elise's first birthday!

there aren't words to describe the past year with this little gift. she has amazed us and brought us such joy. there just aren't words. i am continually amazed at what a beautiful, funny, interactive, sweet, little girl the Lord has blessed us with. here she is in her party dress ready to celebrate her very first birthday!


aunt karen holding brooke

elise getting help from the cousins with present opening

uncle mike reading to her--uncle mike was such a huge help on this night. after dinner and cake, he was in the kitchen with aunt karen, cleaning up for i can't even tell you how long. the two of them gave us such in a gift in cleaning up. thank you both!!

the crew watching her open presents

i had been so convinced that she would demolish her cake (based on her love for eating)...yet she shocked me! she just sat and looked at it, not knowing what to do. i'm sure the crowd of ancitipating faces didn't help in the stage fright. it finally took me wiping her hand in the icing, for her to start at it!

here's aunt jill with brookie

the cousins posing

the entire time elise was staring at her cake, not sure what to do, jonas was itching to get over there as if to say, "i know what to do-let me help!" as you can see, he decided to "help" her as soon as we got him close enough! thanks jonas! i love this picture!

there are plenty more pictures that i hope to upload soon...but i have to just say once again, how grateful i am for this amazing little girl. before my very eyes, she's changed from our little baby to our little girl. as cliche as it sounds, time does fly...and by the time you realize it, you can't do anything about it! and to think, another little one is on the way. it's amazing to think we'll go through all these "firsts" again. Lord, help me to enjoy and savor each moment.