spent the morning getting all set up, getting balloons blown up, and getting the baby to take a good nap so she wouldn't be cranky for the party. The festivities started at 1 PM. The theme of our party was:

Our fridge magnets only have 1 of each letter so Zack got a little creative spelling that out. Anyway, here is the decor. The living room

 Looking back toward the kitchen

This is the kitchen before the cookies arrived

The kitchen table (after the cookies arrived, obviously)

Michelle enjoys baking and is much better at it than I am so, even though she has been busier than heck moving this week, so provided us with these lovely home made cookies.  All were very delicious.

Zack's parents have some dietary restrictions so they were stuck with store bought cookies (there were more than 2 cookies on the plate at some point. I promise).

These "milk mustaches" were the centerpiece of the table set up.

Here are some details of the little milk jars we used. We forgot to take pictures of these earlier, so this was after the party.

Paper goods station

Before you get some idea that I'm all crafty and such, I should mention that I bought a little party package off etsy and the shop owner designed my party invitations, banner, welcome sign, the food labels and things we put on the milk jars, etc. I take no credit for that.

Clara was actually still napping when the party was supposed to start. We had to wake her so she started out a little shy, but she had taken a 90+ minute nap so she soon perked up. The birthday girl making her debut:

Our first order of business was to pig out on goodies and watch the babies play. The milk mustaches were a hit.

Clara didn't really understand why everyone was playing with them instead of eating them.

 Marseille was playing with some balls and discovered a new place to store them. We all got a kick out of that.

Soon it was time to open gifts. Clara is actually really good at unwrapping presents. Her first present was this cute cookie monster from Aunt Amy.

Uncle Ben and Aunt Tosca got her this push cart, which she just loves. She does not walk on her own yet (although she's getting close) but we set her up with this and she'll just take off across the room until she runs into something and can't go any farther. It is so cute!

 Uncle Sam had to leave before Clara unwrapped his present. She ripped the paper off it like a pro.

 And she just loved the little Sesame Street cars that were inside.

 Grandma Beth and Grandpa Dave gave Clara a little board book with pictures from her first year...

 and a little xylophone toy.

Aunt Megan and Uncle Jeff got Clara a darling little outfit (pictured below) and a book.

Grandma Deb and Grandpa Scott also got her some clothes and a baby doll, which she played with for quite a while.

By that time, she had kind of lost interest in opening presents, which was fine because the only 2 left were a ride-on car from us and her convertible car seat, courtesy of her grandparents.
Next, it was cake time. We got this little smash cake at Smith's for so cheap.

I tried for the last few weeks to train Clara to blow out a candle, but all she ever wanted to do was grab it. Today was no exception. We are sad we forgot to put her birthday hat back on for this.

At first, she seemed pretty interested. She went for the cookies and ate most of those. Then she stuck her hands in the frosting, and that's where it went downhill. She decided that she was very upset about being messy. She kept rubbing her hands together, trying to wipe them off.

 Then she rubbed frosting all over her face, which just upset her more.

 After a while of trying to interest her in actually eating it, we gave up. This is what was left.

At the end of the party, those who wanted to were able to take home a box packed with leftover cookies to enjoy later.

Clara had a great time (except for the cake part), and so did we. Thanks to our family for attending and for all the lovely gifts. Happy birthday to our little Clara!