New Year, Old Friends

Lily and Mama rang in the New Year with a visit from some very dear friends last weekend. Auntie Kim and Maddie came up from Delaware to chat, play, and have lunch. The girls colored, chased each other around the house, got creative with playdough, and a wonderful time was had by all! Lily has been talking nonstop about her friend "Mad" all week. Auntie Kim, we'll have to plan another visit soon...

Summertime, and the Livin' is Easy

It's been two glorious weeks since Mom's furlough officially began. Here's how we've been spending our time:


Lily and Mom took a day trip with Nana and Pop down to Philly to celebrate Cousin Grace's 3rd birthday. The girls had a great time together.


Also in town for the festivities (and also celebrating a birthday!) was Uncle Dave who got in some quality niece-time while waiting for brunch to be served at Rembrandt's.


As much as I hate to admit it (I'm not a fast food or chain restaurant fan), we have become regulars at Friendly's. It is by far Lily's favorite place to eat out. The free balloons and ice cream have nothing to do with her preference, I'm sure. Here is Lily, enjoying broccoli and french fries dipped in blue cheese dressing with her Weezie.


And while we're on the subject of Lily's gastronomical preferences, she recently decided that bratwurst simply could not be eaten without spicey mustard, and here she is, trying in vain to get the last of the mustard from the jar. It was so spicey that her eyes became red and teary from inhaling the fumes!


After finally giving up on the mustard, Lily shared some chocolate ice cream with Daddy. Yum!


Lily and Mom also took a day trip to Newtown to visit with Auntie Nikki and Uncle Scott, and Auntie Kimmy and Uncle Ron, and of course, Maddie! Here is Lily admiring Maddie's brand new necklace.


It was a hot day in Newtown and so the crew all went swimming. Maddie showed off her amazing swimming prowess, and we discovered that Lily loves being in the water. We think we see swimming lessons in the girl's very near future!


Lily's latest girlie obsession (besides shoes and clothes) is hair bows. She loves to wear them nearly every day and gets upset if they should happen to fall out while she's playing. Another obsession of late is the stairs. Lily has become quite proficient at climbing up and down all on her own and will sometimes make a whole afternoon's project out of the activity.


Lily has decided that Romeo is now, among other things, her travelling pillow. Such a patient cat.

First Birthday Party

Today we celebrated Luke and Lily's birthdays in fine style with family and friends. A wonderful time was had by all, but most especially by the birthday girl!


Lily eyes her balloon bouquet.


Got it!


Cousin Grace and Maddie show off their party hats!


Luke artfully arranges the candles.


The result: A blazing pyramid of chocolate and vanilla cakey goodness.


Luke and Lily are serenaded with a hearty rendition of the Happy Birthday song.


Lily shows off her birthday hat.


Contemplating her very first cupcake.


The icing is a big hit.


Afterward, Mom and Lily open presents.


Maddie and Grace lend their present-unwrapping expertise.


Daddy and Lily check out Lily's new three little pigs toy, an instant favorite!

Weekend Away

With Dad off on a much-deserved guys' weekend away with friends, Mom and baby decided to visit with Grandma and Grandpa Dave and Auntie Kimmy, Uncle Ron and Maddie in Delaware. It was Lily's first night sleeping away from home and she did quite well without the usual comforts and routine of home. She even dozed for a while in Grandma's arms. Of course, she was probably tired out from the Saturday afternoon shopping excursion with Mom and Grandma. We tried to introduce her to the girlie delights of shopping for pretty, frivolous shoes, but all Lily wanted to look at were the endless rows of fascinating light fixtures on the high warehouse ceiling.


Lily's first knitting lesson with Grandma.


Lily and Grandpa Dave size each other up.

On Sunday we went to see Kim, Ron and Maddie. Lily had lots of smiles for her Auntie Kimmy and was completely mesmerized by Maddie whose every move she followed intently.


With Auntie Kim and Maddie.