We love cousins!

Ned, Joe, Gabe and Jackie. I'm glad their athletic ability is rubbing off on Jackie at such a young age.

Jackie's 1st Birthday Bash

To start off, I had no idea what Jackie's first birthday would be like. It promised cake, gifts, friends and family, but reality was that and much more.

Jackie's amazingly fun and loving Uncle Canon and Aunt Anne flew in from DC just to celebrate Jackie's first year the Friday before the party. We were touched by their effort and so happy to see them. We have a great time whenever we're with them.

Uncle Canon was showing Jackie the ropes playing bocce ball at the Dilly Deli. She loves romping around on this court. I think her Uncle found it all pretty cute.

I know, interesting segueway. Friday evening, we kicked things off by attending one of my brother Thomas' house parties. Thomas' house is a complete bachelor pad, complete with a beer pong table, shuffle board, and guitar hero set up. It makes for a good time. Here is crazy Dave and Anne meeting for the first time.

Just try to pry the microphone away from Thomas - it won't happen. He loves that thing, and sounds pretty good.

Honorary family members, the Bromley clan. Love them!!

Here is the crowd milling about during Jackie's birthday party on Saturday. Now, I must add that Jackie woke up that morning throwing up and continued to all day. She managed to make it through the party without puking (and made up for it the next 3 days). Does this make me a bad mom for not canceling?

Katie and Dill Pickle, cheesing it up. Love both of these girls!!

Jackie's sweet Gramma Judy made the trek all the way from Lafayette to be here for Jackie's big day. Jackie's wearing one of Judy's outfits. She always brings something cute for Jackie. We love you Gramma Judy!

Jackie's Daddy worked really hard on these dirt cakes for the big day. I can't tell you how many batches of cookies were pitched trying to make this work. I think they turned out super cute and everything is homemade. I did the artwork - some cute, some not. :-)

Dad took this cool photo for me while it was getting crazy at the party.

Here is Jackie getting serenaded for her first big day. Now remember, she was not feeling well at all. She was little overwhelmed by everyone looking at her and singing. It was pretty loud with so many people!

You'd never know she was sick here!

Poor baby was worn out!

Look at all her cute friends. All babies are within 6 months of each other here. Her Gramma said, "I've never seen so many kids and babies in one place!"

It was a perfect celebration of our little girls life. These occasions make us realize how much our little girl is loved and that feels so good. This was a celebration of Jackie, a growing family, loyal friends and completing 1 year of parenthood!! This has been the best year and we're looking forward to seeing her grow and change - I just wish we could slow it down a little!!

Love this time of year!

It's the perfect weather for Summer's Fifth Night at Utica Square. We love it!

Look Who's One!!

Happy 1st Birthday Sweet Baby Girl!

What a year it's been... How much she's changed. How much we've changed!

What an incredible time it's been, watching this little person take it all in. What a gift she is to us!

We hope she continues to not be afraid of the hurdles ahead - be determined and focused and always be herself.

She'll always have someone to dance with whether she likes it or not.

Happy Birthday Jackie!! We can't imagine life without you!! You bring so much joy and love to our lives. We love you.

We're having fun with the new camera...

This is a pretty flower outside of my mom's house. Colin and I are really anxious to do some gardening in our new place, wherever that may be. :-)

Colin took this of Ella. I love her eyes in it. I also love that you can see Jackie in the background. It's like this little reminder of how different Ella's life is now.

As you can see....

we can't quite get enough of this gal. :-)