Birthday Party #2

Noelle got to enjoy 2 birthday parties this year. This past weekend we celebrated with my side of the family at Grandpa & Grandma's house. This time she knew exactly how birthday parties work - she blew out the candles on her cake all by herself and while the rest of us were clearing the table after supper, she was in the living room opening her first present!

She is almost as excited about the cards as the present itself, she was always patient and read the card with mommy first before finding what was in the package.

She couldn't wait to open her Mrs. Potato Head and start playing with it.

How long before Noelle realizes Addison got ahold of an arm?

Loving her dessert, a girl after my own heart! :)

All Smiles All of the Time

For those of you who really know Addison, does this shirt not define her? ('Life is Great and I am Happy All Smiles All of the Time') It is actually a hand-me-down from cousin Kate, I couldn't have picked out something more perfect. Her smiles will brighten anyones day!

Happy Birthday Noelle!

What a fun weekend we had! Noelle turned 2 on Friday. I still remember so clearly the day she was born, our lives were changed forever ... she has brought us so much joy over the past 2 years, and I pray that we will be able to celebrate many more years of love and laughter with her. Here is the little sweetheart who stole our hearts 2 years ago ...

Here is our big girl helping mommy make pink frosting and singing 'Happy Birthday' to herself

We had her birthday party on Sunday with the Nienhuis side ... first we had lunch

Then down to the basement to open presents

She got lots of fun things for playing outdoors ... a cozy coupe, a lawnmower, balls, toys for her new sandbox, and a beach cover-up

She had been waiting all day for time to blow out the candles

She loves sprinkles, she wasn't so much interested in her cupcake, just wanted to eat the sprinkles off ALL of the cupcakes!

Egg Hunt

The girls got to attend a belated easter egg hunt this weekend. Uncle Steve and Auntie Karin organize one every year for thier nieces and nephews and family friends. Noelle understood the concept immediately and since many of the kids attending are quite young the eggs weren't necessarily hidden, so it wasn't too challenging. Although the candy inside the eggs was a nice treat, the best part for Noelle was just being able to gather up the eggs and fill up her basket. This year the most exciting part for Addison was watching all the kids, but Noelle found some extra eggs to help fill her sister's basket. Thanks uncle and auntie for such a fun day!!

Enjoying refreshments afterwards, this was the first time she had a juice box, she took that privilege very seriously.

Auntie Karin always goes all out, not only did they get tons of candy, they got beach balls and pinwheels to take home too. Here Noelle and Josiah are trying them out.

Addison with her buddy Delani

Easter Bunnies

I found these in the dollar section at Target a few weeks ago ... I just couldn't resist!