Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Rip A Tear Tear




These are the kinds of things you can get away with at Gramma and Grandpa's House. Grandpa Larry gave Jackie the box of Kleenex and said "Have yourself a good game of Rip A Tear Tear!"

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Monday, July 13, 2009

Beach Vacation!

Holy Canoly, did we have a great week in Florida. My folks, Colin, Jackie, my brother, Thomas and I arrived July 4th and enjoyed a wonderful and relaxing vacation. Jackie was amazing on the long car trip, which was a pleasant surprise. Along the way we were able to stop and visit with Gramma and Grandad Swindle and Aunt Julia and Uncle Cason. Pictures to come. :-)

Jackie wanted nothing to do with the hats. But, if anyone can persuade her to wear one, it's Mom.
This was Jackie's beach face. She definitely had to learn to like the crashing waves, sandy sand and bright sunlight. She and her leprechaun kept each other pasty, Irish white throughout the whole week. :-)
Life under a shady cabana is the way to go for these two whities.

Jackie and I played together in the sand for hours. She was throwing toys into our manmade beach lake and I was building a sandy bug.


This was her best day at the beach. She really loved it.


Can you tell I was really into my bug?


Thomas was just wishing he could create a smashed sand bug as cool as mine.
That and dreaming about jumping on top and destroying it.


Listening to the waves.


What a fun trip!! More photos to come!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Happy 4th of July!


I'm so excited to have this snapshot of Jackie and her class all together for the 4th of July parade. They tie died cute shirts red, white, and blue for the occasion and paraded for all of the parents of the hospital. Jackie got to see Mommy and Grandma. We joked about how all the babies, toddlers and kids came walking in smiling and left crying because they had to leave their parents only after a short while. Happy 4th everyone!!

Monday, June 29, 2009

We love cousins!

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

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

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!!