Friends from Belgium!

Elliot and I enjoying snack time.  He came to visit us from Antwerp for a couple of days.

I'm outnumbered!

Here's Elliot enjoying my favourite if it's raining park.

Elliot was a real pro at horse riding!

Craig and Sophie had wagered their bets!  But we weren't going in the same direction!

Craig had quipped that coming from Belgium, this was the largest hill Elliot had ever been on! 

We loved holding hands on our walks.

This restaurant brings back birthday memories!

Get together with one 1 year old, 3 two year olds and 1 five year old (and a few raucous adults) and we weren't too noisy!

Elliot waiting patiently.

Sophie reading a corny joke from the cracker.

 

Dancing to "Roar!"

Group photo of us with Craig, Sophie and Elliot.

A nice hug--and hoping we'll be friends forever!

Our Friend, Sam

Last Spring, I met Sam for the first time.  And for the next 9 months, she volunteered to help us on family outings.  I loved having someone play outside in the backyard with me and I loved going to Sporty Tots (Grace:  I had a nice nap whilst Sam pushed my buggy back and forth in the gymnasium!).  But most of all, I loved going to the library where I listened to Sam read me tons of stories followed up by a weekly trip to the café.  I've had to say good-bye to Sam but I still talk about her to Mommy....boy, was I excited to get a Christmas card in the mail from her!

Grace is 1!

New Things I Can Do:  I really love getting around now--I bum shuffle everywhere!  If I'm lying on my back I can now sit up all by myself.  I love trying to pull myself up on everything and can stand holding on to sofas by myself for a few seconds.  I love flipping through books and am trying to take Liam's toys now.   I just got my first two teeth--the bottom, middle ones.

My Words:  My first word was "bye bye" and I say this when I wave.  I can also say Ma Ma and Da Da.  I'm a real chatterbox and love running my hands against my mouth to make funny noises.  I'm always babbling to myself.

Funny Things I Do:  When I'm being held, I will smack Mommy's cheeks with my hands and blow raspberries against Mommy's cheeks.  I grab onto your legs when you're walking past, trying to pull myself up.

Foods I Like:   Yogurt, raspberries and blueberries. 

People I Love:  I'm very clingy at the moment and love only being held by Mommy or Daddy.  Of course, I'm always after Liam and like trying to give him cuddles.

Out for dinner on my birthday and I could hardly sit still...too interested in what was going on around me.

One of my nicknames is Miss Chatterbox.

A little monkey.

I love giving cuddles.  Here I am with my first Dolly.

Trying to open a large birthday present.

Grace's First Birthday Party

I had a wonderful 1st birthday party at home with family and friends. 

 

Here is my birthday cake (Mommy's favourite--a cherry cake)--Mommy made a special one for me.

Liam's balloon was a monkey--and mine was the cake.



Yum!  Yum!  Yum!  Too bad I wasn't allowed any chocolate!

Here's Liam trying on one of the party hats.

Some of the food for the party.

All dressed up in my party dress.

A toothless smile for the camera.

I'm wondering what's attached to my highchair.

Staying very still with my party hat on.

With Mommy, Daddy and Liam.

Here's Liam drawing a picture of me.

Everyone is trying to draw my portrait.

I tried quite hard to try and get to the cake.

Liam loved the cake!

And so did I!

Here's my friend Molly--my only friend my age!

At the end of the party!

Grandma's Visit

During the month of November, Grandma came to visit us.  We did lots of things together...

 

Grandma loved playing play-dough with me.



Here I am with Grandma on the day of my 1st birthday party.

Out at dinner for Gracie's birthday.

Grandma came to watch our swimming lessons.

All bundled up for our daily walks.

Out shopping with Grandma--I especially loved the scones (says Liam)!  I wish I could have one (says Grace)!

Happy Halloween!

Our little witch/tiger and bee!  Happy Halloween!