Nora Mae turns ONE!

Oh my goodness, I am SO FAR BEHIND on this blog. I feel like the last three months are a blur and I keep thinking things are going to slow down but they're not!!!
My babies are getting so big and it's totally fun and slightly sad at the same time.
Nora turned one on May 25th, and we had a picnic to celebrate!

It could not have been a nicer day and we were so lucky that so much family was able to join us for Nora's picnic!

Happy Birthday dear Nora, Happy Birthday to you!

 

The smash cake was a hit.

 

I was starting to question the red icing.

 

Now getting a little worried about the sugar intake.

 

Just like that, my prayers were answered. Poor Pretzy knocked her cake off the high chair.

 

Time to wash it all down with a juicy slice of watermelon!

Lets get a good look at my smokin' "hot dog!"

 

The guests of honor: The great grandparents.

Pretzy's grandpa's taking care of the grill.

 

Grandpa John and Uncle John.

Auntie Steph and Grandma Jo.

I love it when I catch these sweet moments on camera!

Grandma Jo getting a little snuggle with the birthday girl. She is getting sleepy but not quite ready to be done with the fun.

Auntie Hannah and a good shot of the beautiful setting.

Auntie Julie and her sweetie pie granddaughter, Juliet.

Uncle Steve, Auntie Kristi and Big Ben.

I love this shot of the four generations.

Uncle Marcel and Auntie Lisa. (and a wardrobe change for the babe) :)

Great Grandma Janice and Nora Mae.

 

The Hardmeyer clan.

I tried my best to get a picture of the all the guests, so sorry if I missed you. Thanks to everyone who spent their afternoon with our family celebrating our sweet baby girl.

 

Nora Mae, You have brought so much love and joy and fun to our little family. We are all better people because of you. Mama loves you SO, SO much. I am so excited about all the new developments and experiences that will come with your 2nd year. XOXO- Mama

 

Nora Mae Pretzy Pie - you sure are a piece of work!  There is nothing better than coming home to such an excited little girl waiting for me with a big hug and kiss.  Your little personality is really starting to come through, and it makes me a little nervous!  You are certainly a little fire cracker, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  I love you to the moon and back!  -Daddy-O



Nora Mae: Eleven Months Old

This afternoon I looked through all 3,000 photos of Nora while I was working on a project for her birthday party; I cannot believe how quickly time has gone. In some ways I feel like I'm still as big as a house waiting for her to arrive and then I remember she is here, hence the grapes and cheerios all over the kitchen floor.

Nora is obsessed with her Daddy. I had to capture her excitement as Erik arrives at the front door after work. So sweet.

Eat: Nora eats everything. We start out the day with a bananas, yogurt and smoothie mixed with oatmeal. She especially likes cheese and grapes. She has 2-3 bottles a day. We mix half formula half milk. When we are out of formula we will make the transition to whole milk.

Sleep: She has been sleeping great! Most nights she goes without a bottle and she has been in her crib until about 5 or 6:00 and then she comes to bed with us. She typically has two naps a day, both about two hours long. I hope that keeps up through the summer.

Play: Nora is in to everything. She skipped crawling and went straight to walking. She scoots pretty efficiently but would prefer to walk. Lately I have caught her looking at books on her own and that makes me proud!

Brother: No one can make Nora smile and giggle like Thomas can. I feel like Nora was the best gift we could ever give to Thomas. I hope we can continue to bless their lives with more siblings.

Daddy:  Nora Mae is such a little sweetheart.  It's so fun to see her motor skills develop.  She's able to stand up on her own now, and her confidence is growing more and more every day.  She will walk short distances on her own, or long distances if someone is on the other end to catch her.  Nora certainly has me wrapped around her finger already.

 



 

 

Mama: I'm so grateful for the gift of this sweetie pie. I consider it a honor and privilege to have been chosen to be Nora's earthly mother.

Happy 11 month birthday, Pretz!

Park City Trip

A couple weeks ago we took a little "spring break" to beautiful Park City, Utah. The Anderson's met the rest of the Daggett Family for five days of family fun in the sun on the mountain.

 

The idea of traveling (flying) causes a little anxiety but I shouldn't have worried, the kids did great! Erik and Thomas had so much to talk about on our 2+ hour flight.

We were so happy to finally make it to the mountains. We had been talking about our trip for so long that it was fun to see Thomas experience everything we had told him about.

Not only did we get to spend five days with my parents and siblings but we were lucky enough to get to stay with The GAP (Great Aunt Paula) and Uncle John in their beautiful home. John and Nora formed a special bond right off the bat, Nora got so excited whenever John entered the room.

Moments after getting settled at John and Paula's Erik and I ditched our kids and hit the town. It was so nice to enjoy a drink and lunch in downtown Park City. We even had time for a little shopping. :)

We returned to enjoy another cold beverage on the deck.

Auntie Lolo was so excited to be reunited with her Pretzy Pie.

If you want Thomas to warm up to you all you need to do is watch YouTube videos of heavy equipment.

Grandpa F enjoying a little snuggle with Nora Mae.

 

Thomas' first day of vacation came to a close with a snuggle and story by the fire with Auntie Lolo.

 

 Day #2 the boys left early enough to be the first in line at the lifts. Thomas would have loved to have joined them but we decided to wait until next year to put him on skis.

We met the skiers at the mountain for lunch. Obviously the kiddos were a little distracted with all that was going on at the base of the mountain.

After lunch the kids and I sent Daddy back onto the mountain for an afternoon of skiing.

Lolo and I walked Thomas onto the base a ways so he could watch Uncle Bub, Daddy, and Grandpa take off on the chair lift. We had a hard time getting him back to the car.

 

Such a beautiful view.

It is so special to share a meal around one table. We had a great dinner every night and perhaps even better entertainment. Paula has saved every thank you note we have ever sent her, every Christmas/Birthday list we have sent her, and many school assignments and projects. Each night she "roasted" one of us and that was quite comical. Drew and Hannah provided the best material, some how Paula ended up with a love letter Drew sent an old girlfriend...so funny!

 

 Day #3 started with a cup of coffee...

and a puzzle.

 

Hannah, Lauren and I joined the boys for the day or should I say one run. They couldn't keep up with us so we had to leave them behind. ;) Lolo claims she isn't a skier but check out that form!

Hannah is certainly more comfortable on skis than Lauren and I. She did one run with Lauren and I before joining the boys.

The most relaxing part of my day was riding the lift with this sissy.

Thomas waited all day long for the fire with marshmallows.

 It's a good thing Uncle John was around because Grandpa F did not have the patience to roast a golden marshmallow.

 Not long after Thomas consumed his first smore did the rest of the family join the party. With eight sets of eyes all on Thomas there was no way he was going to fall in the fire.

 Hey, if everyone else is going to supervise our kid we can relax and snuggle by the fire.

What a beautiful night with beautiful people.

 

Day #4 started off with a trip to "Dr. Bear." Actually, Thomas spent much of the morning in Dr. Bear's office. He was treated for everything from cuts on his hand to jumper knees. We are still doing therapy for those darn knees. (I'm so glad Thomas has an imagination.)

 

When Dr. Bear was out of the office she was able to read with Nora. I am very appreciative of all the time my mom and The GAP spent with Thomas and Nora. I enjoyed all my "time off."

 

Those views from John and Paula's deck make a great backdrop for photos.

 

It was SO great spending five days with these gals.

 

Alleluia. Both kids are looking at the camera and we're going to go ahead and count Nora's smirk as a smile. :)

 

All my faves!

Mom and Dad, thanks for sponsoring the trip! Thanks for all the love and attention you give our babes. Thanks for the memories! Love you both! XOXO

 

John and Paula, Thank you for opening your home to the Daggett's! We have so many great memories at your Park City home from this vacation and past trips. We will miss visiting you in the mountains but we are SO excited you're moving back to MN. You two are fabulous hosts. You make everyone feel so comfortable and special. Thanks for the great meals, the nightly "roastings" and for the love and attention you gave our children. Love you both! XOXO