Camping

We went camping over Memorial Day weekend. It was Zoe's first camping experience. 

Zoe's choices were to be in the dirt, be held or play in her Pack N Play. She didn't like the dirt, she didn't want to be held, and so she spent a good amount of time in her Pack N Play. She was surprisingly content in there.

She didn't get enough sleep camping. Poor sleepy girl.

We went on a little hike to some falls. It was beautiful. 

If your wondering I am holding a pacifier that was thrown in the dirt. Yuck.

Zoe going to the falls. Her daddy was crazy taking her over rocks and off the side of mountains. What's funny is that she went to sleep on the way back to the car. A little off roading does wonders.

When I get more pictures of Ben at the falls I will post them. Right now these are the best pictures we have of camping.

 Future Attractions

Ben's wild ride

The party

Here are a few pictures from Zoe's party, and yes they are all of her. 

Just playing around.

Yummy!

Going into a sugar coma.

Time for presents!

Making the cake

Thanks every one for helping me decide which cake to do for Zoe's birthday. Due to popular demand, and the fact that Ben wanted it, I decided to make the fish.

First we made the cakes. We made two round cakes and two circles. Thank goodness for cake mixes. I just made yellow cakes due to the fact that I didn't think Zoe needed a whole lot of chocolate along with all the sugar she would be eating.

Then I decorated the two round cakes. I tried to make them look like they had waves on them. I think I did a pretty good job.
Me plopping the first half circle on my waves. The "directions" said to frost first then put on the base, but if I were to do this again I would skip this step. My round cakes had enough frosting that I really didn't need extra between them. 
I have discovered that I do not have the patience to decorate a cake. Don't get me wrong, it was fun and I will probably do it again. But I do not have the patience to make it look nice and uniform. Especially since it was so hot, my icing kept melting and I didn't want to take the time to put it in the fridge to re-harden. (is that a word?) 

I made the fins and tail out of orange-ish tag board. I cut two pieces out and glued them together with tooth picks between the two pieces. That made them very easy to stick to the cake. That was Ben's idea. Isn't he so smart?
And here is the finished product. A lovely yellow blow fish. I made the eyes out of marshmellows with chocolate chips jammed on. Then squish on some swedish fish, throw on some brown sugar and Voila!! Zoe's birthday cake.
Here I am jamming a candle into it's head. Poor fish.

And one last look at my great accomplishment.

I applaud anyone who decorates cakes and decorates them well. You must have a ton more patience than I do.  Kudos to you!

Zoe's First Birthday

Last Thursday was Zoe's first birthday. We didn't do a whole lot on Thursday, just hung out, took some pictures. And poor Zoe had to go to the Doctor. She had to have 5 shots and get her blood drawn. She was not happy. I know, I know, what was I thinking going to the Dr. on her birthday. But it was much better having her grumpy Thursday and Friday than being grumpy on Saturday (when her party was).

Here's the birthday girl. 

On her birthday we got to turn her carseat around so that she is now facing forward. She loves facing forward. And I love that I can glance back and actually see what she is doing. 

We also gave Zoe her present from Mom and Dad. It's a little climber that is just her size. 

I think I gave it to her before her party to make up for taking her to the Dr. 

Just Hangin out in her climber.

And last  but not least, Daddy making her play with her climber. No, really she loved it, and she loved being dragged around like a little monkey.

I think Zoe had a pretty decent birthday, other than the shots. Luckily, she's only 1 and won't remember that I made her get shots on her birthday!!

Coming Soon

Making the Cake

And 

The Party

You've had a Birthday Shout Hooray!

It's hard to believe that one year ago we brought home an infant. And after a year of uncertainties, and tears, and smiles we no longer have a baby....

But we now have a wanna be toddler. Who is into every thing with a grin on her face. One Year Older and I am definately wiser! (I hope). 

I can't believe she's 1!!