The anatomy of climbing into a box

Hum....a box. I wonder what I should do with this box?

Aahh...I know, I will try to fit myself into this box

Wohoo...I made it!

Florida

We recently went to Florida on a work/vacation trip. James had a conference and we ended up staying with Elise's Aunt and Uncle. Despite a nightmare of a trip down to get to Tampa, we had a great time. Tabitha was a such a great traveler and did not seem to mind anything that was going on. Good thing she's got daddy's great nature.

We visited lots of fun places and met a lot of relatives...here are a few of our favorite photos...

Helping mama pack (or just take it all out of the suitcase)

Pretty in pink in her new stroller

We went to Homosassa Springs to see the manatees. As it began to rain we went to the underwater viewing area where we were the only ones. Two manatees somehow knew that we were there and gave us the best show...turning circles and pressing their noses against the glass in front of Tabitha. They quickly went away when others came. What a fantastic experience!

Visiting the Gulf of Mexico!

Playing with Goldee the dog, which soon became her new best friend.

Walk, walk, walk...Tabitha took her first steps in Florida!

So many cousins to meet!

Thanks for the great time Aunt Mary and Uncle Bob...we can't wait to come back!!

Ugh...a long time without an update. Eck. We've been awfully busy, so I'll try to get you all caught up here soon.

One fun trick that Tabitha has learned is how to crawl up and down the stairs. She has lots of confience going up the stairs, but we do have to remind her that the only way to go down is backwards, which she getting the hang of. Tabitha loves the stairs though!

Happy Birthday Tabitha (Part 2)

Coming soon.......

Happy Birthday Tabitha (part 1)

Thursday we spent the day together as a family...just roaming around town doing different things. We started the day at the zoo, where we saw the monkeys, penguins, tropical animals, and animals native to Minnesota. Next, we went on a errand, which Tabitha did a great job being patient with us at (it probably helped that she got sample blocks to play with). We then went to Emma Krumbee's for lunch (a great apple picking place). While the apples weren't ready to pick yet, the restaurant held lots of fun, new, and exciting things for us. Finally, we stopped at grandma's house for a few presents.

Whew...what a day!

Ohhh...a package from Auntie Abby. There has to be something good in here!

I love the zoo (and my dada!)

First bite of chocolate malt

What is this...I am not sure that I like it...it's cold....

Ah...I do like chocolate malts. I can't believe you've been hiding this from me. This is WAYYYYY better than those vegetables that you try to make me eat.

Surprise birthday treat!

Dada and Tabitha enjoying her birthday treat!

Had to get at least one picture of the birthday girl in her hat!

One year ago James and I walked into the hospital as a couple, and at 7:49 a.m. we became a family. Today my little girl is one. It's so hard to believe that its been a year already because I can remember it all still so clearly.

Happy birthday Tabitha! Never in a million years did I think that you would ever bring me this much joy. Never did I think that it was possible to love someone so much. You brighten up all of my days. Whenever I am sad all I have to do is look at you...and with your smile, blue eyes, and laugh I forget everything that I am worried about. I love you so much!

12 months of Tabitha

August 4, 2010 (1.5 hours old)

August 4, 2010 (4 hours old)

August 5, 2010

August 2010

September 2010

October 2010

November 2010

December 2010

January 2011

February 2011

March 2011

April 2011

May 2011

June 2011

July 2011

A few weeks ago good friends from East Grand Forks came to visit with their 16 month old. Tabitha had such a good time playing with him. Since she's the "oldest" in her classroom at daycare, it was nice to have someone fairly close in age to her (and she learned many fun new tricks to show us). Here are some pictures from that fun weekend!

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, what do you see?

Hi There!

Ooohh...what's on your side of the toy box?

Here...you need a hug!