Independence Day

 Last year on the 4th of July it was moving day. No fireworks, no fun. Just moving our things out in 100+ degree weather. This year, I was determined to have a normal holiday (as normal as it can be with an 18 month old). The rain didn't help the mood of the day. I had planned to make the "Wave Your Flag Cheesecake" that I found online at kraft.com (final product pictured above) and it was delicious. It was also great to get assistance from Jessyca (pictured below) to finish the decorations on top. Baking with another person is twice the fun of doing it alone :)

Despite the rain, we went for a walk in to the park and played out in the rain. It was a good time. We also set off some small fireworks. Unfortunately, the concrete was too wet for the glowing snake fireworks so they got set off on the porch. Below is a photo of Eric lighting the "snakes" while Kate attempts to oversee.

PS: We did see big fireworks later that night, but by their 9:30pm start time, Kate could've cared less. Oh well! Maybe next year?

Walking: Day 1

Kate had taken her "First Step" for UncUnc (my Brother in law, James) & my sister's friend MaryLynn a few weeks before this video was taken. Kate didn't decide to join the world of the walking until Mother's day weekend. What a mother's day present it was :)

Just like everything she's done in life. She does it on her terms, her time, and then she's excellent at it quickly. It only took her a few days before she started running.

Easter Egg Hunt

On the Tuesday before Easter, Cville Mom's Group hosted their annual Easter Egg Hunt. I was unsure of how Kate would react, but it was a pot-luck event that didn't cost anything so we gave it a whirl. I bought her Easter basket last year and when I gave it to her Tuesday morning she was really excited. She was proud to carry it around like a purse. The tricky part is that she doesn't walk yet. This meant I was helping her hunt for the eggs. As the hunt started, we were in the 18month & under group. The hunt was a slow one. Kate walked up to the eggs, picked one up, and then shook it. I'm not sure what sound she was looking for, but if she was not satisfied, she put the egg back down. If she liked the sound, we put it in her basket. After all was said and done, we got about 10 eggs in 10 minutes. Later on at home I opened the eggs, there were only 3 types of toys. I guess she was listening for some specific sounds!! Funny little girl :) Below is a picture of Katelyn and Candace (who was visiting and attended the egg hunt with us).