Exactly One Week Ago...

we headed to the farm for the annual Willis Pumpkin Fest. Here are the pictures that I think best capture the time spent on the farm.

A Special Present From Daddy

Yep, folks that's right. It really is a 'Willis' original!

Happy Birthday Makenna - Part Two

Yesterday we had Makenna's birthday party. (almost one week after her actual birthday) I decided to have a ladybug theme. Which is funny because when I thought of the idea I though it would be cute so I went ahead and started planning. Only later did I think to ask Makenna if a ladybug party sounded good to her and her reply was "No, cow party!" Well, Makenna maybe next year I will ask you before I start the planning and then you can have the party you want:) I'm pretty sure she liked her party regardless of a theme or not.

Some highlights from the party were pizza, cake, oreos, presents, family, and Makenna being the center of attention.

Here are the pictures from Makenna's 2nd Birthday Party.

Happy Birthday Big Girl!!

Two years can sure fly by fast.

I remember being convinced for 9 months our first child was going to be a boy. I was sure. It had to be a boy - I didn't know anything about women/girls. Especially about raising one. How do you deal with those crazy emotions?

The shock eventually wore off that I was indeed outnumbered by the ladies in my own house. I grew to love that girl though. What a blessing. What a joy. What a wonderful addition.

When Allison was pregnant a good friend and one of only a few people to "know" we were having a girl remarked, "God knows what He is doing, and He knows you need a girl." Well said. Now there isn't a day goes by I don't tell her how much I love her, laugh at her antics and relish her hugs.

A quick list of a few things I hope I never forget:

-You looking at me when I held a bottle for you

-Holding onto my finger

-When you would smile so big your paci would drop from your mouth

-The first "da-da" and the goofy way you say it now

-The countless hours you spent in my arms in the wee hours of the night fighting the sandman. It was in those times where my love for you really grew as I could watch you fall asleep, safe from whatever was keeping you from rest.

-You obsession with parks/slides/swings

-"One!" with a finger by your mouth (as in a desperate attempt at one more of anything)

-"Yeah! Ok!" and "How nice!"

-Always calling Colin "Col-no"

-Pushing a chair to the window so you can wave as I drive away to work.

-The big smile, hug and kiss when I get home.

Happy Birthday Big Girl!!!

Happy Birthday Makenna - Part 1

Today marks the day that Makenna entered the world. I cannot believe that it was two years ago.

Here is how we decided to celebrate her special day this year.

She got to choose a friend to come over to play and eat lunch with her. She chose her friend Elia. I also let her choose the lunch menu. She decided on grilled cheese sandwiches, bananas, and milk.

For an even bigger treat we took her out to eat for supper. We thought Hickory Park would be a great place to celebrate since they sing Happy Birthday to you and you get a free dessert. Makenna wasn't quite sure what was going on but she did blow out the candle on the first try.