Calder is 2 years old today! And I can hardly believe it. I mean, he definitely looks his age (at his doctor’s appointment yesterday he measured in the 94th percentile for height), and he talks his age (loves making new sentences), but this is my baby we’re talking about! Calder is so much fun–full of spunk and energy, but always ready for a snuggle and a hug. He wakes up eager and excited for the day and doesn’t stop until it’s time for bed again. Just a delight.

There's my sweet boy!

Classic Calder moment: "Who me? No, I wasn't trying to climb over this bridge railing. Definitely not."

Looking so grown up.

With his trusted and loyal companion, Blankie. To say he's attached is an understatement.

So, happy birthday, my love! We’re so glad to have you in our family!

So, here’s Calder at 11 weeks in utero:

And here’s this baby at about the same gestational age:

What do you think? Any family resemblance? 😉 This one looks like he/she has a lot more room in there–probably just the angle of the ultrasound or something.

Anyway, here’s to almost being in my second trimester! Love you already, baby.

On Wednesday, we had a small group of family (and friends who are basically family) over to celebrate Amelie’s birthday. She was in heaven! I don’t know if I’ve ever seen her so excited. We watched her birthday video, opened presents, had cupcakes and ice cream, and enjoyed each other’s company. It was really a lot of fun and I know Amelie felt very special and very loved.

The cupcakes! We sort of did a ladybug theme for the party (the invites, our gift to her, and the cupcakes were all ladybug themed).

These were pretty yummy! Chocolate cupcakes with caramel chocolate candies in them, chocolate frosting, and topped with an Oreo cookie made to look like a sunflower. The ladybugs are M&Ms decorated with chocolate frosting. Thanks to the book "Hello, Cupcake!" for the idea!

Amelie loved these sunglasses that she got as a gift. Kept them on much of the evening!

Happy girl.

This big bunny doll (that you can't see very well since she wrapped it up in a blanket) has turned out to be one of her favorite gifts. It was mine when I was a little girl, so that makes it extra fun. Thanks, Grandma Austin for sending it!

All in all, it was a wonderful day. She was just thrilled by the whole thing and is already counting the days until her next birthday! Thank you to everyone who helped make it so special!

Amelie turned 4 years old yesterday–she was so excited! More about the party and festivities to come. Here are the wonderful pictures my friend Marcie took. Grandmas, just let me know which one(s) you’d like copies of 🙂

One of our very favorites. Marcie really managed to capture Amelie's personality in these.

Fun twirling in her dress. A dress that, by the way, she would wear every day if she could. She just adores it.

Love this one. Doesn't it just say happy 4 year-old?

Posing in one of her princess dresses.

I'm pretty sure she was trying to get away from a fly in this one, but it turned out cute!

Doesn't she look really mature in this one? Where'd my baby go?

So, thanks again, Marcie! And happy birthday, my sweet Amelie! We sure love you.

A couple weeks ago, we took advantage of the beautiful weather (that was before it started getting above 100 degrees) and had a picnic in the canyon. It was just gorgeous. Sometimes I forget how lucky we are to have the mountains and canyons so close–this was a great reminder.

Enjoying the food.

I call this one, "Boy and Tree".

Chasing butterflies. Better watch out, butterflies. Calder looks like he means business!

Just hanging out on a rock with some kind of lizard carved into it.

We’ve also been having lots of fun at Farm Country, a nice little petting zoo just up the road from us. We have a membership there, so I take the kids at least once a week. It’s a great way to get out of the house, run around for a bit, and get to see the animals.

Lounging on the cow bench. Oh, and that shirt that Calder is wearing is one from the Haymond Wardrobe Archives. I love that he gets to wear clothes that his daddy and uncles wore.

This was a special day at the farm and they had this great little cow train that the kids could ride. It was heaven for these two.

So, it’s been a fun summer so far. Can’t wait to see what else it might bring!