Ireland Turns 1

Words can not even express how amazed I am that Ireland is already one.  

This year has flown by.  As I am looking at pictures (I'll make that a separate post) and preparing for her birthday party (another post again), I can't even believe how much she has grown.  But Wednesday, we celebrated Ireland doing her favorite things... 

She woke up to lots of new presents.  GramMo had the kitchen shipped to our house for her.  

We finally got her a highchair and a few other little gifts.

Then, it was to the park with our cousins and friends to play and have a picnic.

Avery brought her flowers!!  

She wants to do everything Cohan does.

Ireland and Lincoln

I attempted to make ice cream cone cupcakes.  They didn't look pretty, but the kids didn't mind.  

Ireland liked everyone singing her Happy Birthday!!

She was out before we left the parking lot.

After naps, Nanny stopped by to bring her a few gifts...

Then, when she left, Ireland (and Cohan opened a few more gifts). 

That night, we stayed home, grilled out and enjoyed our one year old.

Aunt Meagan and Uncle Jack dropped off a gift for Ireland.
She loved the tissue paper, I loved the dresses!! 

Her day was perfect and all about her...just the way it should have been.  

We are looking forward to her party tomorrow!!!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY IRELAND NOREEN!!!

my boy and his name

Friday, on Cohan's last day at Ms. Allie's house, he made her a card.  I had asked him to pick one out when we were at Hallmark the week before.  He picked out one with Winnie the Pooh and Tigger hugging.  When he was done coloring it, I asked him to sign his name.  To my shock, he began talking himself through his letters.  C (around and stop), O (big circle), H (line down, line down and cross) A (down, down and cross) and then N (down, up and around).  I was in shock.  I was so excited to show Alison.  She said they had been working on it for a little over a week.  They wanted to surprise me.  It worked!!!

I had him re-do it (a million times since) to show Scott.  I only gave him a note card this time, so he had to make it on two lines.  I know nothing about early childhood and development, but this momma is proud of my boy.  Now, the teacher in me will start correcting that backwards C (he does that half the time) and work on our N.  But right now, I smile at this milestone for my big guy.  

First Lake Trip of the Summer

Friday was my last day of work for the school year.  It was also my last day of work at Derby Ridge.  I've been there for seven years.  The people I work with have become like family.  It was a sad day, but also a day to celebrate.  We sat on my back patio, enjoyed drinks, watched kids play and smiled. 

Saturday morning, our plan was to go to the airshow.  Instead, it rained.  So we enjoyed slowing down, being lazy and hanging around the house before we packed up for our first summer trip to the lake...

When we arrived, Nanny had new toys for the kids and we enjoyed lots of time outside on the deck.

Sunday, Cohan woke up and helped Nanny make breakfast.  

While breakfast was cooking, we went on a morning boat ride in our PJs.  This was Ireland's first boat ride!!

Later, after breakfast and Ireland's morning nap, we headed out for a longer boat ride and lunch on the water.  Cohan was beyond excited.  Both fell to sleep within 10 minutes.

 Happy Memorial Day!!!