Here's the Diehl

We are getting some nicer weather now. And things are blooming. That means our outside time can be enjoyed by all. We spent a great afternoon just playing outside and enjoying time together.

I will never be a good event photographer. I never actually take photos of the event. I took a ton beforehand...of things like the pixie dust I made and the goodie bags. But none of the kids playing. Whoops. In my own defense, there was a fair amount of time spent consoling kids. Who knew fairy wands would have become weapons?! But the party came together well. My only regret is inviting people who are so rude and reply they are coming and then don't show up. Three of those. Not cool. I'm trying not to hold a grudge. Failing? Maybe. Next year I'll go back to inviting the folks I want to...like my devoted blog followers! For all those who missed it, here are some details... The Indian Camp, of course. And yes, I did make the teepee. It's amazingly easy.  The Tick Tock Croc ring toss. Tick Tock is my favorite character... Tinkerbell, of course.  The food table with fruit swords, pirate booty, second star to the right cookies, lost boys trail mix, ...

At long last, Julia's birthday arrived! Can't believe this little stinker is four. Going on fourteen, no doubt. She is the light of our lives and truly a ray of sunshine to (most) of our days. We spent Friday evening with her favorite foods: shrimp, noodles, strawberries, and cupcakes for dessert. We had to rest up for the big birthday party over the weekend, but we tried out the new razor scooter. It took her about 5 minutes to pick it up and race off into the sunset.

Ahh, yes. The age when the love of remote controls and cell phones kicks in. Seven months and Schuyler will move mountains to reach the silver comcast remote control (not the boring black ones) and any cell phone she can get her hands on. We tried tricking her with her own e-gadget, a clever little ABC "alphaberry" it's called. No interest. Only the big kid toys.  She's sitting up and making all sorts of sounds. Rolling over. Sleeping with her butt in the air (so cute). She's still not quite sure about how to handle food. Or should I say, her bowels aren't sure. I'm assured she's got Fratantoni IBS and not to worry. She does love some ABC noodles, so she's got that good gene to balance out bowel handicap. A ham, this one, though! As much as she looks like her daddy...she's as silly as him too. Can't wait to see how that develops. Stay tuned!

We are so lucky! Cousins Alex and Annalisa came to visit for a quick playdate this week! Julia had so much fun with them. We think Alex will make an awesome babysitter one day. He was so good with Julia. Annalisa was a wonderful big cousin to baby Schuyler. She is a pro at holding and feeding babies. It was sad to see them go, but hopefully we can find a moment to visit Cape Cod this summer. It'd be great to get up there.

We are sick of pureed food. But blueberries. We mustache you a question: how is it you are sooo yummy?!!!

Asparagus is funny tasting. But Mommy liked offering a food that didn't come from a blender or food processor.

I remember posting a very similar selection of photos when Julia was about this age. Of course, I can't find it. Maybe you can? If you find my brain (and my patience), please tell them to return to their owners. :) Schuyler is sporting two teeth these days. When these photos were taken, tooth two was just rearing it's drooly head. But this little chickadee is blossoming into a smiley and silly girl. Apparently, she's getting hidden lessons from her big sister. I have a feeling those two together are going to be trouble!