Thanksgiving

Mailee's One

In what seemed like a blink of an eye, our little pumpkin turned into a one year old. Both John and I are thrilled to see Mailee hit her big milestone birthday, but I can't help that my heart aches a little as I realize the years will continue to go by even faster. It has been a joy watching her blossom and grow. Grandma R came out to help celebrate Mailee's birthday and summed up her personality in just one word "independent". She knows what she wants, is determined to get it and is quite fine trying to accomplish things all on her own. It is hard to even get her to stay still long enough to snap a picture... she is constantly on the go.

Oh Mailee, even though you are independent, adventurous and silly you are loving and sweet as well. You still adore your doggie, Sahara and love to give her and all your teddy bears kisses. We still haven't found a food that you don't like (birthday cake was no exception... after you tried the frosting you decided it would be best if you just planted your face right into the cake to get as much in your mouth as possible).
You are a very social little one and absolutely enjoy being around other kids and adults too. (Just as long as somebody you really know (like mommy, daddy or melody) is near by.)

At your 1 year appointment we found out you must have had a big growth spurt... You made it up into the 35% for height ad 10% for weight. (Still small, but healthy and strong).

We love you so very much and feel so blessed to be the ones that get to witness and watch you continue to grow through the years sweetie!

Buggie goes Treak or Treating

We decided on a ladybug costume this year (seemed appropriate since Mailee's godmother, Jen started calling her ladybug, girlybug, buggie, maileebug or plain old bug :) Surprisingly, Mailee seemed to enjoy being in her costume and strolled around downtown Anacortes to trick or treat. Mimi joined in on the fun too. Of course, she really didn't have a need for candy quite yet, but it was fun none-the-less.

decisions... decisions... :)

a strawberry, a cat, a drunk old man/Benjamin Button or a ladybug???
seriously though... is it scary that Mailee resembles Benjamin Button or a drunk old man in the picture of us hiking with Scott (her godfater)?
We couldn't stop laughing at it!!

Is the cheerleader outfit bad luck?

Kitty, Jeff and Gracie brought Mailee her first Hokie cheerleader outfit from Virginia when the came to visit. It is adorable... but I'm worried that it was bad luck. The day she wore it the Hokies lost to Ga. Tech. Oh well, at least she was cute in her orange and maroon. (And since Ashely's husband is a GT coach at least i'm happy for them) :)
I have to post a picture of Sahara too... it's old.. but between the two shots of her and Mailee.. i think they portray how upset we are when the hokies have an off game and lose. :(

Pumpkin Patch

Mailee's first trip to the pumpkin patch was so exciting! Just like the tulips in the spring, she was mesmerized by all of the pumpkins. It was adorable... but it also meant that I couldn't get my perfect picture of her actually looking at the camera... why would she want to when there were so many pumpkins to examine, touch and explore.

Vancouver

John and I have been wanting to getaway to Vancouver since we moved here and we finally got a chance to go since John had a long weekend. In two days we were able to visit the most popular attractions (Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown, Robson St. Chinatown etc.). Mailee enjoyed all of it but when we got home she had her first fever... 103.7 YIKES! She's all better now though!

The Harpers Visit!!!

Kitty and Jeff braved a cross country flight with Gracie (14 months) to visit us! We felt honored and enjoyed every last second of their visit. It was so amusing to see the girls together and to dress them up in coordinating outfits daily! We realized we had a problem when we almost dressed a like ourselves. :)
We had outings to La Conner, San Juan Island and to Seattle. The boys spent a day fishing and us girls couldn't have been happier just hanging out, lunching, sipping wine and reminiscing. We already miss them so much!

New York - Our first trip sans Mailee!!!

Geoff and Erin were getting married in New York City so we took our first trip without Mailee to celebrate with them. Daddy had been away from Mailee before but it was the first time I had left Mailee overnight (4 days for that matter). We knew she was in good hands with Melody though so we truly enjoyed "partying" with our friends like the good old days.

Bowman Bay

Even though we had a long day at the fair on Saturday we couldn't waste another beautiful, sunny day (it is only a matter of time before we have days and days of gray). So, Sunday we spent the day at Bowman Bay near Deception Pass and couldn't believe that we hadn't been before! The views from our hike were just breathtaking!
It will certainly become one of our usual hikes now! Mailee just loves being outside and taking in the scenery.