Day Thirty Seven and Counting...

Today was a very exciting day for my girls!  Pop C and Grammy Kelly came all the way from sunny Florida to celebrate Olivia's birthday with her - and to visit Grace, of course!  Uncle Rob and Aunt Natalie came for the celebration too!
Jeremy bought the girls some helium balloons as well as decorations for the party.  Both were quite taken with them!

 

  

 

At one point, I turned around, and there was a mountain of gifts... the second coming of Christmas!  The girls were both incredibly spoiled!

Yes, the tower of gifts was taller than Olivia!

 

Tag team unwrapping!

Both girls got a 'musical' toy.  Grace got an incredible keyboard and mike set, and it was the hit of the party!

 

 

Here, Pop C and Grace are putting out quite the rendition of Mary Had A Little Lamb.  I wish I had video to share... It really was quite something!!

 

And guess who's ready for cake??

Apparently, not just Olivia!

 

Grace helped to blow out the candle for Olivia!

First bite...

 

Mmm... good!

Olivia is telling Pop C that she is all done!

And I have a couple of bonus shots that I just have to share... 'cause they are awesome!

 

No, in fact, Aunt Natalie is not force-feeding Olivia her cake!

Here, Grace is telling Uncle Rob her favourite (and only!) joke:

Why did the chicken cross the road?  To get to the other side!

Uncle Rob thinks it is hilarious!

Day Thirty Six and Counting...

It's Olivia's first birthday!  Happy birthday, honey!!

She wore her new outfit from Oma and Opa to school today, and she looked just adorable in it!  She was fascinated with the flowers on it!

 

  

The outfit suits her perfectly!

Grace, as is her usual these days, was expressing her weird side while the camera was out!

I guess she really loves cheese!

Day Thirty Five and Counting...

When we got home from day care today, there was a package waiting for Olivia.  Tomorrow is Olivia' first birthday, and Oma and Opa (my parents!) wanted to make sure she had their gift for her big day!  I think my mom is hoping that one of her new outfits will be just the right size so she can wear one tomorrow for her big day!

 

I started her out with her card...

 

...which she then 'told' Grace all about!

Observe Olivia's excitement... I snapped this in mid-shriek!

 

Ripping into it...

Pulling out her gorgeous new clothes...

 

  

She finds the tag particularly interesting on these pants...!

Getting a closer look at her new dress...

 

Time to play with the wrapping paper!!

She had a great time opening her first present for her first birthday!  She is going to be spoiled rotten!!  Thanks Oma and Opa!

Day Thirty Four and Counting...

Grace had a rough go of it today.  She was tired, and sensitive and emotional.  Here she is giving me her "I am sad and don't want to be in a picture!" pose!

Once she got over her 'after school meltdown', she was pleased to see Daddy and was ready to be the centre of his attention!

Here, they are counting on their fingers together.

 

And (in Daddy's favourite new chair!) now its story time! 

Meanwhile, Livie was hamming it up for Mommy, since I had the camera out!

She is walking around, carrying Grace's new beaded necklace!

 

I finally caught her in the act of walking!  She was so excited tonight!

 

Day Thirty Three and Counting...

Tonight, after supper, Grace decided it was the perfect opportunity for a little game of peek-a-boo before Livie washed up.  When Jeremy and I play with Olivia, we toss the cloth and land it on her head.  Grace hasn't quite mastered that yet, so she puts it on her face.  Grace had her squealing and giggling like I have never heard her!  It was great to watch the two of them play! 

Now Grace says, "Where's Livie?" and they both start laughing!

 

She is staring at Grace, waiting for her to put the cloth back on again!

 

Here, Grace is lifting up the edge to peek at Livie.  They both find it hilarious!

 
The dynamic between them has changed so much in the last little while.  They are so amazing as individuals, and even moreso as a pair.  They way they look at each other sometimes... there is something wonderful between them.  I hope it lasts their lifetimes.

Day Thirty Two and Counting...

For a Monday, today was peaceful.  It was so nice!  The girls were relaxed and happy to be together after school; very affectionate and agreeable.
Happily, we had time to play before and after dinner, thanks to the handy-dandy slow cooker!  So, while the girls played, I got out the camera!

 

One of Livie's push toys... I am pretty sure she was talking to it...!

  

Grace loves sitting in the rearranged chairs to read!  She looks so grown up sitting in them... my big girl!

And I have to introduce you to Grace's little 'Love Bug' that she made at school today!

 

And sadly, I have no photos to go with my next anecdote, but you can use your imagination!  Grace was playing in the tub while I was drying and dressing Olivia... she farted.  Giggled.  Announced what I already knew.  Then started sliding around, trying to look behind herself.  I asked her, "Are you looking for your fart?"  She blushed (beautifully!) and said, "Yes, but I can't see it!"  She was so disappointed!

Day Thirty One and Counting...

Wow!  Has it really been a whole month of posts already?? Amazing!  I have to say, I am pretty pleased with how it has gone so far, too!

Jeremy decided to take the photos for today... frankly, I think he just secretly wanted to take pictures of our awesome new chair that we scored at Salvation Army yesterday!!  It is super comfortable, and in such great condition.

 

 

The girls are just as crazy about the chair as we are!  We rearranged the furniture to try and make it fit in the best way... not sure if that's it, yet, but it works for now.  They like to hide between and behind the chairs, creating a whole new game of peek-a-boo.  I am sure the chair will show up in the girls' photos again and again!