welcome to oz

Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:59:00 +0000

Brooklynn was all dressed up for our ward Christmas party, so I had to bust out the camera. She doesn't like to stay still for the camera so I have to move fast, but this is what I got.

Ready, set...hike!

This is soooo Brooklynn, this is what she does when she says "Ooooh noooo!"

"Mom, this is so boring!"

Finally she's looking at the camera and smiling.

The next two were taken right before church this morning.

My favorite!

Thanksgiving Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:36:00 +0000

This Thanksgiving was a lot of first for us. The first time I had Thanksgiving not with family, the first time we hosted Thanksgiving Dinner, and the first time we cooked a turkey. Even though we missed being with our families it's sure nice to have good friends who are like our family away from family. Here are some of the highlights from the weekend:

Making pies with friends the night before Thanksgiving
Wii (thanks to the Madsens for providing the Wii)
Watching the movie Elf
Looking through all the black Friday ads
Putting our Christmas decorations up (love how cozy it makes our house)
Going to the cheap theater matinee (Julie & Julia) definitely worth the $1.00 we paid for it
Swimming (indoors, of course)
Crossroad Village (Brookylnn's first train ride, and first time meeting Santa)
Settlers with our friends

I think that pretty much sums up our Thanksgiving weekend. Too bad Monday is tomorrow and Derek has to go to school. We love when Derek can be at home with us!

Appetizers

Thanksgiving Feast! Everyone contributed and everyone left with plenty of left overs.

The Ladies

The kids sat here just long enough for us to get the picture.

Brookie's favorite part of the day.

Brooklynn's hard at work helping with the Christmas decorations.

Crossroads Village is a cute little antique village from the early 20th century. While we were there we went for a train ride, the route was decorated with tons of christmas lights. We also saw all of the fun christmas shops, and most of all Brookylnn got to meet Santa...she was so excited about it! You'll see how excited she was by the picture below.

Classic santa picture. Brooklynn is thinking "why the heck do you want me to sit on this silly looking man". I am so glad I got this picture to document this big moment in her life...ha ha ha!

At last a pregnancy picture a few of you have requested. This was taken before Thanksgiving (28 weeks), but I am pretty sure my stomach is double the size from all the food I've eaten this weekend. I am now 29 weeks pregnant! Holy smokes, this pregnancy is flying by, I can't believe I am in my last trimester and our little girl will be here before we know it.

Zoo

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 02:05:00 +0000

A couple weeks ago we went to the zoo with some friends. It was in the mid 60's (very unusual weather) we had to take advantage of the nice weather because you never know when winter is going to come. This fall we have been lucky! Anyway, I just wanted to post a few cute pictures from that day.

Brooklynn was having so much fun with Allie on this slide.

Brooklynn and Evy in the egg. Brooklynn has her mouth wide open and tongue sticking strait out like a little bird would. Makes me laugh!

These two animals were our favorites!

Happy Halloween...

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:26:00 +0000

from the Bee family!!!

We dressed up for our ward halloween party. Derek was a good sport and went a long with it (and I think he even liked it). We definitely stood out in our bright yellow and we were finalist in the costume contest!

Our Bubble Bee

My friend Shana let us borrow this adorable bee costume for Brooklynn. It was nice not having to spend a dime and Brookie looked so stinkin' cute!

Trying to take a picture with Brooklynn and some of her little friends. They wanted to play ring a round the rosey instead.

Is it really November 1st? October sure flew by with Halloween festivities. We went to a few neighbors and let Brooklynn trick or treat. She caught on really fast and didn't want to stop. Luckily, I think she has forgotten about the candy (which means more candy for me and Derek). I hope everyone had an awesome Halloween!

Chicago

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:23:00 +0000

Last weekend Derek and I went to Chicago, and got to see some of our favorite people! My cousin Jenna and her husband just moved there for school. It's only a few hours a way from us. This was the first time we left Brooklynn over night. It was harder to leave her then I expected, but it was nice not to worry about naps, strollers, snacks... you get the point. I was afraid she might be mad at us when we got back, but she was just happy to see us. Anyway, Jenna's two sisters were also visiting Amanda, Joy, and Joy's cute daughter Amelia. So yes it was a big slumber party! I love these girls just like my own sisters, and I love getting to spend time with them any chance I get. Chicago is such a pretty city, I loved it!!! It was my first time I'd ever been there. So we had fun walking around and exploring the big city!

This is a picture Jenna took. At a park right by her house, isn't that a cool view!

Me and Jenna with our hubbies!

Posing in front of a random horse in China Town.

Amanders & me making silly faces (Amanda we sure have a lot of these pictures together:)).

The BIG reflection bean!

If you look close enough you can see Amanda taking the picture and waving in the reflection.

While we were waiting for the train we attempted a jumping picture.

After a few tries this is what we got. Check out that air time...ha ha. We tried!

All of us right before we left in front of Jenna & Bryan's apartment. Ahhh...what a fun weekend, so good to see all of you. Jenna & Bryan showed us all a great time! It was fun to see them in their cute apartment as newly weds. They're as happy as can be:)!

Oh yea! I almost forgot to mention I tasted my first piece of chicago deep dish pizza. It was YUM YUM good!

Cider Mill

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:10:00 +0000

We went to the cider mill with some friends last week. We enjoyed some hot cider, hot doughnuts, Brooklynn got to see animals, and run around with her little friends. We had a grand old time!!!

While I am at it here are a few more pictures of Brooklynn:

Brooklynn is learning her body parts "eyes".

This is Brookies favorite thing right now. She growls like a lion, and she loves when Derek chases her around in this lion costume. She thinks of it as a big stuff animal.

Brooklynn absolutely LOVES playing with Derek!!! I am pretty sure her favorite part of the day is when Derek comes home from school. She immediately finds her favorite toys and starts throwing them at him. You would think I never play with the girl, but seriously I do my best to entertain that girl all day. I guess I am not as fun as her Daddy!!! But if she is sick or tired she wants me, I'm there for stability and Derek's there for entertainment...ha ha! That's what Derek says anyway.

Brooklynn is in the NO stage. She loves saying that word, especially to other kids, and I hate that word (since she says it all the time). Derek and I have banned the word from our house. So instead of telling her NO we are saying it in different ways (hoping that helps). How long does this NO stage last? Any suggestions to help her replace it to a happier word?

Baby #2 is a...

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:57:00 +0000

GIRL*GIRL*GIRL!!!! We just found out this morning we are having another little girl. I was really hoping for another girl, so we are super happy! Hopefully her and Brookie can be good buds, and I already have a ton of girl clothes. The baby looks healthy, is very active, has a strong heart beat, is growing normal, and during the whole ultra sound she had the hiccups...it looked pretty funny on the screen. I felt the baby move a few weeks ago! I am 19 weeks, and almost half way done.

18 Months

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:09:00 +0000

These pictures aren't her 18 months, they were taken a long time ago. But I still wanted to post them, because I just think there adorable. My good friend Rachel did them, and as always did a wonderful job. Thanks Rach!

Brooklynn is 18 months today! This is my favorite stage so far (I think I say that about every stage), because her personality is really coming out and she is a lot more interactive. It seems like everyday she is learning a new word, and I love to hear her sweet voice. She just understands so much more than she use to. A few of Brooklynn's favorite things are animals, books (if it includes animals), dancing (and boy does she have moves), and balls. This girl is constantly making Derek and I laugh and smile!!!

Labor Day

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Labor day is always bitter sweet for me, because I know that summer is coming to an end. But at the same time I get excited for all the fall things to start (football, holidays, the beautiful fall colors, etc). Our labor day started off with a family bike ride, big breakfast, good ol nap, and then off to the lake.

Brooklynn loved the splash park!!!

Dance party at the slpash park.

There were all these seagulls the kids were chasing around, here you can see them pointing at them.

Brookie wishing she could get in on that action.

What would be labor day with out good food?

A little bocci ball.

The guys talking sports or politics, or both. Probably a little of both.

Definitely a good way to end the summer!

In the summer Derek works in the lab and does research for his professor. Now that school has started he is taking a few classes, still doing lab work and research, and this is the first semester he starts teaching. He is teaching an undergraduate Physical Chemistry class. So far, he is loving it!!!

What do Brookie and I do while Derek is busy with school? We play, of course. Play group & story times start up, YMCA (exercise and Brooklynn loves the kiddie pool), morning out, and lot's of playgrounds and walks . Now that I am in the 2nd trimester I feel like I have most of my energy back, and it feels really good. I am trying to live up having one kid and doing lot's, because I know when the new baby comes I won't want to go and do much at first.

Finally, I got this post done. Lately, I don't feel like there is much time for blogging. But I am going to "try" to be better at it. Wish me luck!

Osborne Family Reunion '09

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:37:00 +0000

Last month we had the annual Osborne family reunion, and of course it was a blast! It was filled with a beach day (sandcastle competition), Lego Land, lot's of swimming, rockets, and just spending time together. Why is it when were with family the time always goes way way to fast. I think Brooklynn's favorite part was Oma & Opa's pool she could live in that pool and be perfectly content. Anyway, here is a slideshow to show some of the fun...enjoy!

By the Way...

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 01:18:00 +0000

BABY #2 is on it's way! I am 16 weeks along and the baby is due February 2010. We are so EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!

Here Kitty, Kitty...

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:28:00 +0000

Yesterday morning we went to our local farmers market. We walked around checked out all the different stands. Brooklynn was getting bored in her stroller, and low and behold there was a box full of kittens. Brooklynn was having so much fun hugging and playing with the kittens. After a few minutes of playing with Brooklynn and the kitten we looked up and Brooklynn had a crowd around her. Anyway, I thought these pictures captured how much fun Brookie was having!

Wedding & Reunion

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 17:19:00 +0000

I was able to go to my cousin Jenna's wedding. I am so happy I could be there to celebrate such a special occasion. I love weddings! Everyone is always so happy (especially the bride and groom), and it brings family and friends together. I finally got to meet Bryan! They're perfect for each other, and I am so happy for them!

Just hangin' out waiting for the bride and groom to make their entrance.

Old Roomies!

My awesome sisters!

Kisses, kisses, kisses

The happy couple Jenna & Bryan.

Bridesmaids with the bride.

Me and my good looking hubby.

We were all 5 roomies. This group of girls I refer to as "my perfect apartment" we all got a long so well, and have so many fun memories together...ahh it makes me laugh just thinking about them! I really do just love these girls!

What a perfect day, and their off!

Is it me or does Brooklynn look like such a "big girl" in this picture?

Hale Family Reunion: This reunion happens every year, and I haven't been able to go to the last couple. So since I was already in Utah for the wedding I was able to make it this year. We missed Derek, because he went back to school after the wedding. It was nice for me to catch up with so many of my extended family.

Me and Brookie with my cute Grandparents!

Me and my cousin Jen (she is expecting her first baby). We missed my cousin Laura who is also our age. When we were little we were known as the three musketeers. Laura couldn't be there, because she just had her first girl (by the way she is adorable).

Lot's of my cousins roasting mellows at the camp fire!

I also went to California for Derek's family reunion which I will be posting about soon!

Karly's Visit

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:11:00 +0000

Derek's youngest and only sister Karly came to visit. She was here the last two weeks. Even though she came to visit us I feel like we were on vacation while she was here, because we were so busy showing her around Michigan. I especially loved having a buddy to go do stuff with while Derek was at school during the day. Where do I start?

Well, first off we went to Mackinaw Island. Since we moved here we've heard lot's of talk about this place. I was way excited to see what it was all about, and I LOVED it! I can't believe we live so close to something so beautiful! If you've never heard about this island I'll give you a few facts. It's where the classic "Somewhere in Time" was filmed. It has the Grand Hotel (longest porch in the world). No cars are allowed on this island. Only bikes or carriages. It's known for it's delicious fudge, and have to take a ferry to get there.

This is the bridge that takes you to the UP(upper peninsula. We didn't go up that far, but hopefully next year.

On the ferry going to Makinaw Island from Makinaw City.

The fudge was so yummy, but I think we were all fudged out by the end. We sampled at least a pound each.

My favorite part was riding bikes around the whole island. We cruised while Brooklynn...

snoozed!

Karly took this pretty picture of the lake.

The hotel we stayed at had a indoor water park, it was fun to watch Brookie go through it.

Art Fair:
We took Karly to the annual Art fair. It's a huge Art fair, and thousands of people travel to it. Which makes campus super crowded. It's fun atmosphere, and there's all sorts of neat stuff to look at. My personal favorite was the photography.

Brooklynn running around the art fair...what she does best! Busy little girl that she is!

Cedar Point:
If you like roller coasters, then this place is a must! We had to take Karly here. We were there all day and still didn't get to ride all the rides, there are tons.

All the neighborhood kids fell in love with Karly while she was here. They would knock on our door most days asking for Karly. She is so good with kids! She even put together a neighborhood water balloon fight boys vs. girls.

Thanks Karly for coming to visit us, and for all the fun times!!!

Hale Family Reunion '09

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:18:00 +0000

We just got back from spending time with my family all last week. It was the first time that all 7 of us siblings were all there in a few years. So we definitely enjoyed being all together again! We stayed at a lake house. We were right by the water, which what would be a hale family reunion without water sports? We enjoyed celebrating the fourth and David and Haley's birthdays. We also had fun playing on the water all day, eating and eating some more, playing games, watching some fireworks, and just hanging out together. Brooklynn LOVED the water, first thing after breakfast she wanted to go on the dock. It was also so fun to see her with all her cousins and aunts and uncles. It's always sad when it all comes to an end and we have to say goodbye, but until next time!

Anniversary Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:50:00 +0000

Derek and I take turns planning V-day and our anniversary. This year I planned V-day and this year he planned our anniversary. I had no idea what to expect. First off, one of my friends asked me to baby sit on our anniversary from 2-5 so I knew that nothing would start until after 5. Brooklynn and I went swimming after her first nap and I had to rush home to be there by 2:00. When I got home I put Brooklynn down for a nap, and when I came down the stairs Derek busted through the door with a bouquet of flowers, and said let's go! I was like "wait I can't I have to baby sit." He explained that Whitney was actually babysitting for us (i totally didn't suspect anything). He had that planned for a while. Thanks Whitney! Anyway, off we went on our little adventure. We rode our bikes down to gallup park, where there are some fun bike paths, and through campus, and to yogo blitz a (refreshing frozen yogurt). I LOVE riding my bike, and when I get to do it just for fun with Derek is even better!

Derek told me we had dinner reservations later on that evening, and that he had a baby sitter lined up. For some reason he told me to take my time getting ready. So I took a shower and when I open the door I could smell something cooking. I started to get a little suspicious. Anyway, I came downstairs and the lights were dimmed and Derek had the table decked out with candles lit, and an appetizer. Even though we were at home I felt like I was in a restaurant. In the back ground he had all my favorite love songs and all. Then he brought be out a salad, and after that he brought out the main course: chicken cordon blue, mashed potatoes, asparagus, and rolls. Ok, so I don't take that long to get ready. I was like "Derek, how on earth did you pull all this off?" Well, the last couple of days while I was out working out in the mornings he was busy preparing the dinner. He had the cordon blue all prepared and had our neighbor cook it in her oven. I was so impressed and the meal was sure delicious.

My favorite and biggest surprise of all was the gift he made for me. A couple of months ago my sister in law Lauren tricked me and asked me for some of my favorite love songs, because she told me she was going to make her and Corey's wedding video. Derek had her do that so he could get the songs so he could make our wedding video. That's how we ended the night watching our wedding video. It turned out so cute, and really captured the day! It was PERFECT!!! I was so impressed how thoughtful Derek was about our anniversary, details and all! I don't think I'll be able to top that next year.

My camera stopped working that night, but I got some from our bike ride.

I love how this picture shows how green and beautiful gallup park is.

Happy anniversary to us!

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:04:00 +0000

3 wonderful years together!

What we've been up to

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:15:00 +0000

Wow... summer is already going way to fast! I have a lot of catching up to do with this thing, but instead of doing lot's of little posts, here is one BIG post. There's lot's of pictures, mostly of the cutest and fastest growing one in this family. Yes, you guessed it, Brooklynn. I hope you enjoy, and I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer so far!!!

I decided to do lot's of collages. You can click on the collage to make it bigger.

I am sure you're all thinking she is a little big to still be taking baths in the sink. Brooklynn was bored, and I was trying to get some things done in the kitchen. I put her in the sink, and she had a BLAST. She was entertained for a good 10 minutes (which is long for her). So for all you Mom's out there with one year olds. If you run out of things to do there's an idea.

Ward Camp Out:

Our first time camping with Brooklynn. I would have to say it was a success! Brooklynn loved it! She was able to be outside, get dirty, and find new toys (like big sticks). One of my favorite parts about camping is the campfire at night. I love tin foil dinners and s'mores. Our friends the Kramers, made us a steak tin foil dinner, and of course it was delicious. The next day we were able to play at the lake.

Finger Painting:

Brooklynn's first time finger painting. She wasn't to sure about it at first. The first thing she did was try to eat it. Notice the blue around her mouth. Silly, silly girl!

Hands on Museum:

We just bought a family pass to our local Hands on Musuem that will last all year. Brooklynn loves to explore this place. Derek came a long with us this last time. I knew he would love it, and he did. There's fun for all ages!

Swimming:

Where we live if you bring out a kiddy pool on a hot summer day the kids come running!!! But I'm not complaining, because Brooklynn loves the company.

Ultimate Frisbee

We thought after leaving BYU-I ultimate days were going to be pretty much over. Luckily, Derek get's the opportunity to play with guys in our ward on Tues and Sat. I think that is what Derek looks forward to most during the week. Brooklynn and I go watch him, but recently we end up having to leave because Brooklynn wants her Daddy and trys to run out to the field everytime he runs by, and then gets upset because she can't have her Daddy. She adores him and Derek adores her!

Anyway, we are loving are summer thus far. We look forward to seeing lot's of family this summer. I get to see my family in 2 weeks...can't wait!

Derek's Birthday (and other random stuff)

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Fri, 15 May 2009 16:37:00 +0000

Monday was Derek's birthday! Derek asked for a dutch oven, so I decided to throw a dutch oven party for him. We did a joint birthday party with our friend Andy. Their birthdays were only a few days apart. I made a peach cobbler, and Heather made a blueberry cobbler. It was fun just to get together with lot's of friends to celebrate. Here is Andy and Derek acting like their blowing out the candles (it was to windy and we couldn't get the candles lit).

The night of Derek's birthday we took advantage of the sweet birthday deals around here and went out to eat to get the 50% off deal. This is us right before we went out to eat.

Holland Tulip Festival:

Last Friday we went to Holland, MI to the tulip festival. They have over 6 million tulips...unbelievable!!! There were a lot of dutch activities and dutch stores. I felt like I was actually in Holland. We met up with some of our good friends and neighbors the Topham family.

Brooklynn didn't want to stay still for pictures, but at least Lincoln was able to hold her down for a few seconds.

Garden:

Student housing has garden plots and we are attempting our first garden. Hopefully we see the fruits of our labors and get some fresh produce out of it. When we go work in the garden Brooklynn loves to climb the dirt hills, eat the dirt (ewww), and loves when we find a worm for her. If she could she would be outside all day!

Mothers Day Picture

I'll end this post with Brooklynn, she is just so darn cute and growing up way to fast!

Capital City Half Marathon

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Tue, 05 May 2009 22:51:00 +0000

This past Saturday Derek and I along with four of are friends ran the half marathon in Columbus, Ohio. It was a big race with thousands of other racers. We signed up for this race the end of January to keep us motivated to run through the winter. I have a great running group I trained with. The race went great (although very painful the last few miles). Derek and I both got really excited at the beginning and ran the first few miles way to fast (hey I think I made a PR for myself for a 5k). We paid for it at the end. My motto was to run through the pain. I think I gave myself a hundred pep talks as I was running. Derek finished the race and then came and ran with me the last little stretch. I don't know how he had any energy left to do that, but boy was I HAPPY to see him! The spectators on the side lines were so supportive that when Derek stopped running with me the last 100 yards they were yelling to him "DON'T GIVE UP YOUR ALMOST THERE, YOU CAN DO IT!" We thought it was pretty funny. We both made our goals we set for ourselves. Derek came through the finished line at (1:28), and I came through at (1:57) I shaved 15 minutes off my time from my first half marathon. So I was happy about that.

Derek coming through the finish line. He purposely wore the brightest Michigan shirt he owned. Since part of the race was on Ohio States campus (huge rival with MI). He wore his shirt proud, and I am glad he made it through the race with out getting beat up. He said he had lot's of people yelling stuff at him.

These pictures crack me up, because here I am at the beginning of the race with a smile on my face ready to give it all I got. And then...

here I am crossing the finish line looking like I am about to pass out...oh how I love the comparison. Side note my time is actually 2 minutes faster then that timer...I'm proud of those 2 minutes:)!

Here we are after the race, happy to be finished!

While I was finishing my last mile I heard from the crowd someone yelling at Derek and I. It turns out it was some of our good friends from BYU-I the Shurtz family. Ryan is going to Ohio State for Dental School. So good to see you guys!

This was Brooklynn's first time eating a popsicle, and she was a happy little girl!

Derek's aunt and uncle live in Ohio, and were so kind to let us and our friends stay with them. They were fabulous host! This is Derek's Mom's twin sister Karla, Derek shares his birthday with them. Karla made a yummy birthday cake and we had an early birthday celebration! (Their actual birthday is May 11th it's coming up)

Jungle Java

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 04:55:00 +0000

For play group the other day we went to a indoor play place (perfect for a rainy day). It was fun to watch all the kiddos cruise around the play area.

Timmy, Ashlyn, Evelyn, Brooklynn, and Max

I was able to get some fun pictures of Brookie playing.

This last week Brooklynn has completely preferred walking over crawling. When she starts walking really fast her whole body stiffens and her arms go straight out. She looks like a mummy. She seriously cracks us up!

Playing Catch

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 01:21:00 +0000

Recently we found out that Brooklynn loves balls! She got this ball for easter. We love our little 1 year old. Everyday is truly an adventure as she learns more and more about the world around her.

"It's your birthday, shout HOORAY!"

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:10:00 +0000

I've had one of the primary's song stuck in my head all week, since the primary sang it to me on Sunday. Well, once again I had another awesome birthday (March 30th). I think this is the first birthday I actually feel semi old. This was confirmed when one of my sisters asked me how old I was, when I replied 25, she said, "DANG, your old!" Ha ha! Once upon a time, probably when I was 19, 20 I remember thinking 25 was old. But now that I am 25 I feel as young as ever! As I look back at all the birthday celebrations it mostly revolved around the food. Food really does bring people together:)! My big birthday gift that I got from Derek is a tent (which I picked out). I can't wait to use it. Anyone up for some camping?

Sunday night the day before my actual birthday Derek made me cherry cheesecake...YUM!!!

Usually Derek goes running before I do, and then he gets home I rush out the door. The night before he wanted to hang up the birthday banner but I said no because we didn't have any string. When I came in from my run I was surprised to see the banner hanging up, and a big breakfast made (since I know we didn't have all that food). Well, instead of going on a run he went to the store. What a guy! For lunch my visiting teachers did a lunch party. They decorated and even had party favors. Awesome idea!

I never thought going out to eat before I had a kid was that exciting, oh how times have changed! Now I love going out to eat, not having to cook for a night, and just enjoying the meal. What a treat. We went to this steak house called Carsons. Since it was my birthday we got 50% off our ticket and a free dessert...a sweet deal.

My friends took Shana and I to the "Chocolate House" to celebrate our birthdays. Chocolate and girl friends always makes for a fun night.

Thanks everyone for the phone calls, cards, birthday messages! I really do have the greatest family and friends. That's one of the things I look forward most about my birthday is being able to talk to my family and friends.

Brooklynn Walking

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 01:38:00 +0000

PiGtAiLs!

noreply@blogger.com (Janel) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 17:09:00 +0000

Shortly after I found out that I was having a little girl I started to imagine the day that I'd be able to put bows in her hair and have her hair up in pigtails. Well, that day has finally arrived and it lived up to my expectations.

The hardest part of it all though was getting Brooklynn to pose for the camera.

Yesterday Brooklynn took her first "real" steps. We had a little neighbor girl over who is about 6, and we look over and lo and behold Brooklynn starts walking for her. My first instinct was, wait a second shouldn't she be walking to me (after all we have been practicing forever). I can't believe she is already listening to her friends over her parents..ha ha!

I couldn't resist! After Brooklynn took her nap and ate dinner this is how her pigtails looked at the end of the day.

The best part about Brooklynn getting dirty is the bath, she loves her baths.