HAPPY EASTER!!!!!!! He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed! We had a great Easter in Middle Tennessee. The flowers have been blooming for a month, and we had beautiful blue skies and sunshine for the weekend. World Outreach Church's special guest at our Easter Service was Michael W. Smith who performed 3 songs, including an extra one with our music team. Siena loved the bunnies at church, she got her picture with the Easter Bunny and she LOVED searching for hidden Easter Eggs with her friends Kinsleigh and Kaelyn. She even had an extra hug for her new 12 day old cousin, Sebastian. We are very blessed to have family and friends to celebrate such a beautiful holiday with. May each of you remember that our Father loves us so much that he allowed his only perfect Son to suffer so that we could have a chance at eternity with Him.

White Christmas

We had a beautiful Tennessee Christmas with family from Kansas and snow!!!! How often we wish for snow, but we rarely receive snow on Christmas day. We had a nice relaxed breakfast and took our time enjoying each other. Siena had a great time although she wasn't too interested in opening presents. She preferred walking around with her new things. Her most played with gift is probably a broom or a stroller. Once again, this little one doesn't sit still so a book is too stationary to her tastes. We shared Christmas dinner with friends and family and our home and waist bands were bursting at the seam with food and joy. We pray you created your own family memories to last you the whole year through. More importantly, we hope you remember that a young girl accepted the invitation by God 2000 years ago to carry a baby that would take away the sins of the world and give us all a chance at life eternal. May we all be so eager to accept God's invitations for our lives.

Favorite Time of the Year

Halloween is every parent's favorite time of the year to show off their little snuggle bug. Halloween was busy but so much fun. We attended our church's annual Hoedown after church. Most of the games and activities were for the older kids but Siena had fun with the bubbles and sandbox. As usual, she stopped people in their tracks with her adorable smile and quick feet. Following an afternoon of games dressed as a ballerina, we did a costume change and Siena became a duck while trick-or-treating with our dear friends, the Hamricks. Gabriel was Elmo and the twin girls, Kaelyn & Kinsleigh, were little piggies. Their street looked like a barnyard. Siena couldn't speak but that didn't stop her from running up to doors and banging on the screen doors. She acquired quite a bit of candy for her first time out. It was such a memorable day - don't you wish every day was Halloween!

Exploration Never Ends

Every day is a new adventure for Siena. She has such a joyful attitude and is always on the move. She comes running to the door when it opens and she can't wait to get outside. I hate to tell her winter will be here soon. We had a few days of snuggling together after her latest vaccinations, but it didn't last long and she was off and running once more. She is branching out with her diet to eating more finger foods and sharing them with Milo! Siena got her first baby doll that is the perfect size for toting around; she is all girl. Siena has enjoyed a trip to the pumpkin patch/petting zoo this month and a handful of playdates with children in her age group.

Siena's First Birthday

The first year of a baby's life is full of joy, love and wonder. So much hope filled with so many firsts of new life experiences. But as so many times in our life, it must come to a close. Our baby's first year is gone. It can only be found in the photo album, scrapbooks and our fond memories, but it flew by just as everyone predicted. As a typical celebration in the United States, we gathered with friends and family to join baby Siena in her first bite of birthday cake and ice cream. Afterwards, as most children, she was overwhelmed with wonderful presents and hugs from loved ones. No sugar rush was noted but a good time was had by all.

Camping over Labor Day Weekend

Siena embarked on her first camping trip this past weekend at 11 months. We headed to Fall Creek Falls in Middle Tennessee with about 12 friends from church and their kids and dogs. We camped old school with tents, lanterns, cast iron skillets, camp fires and smores. Siena did amazing, never complained, slept by the campfire and had fun with everyone with both 2 and 4 legs. Our friend's 17 month old, Sam, kept Siena entertained with her toys and company. We enjoyed hiking and games around the fire at all hours. We hope to go again since our little girl was such a trooper. So far, there is nothing she hasn't been able to conquer. And her walk has speed up to a quick walk. Watch out, Siena will run you down!!!

The Exploration Continues

Siena is nearing the 11 month mark and nothing is stopping her. She spends her days wandering around the house, opening doors, picking up shoes, staring out the windows and playing tug of war with the dogs. She doesn't cause too much trouble and is learning to turn around when she hears the word, "No." Her smile is infectious, especially as her top and bottom teeth are starting to peek through. Siena has even enjoyed her new toothbrush and that nightly routine. Books are taking on a whole new excitement now that she has learned to turn the pages and to pull the books off the bookshelf. Siena has enjoyed a summer full of swimming, family, chasing after the dogs, and playing in the grass.