Here's the Diehl

You know me. I can't not have a birthday party for my girls. I did a big party for Julia's first birthday and was feeling guilty that I didn't throw a party for Schuyler. Just lots of things going on and we're really saving all our pennies for home projects. And truthfully, Schuyler won't know the difference. I'd rather spend the money and effort when she's a bit older and can appreciate the work I put in. Nevertheless, I did gather family on both sides for a small little shindig at Nana's house. Just grandparents and our local cousins. It was perfect. A total laid back afternoon of pizza and cake. All the kids had a great time. Julia loves her cousins so much and I kid you not, Thomas is a total baby whisperer. He's going to be my babysitter soon. Oh yes, he will be mine. Schuyler got to try her hand at vanilla cake this time...with Elmo on top. Did I mention how much she seems to love Elmo? Seems a bit early for me...but maybe she's just matu...

Nothing like rollin' on over to ballet on your bike. And with red boots.

Brian so wants a buddy to watch Skins games with. Looks like he may have found one.

Julia was so excited to celebrate her sister's birthday. She even picked out a small Elmo toy. All Schuyler does is say "Ehhhhlllllmo". We had a really nice family dinner out and some ice cream cake to celebrate. I'm not sure, but from the looks of these photos, I would say Schuyler is an ice cream lover. Who doesn't love Carvel cake? Best. cake. ever.

What is a year? Seasons, garden crops, 8-10 colds, a candle on a cake, an anniversary. Schuyler has been in our lives for 365 days and has surprised us at every turn. She is the biggest troublemaker we know. Her hair has gone from dark brunette to sandy blonde...and there is so much of it! She has grown out of her incredibly bad reflux to eating just about anything and everything. She refuses hot dogs for broccoli! She definitely keeps us on her toes. Our only disappointment is how quickly she is growing up. But we love to watch her grow everyday. And we love seeing her and her big sister play.

Julia and I have started reading the chapter book series, Captain Underpants. She is such a silly and goofy girl, we thought she would enjoy the silly story about two troublemakers, George and Harold, and their adventures. We are working on the listening and comprehension portion of this exercise...but regardless, the story is pretty hilarious. Those two boys are trouble (just like Schuyler, Julia says). She is obviously getting something out of it, as she has resorted to playing in the house in her underwear and a cape. I'm sure these images may come in handy in a few years. This picture, if memory serves correct, Julia is fighting the bad guys and rescuing her little sister. Not sure, but Schuyler seems fine to me. Love that imagination, kid!

Here are some pics from our time in the sand. Which, truthfully, was a good 3 hours each day. Total beach bums, we are. And proud.

Again?! That is the response we got when we told friends we were off to the beach for a week of R&R. It's true. It was our third trip this summer. What can we say? We love being there. This week we had perfect weather. We're talking 80 degrees, relatively low humidity, barely a cloud in the sky and breezes just strong enough to keep bugs away and kites up in the sky. I took photos with three different cameras. I know, I'm weird. Here is the first download. More fun beach stuff to come from our week of relaxation with Nana and Grandpa.  Bella's daily morning beach run.  A little skinny dip to get the sand off.  Checkin' on the weather.

This is Julia's last year of preschool. Her class is called the Genies, and they rule the school. She loves being the big girl on campus and helps out with the Munchkins (the 2s) and is having a ball. This time next year, she will be an official kindergartener. We have been telling her to stop growing and stay just as she is. Time goes too fast.