Cupcake 1st Birthday Party...

We had a quaint birthday party for Rowan today. Well, as quaint and it can be with having large families. We invited Rowan's immediate family, and a few close friends. As much as we would have loved to invite all family and friends, it just isn't financially feasible, as well as space friendly.

But her short little party was quite a fun one. It flew by. 2 hours is a short time to cram in eating, presents, cupcakes, and playtime. But we did it. It was perfect, she napped until about 1030am, party started at 11am, and she was down for another nap by 2pm! And she was very well behaved the entire time. Of course she lost interest in the gifts about half way through, but when a girl is as spoiled as she, there are a lot of gifts to open!

Here is Rowan in her three outfits of the day. The plan was the tutu with the cupcake shirt, pricely little shirt, but adorable. But the tutu was irritating her (it is a little big for her still), so we changed into a different pink skirt. Then we couldn't wait to play in the pool and watertable, so we ditched the suiting shirt and skirt for a swimsuit! I am sure you are all surprised to not see a bow on her head, but they don't last long anymore. We tried the birthday princess crown, and that didn't last long either.
Here is Rowan and her 3 boyfriends playing very well together! The boys in attendance were: Maison (neighbor boyfriend, will be 2 in September), Cousin Kieran (will be 2 on the 27th), and Breyson (2nd cousin once removed or something like that, he was 1 in May)

Rowan had a blast going down the slide into the pool, Grandpa Bill and Uncle Blayne both helped her slide down several times!

The cupcake eating!

And last but not least, presents! Lots of presents. Now I need to pack away some old ones to make room for the new ones!

Hope you all don't mind the new collage look, it is way easier than uploading tons of photos! Thanks again Molly!

12 Months Old...

Back when I was more on the ball, and Rowan didn't require so much supervision, I consistently posted weekly pictures, and then monthly, and then I stopped. Well, it was partly also in due to it being impossible to get her to sit still in order to take her picture. So here is what I could get for 1 year pictures. I am still thinking about taking her in and having her picture taken. I guess I better decide soon, or next thing you know she will be 2!

I was also introduced to collaging in Picasa by my sister-in-law Molly. It is a bit easier and cuter, than posting all individual photos. If you click on the photo collage you should be able to enlarge to see the pictures better, I think?

We made Rowan a cake to eat on her actual birthday, confetti angel food! Apparently this is what Ed always had as a child too. She really liked it! (Confession, her Dad made the cake, and Nana made the frosting, Mom was busy sleeping after working the night before! Sorry I couldn't contribute)

Our baby is 1...

Happy Birthday Miss Rowan!

This has been the fasted year of my life. I think Ed would agree. And by far the most fun. She keeps us very busy, with her busy, high maintenance personality. We look forward to what she will continue to teach us as she gets older. And the many fun days ahead for our little family!

We love you Rowan!
Love, Mommy and Daddy

Here she was, one year ago! Such a little peanut!

Children's Museum...

Yesterday, we took Rowan to the Children's Museum in Delafied. Nana had stopped by during the day to check it out, and they had free admission from 3-5pm, so we decided to take Rowan.

They had a lot of different things to do, but much of it was a bit advanced for Rowan. She was more interested in the older kids stuff of course. With her not being completely stable with walking, we had to follow her around and help her. She had fun though!For those interested in the rates and hours to join in the fun, visit info@theChildrensPlayGallery.com

Happy 4th of July...

Rowan's 1st July 4th was a pretty good one. We spent the morning at home relaxing and getting in a good nap so that we could play in the afternoon.

We went over to Grandpa and Grandma Knutson's house after lunch and hung out. We had appetizers there, then the parade was at 4pm, and then we had dinner too. Rowan made it through the afternoon without a nap. Barely. We attempted to nap in the pack n play, but that didn't happen. So once we ate dinner, we had to dead home for a bath and bedtime. Needless to say, she didn't make it until any fireworks, but I got a few picture of fireworks visible from the deck. Not too bad. It was too buggy out to get out watching them anyway.

Hope everyone enjoyed their 4th of July, can't believe Rowan's birthday is less than a week away! What a fast year!

Pantry Playtime...

If you ever leave the pantry door open, you will have an overly willing helper to pick out some food. She even steps right in, grabs whatever she pleases, and then is stuck, because she can't get back down!

Lawn Mower Fun...

The last couple of days, Rowan has spent some time playing on the lawn mower. We never had a rider before. So she went for a short ride with Dad while he was mowing the other day. And then when Dad was out doing some major tree trimming, we helped pull the branches to the fire pit with the tractor. Rowan was having fun. One night, the neighbor Mallory was over to visit, Rowan loves to play with her, so they sat on the tractor together as well. Cheap entertainment!