Ali's First Birthday

 1 year old birthdays are always fun.  We thought Alice would be all over this cake, but she was so reluctant to even touch it.  I don't know why.  She doesn't hesitate to grab a fistful of dirt and put it in her mouth.  Does my carrot cake really look that sketchy?  Chris dabbed her fingers in it and then held it up to her mouth.  She eventually started eating it with mild enthusiasm.  I think she was just being polite.

Jane picked this unicorn out to give to Alice for her birthday.  She was so excited to give it to her and show her all the lights.  It has gone to bed with Jane ever since, but in all fairness, whenever I remind Jane that the unicorn belongs to Alice, she goes and asked Alice if she wants to take it to bed, but Alice never says she wants it.

Alice got a Sorting Shapes toy from Grandma and Grandpa, a shopping cart, and a leather arm chair that we picked up from Goodwill on a whim the day before.  The shopping cart was a hit.  She's not walking on her own yet but loves pushing things around and this is just the right size.  I'm sure she'll love filling it with all kinds of treasures just like our other kids.

Playing downtown

Sometimes I wish we could find more time to work on our house or yard, but when a nice Saturday comes around we end up going on a fun outing and I never regret it.  It fact looking though these photos already breaks my heart that they won't be this little forever.  I love our Saturday trips to the city!

 Our favorite downtown area is White River State Park.  We walk around the canals and feed the ducks, climb on the out door art work that changes out periodically, and climb on the rocks.

 Peter managed to throw a goldfish cracker on the goose's back and then giggled so hard as we watched it wiggle and twist to try and get it.

 This kid and his faces...  I love every single one of them.

 Chris raced with them over and over down this hill.  They love to race and they LOVE playing with daddy.

Ok Jane, pop the hip just a little now... Perfect!

I really scored with this man!  Just look how handsome he is.

This is actually the best photo I got of the three of them together.

 Alice was so cute.  As soon as Daddy put her up on his shoulders, she started giggling and bending over to find his face.  She kept trying to give him kisses.