Charlie's 1st Birthday

When throwing parties is part of your full-time job, it's hard not to go overboard on your baby girl's first birthday. Thankfully I have good friends like Becky who lie to me and tell me it's not too much. Thanks to you, Becky, I was able to brush all guilt aside and indulge...and I had a BLAST. And Wade heeded your advice too, and didn't say a word.

Thank you to all our family and Life Group friends who were able to join us for Charlie's special day. Having you there made the day all the more rich.

Charlie's smash cake - a gift from Chrissy Premeaux. Or, Supremeaux, as I like to call her. Chrissy made Henry's first cake, Sam's first cake, and now Charlie's. Such a special gift from a very special friend...who also knows me well enough to know I do better with party decor than cake decor.

Charlie's party favors. Thank you RMCF.

All of Charlie's favorite foods, on the same platter. Heaven on earth for the birthday girl.

Not quite the full spread, but you get the idea.

The belle of the ball.

With her Papa Ward. The one who blessed her (and her brothers) with their blue eyes.

On her birthday, Charlie started WALKING! As if we needed more to celebrate.

Pumpkin painting for the wee ones.

Blakely rescued Charlie and assisted with the candle blowing.

With Papaw Shaw and Una, who definitely has the touch. Charlie loves you both so much.

Her gift from mom and dad. A Little People doll house. The girl LOVES Little People.

Charlie with her great grandpa. Also known as Papa Bo. Or, just "Papa" by his bride.

After the crowd cleared, Charlie cleaned up the berries.

And not five minutes after she devoured all of the leftover berries, she passed out...and didn't move an inch until evening. I think it's safe to assume she enjoyed her day.

Happy birthday sweet baby girl. We thank God for you every day.

Christmas Day 2016

Christmas morning in Stillwater.

What kid doesn't like Band-Aids?

Thank you Colgate. Because of your Ninja Turtle toothbrush, Sam finally finds brushing his teeth tolerable.

All we need is snow.

Practicing his snowboogie moves.

I think she likes her kitchen.

Her first baby doll.

Hugs.

Kisses.

After everyone went through their stockings, which ironically included new stockings, we thanked God for the gift of His son. This year we did something new with gifts, which I LOVED and plan on continuing from this point forward. Instead of overwhelming our tree with gifts, we opted to gift each kiddo with three presents. Three to represent the three wise men. For our family, it was perfect. We got to enjoy surprising and delighting Henry, Sam and Charlie, but also felt balanced and able to remember the day for what it truly is/was.

After enjoying a lazy Christmas morning at our home, we gallivanted to Papa Ward's in Edmond where we enjoyed the warm temperatures and spent much of the day outdoors.

Jack got a new car for Christmas. And Charlie liked it...and tried to claim it as her own. As soon as Jack left the room, Charlie made a bee line for his car.

The power struggle ensues.

Look at that grin. Jack clearly won the battle.

Love my sweet niece and nephew with all my heart.

While Jack went to the potty Charlie made her move...

Tickles.

Short sleeves at the fire pit on Christmas Day. Doesn't get much better.

Bath time. My blue-eyed albino and my sister's two Guatemalan babes.

Can't think of a better way to end the day than by the fire with my babies, good company and Cabernet.

The only thing missing was mom. Love you, mom.