Traditions

My Dad started a tradition when me nephew Ben turned one and continued it with Claire. When the grandkids turn 1 he makes them a toy box. My Dad has always been really talented when working with wood. Although we had to borrow a trailer to actually get it home it fits perfect and I'm glad it took up this otherwise waisted space at the top of our stairs. He made me a barbie house when I was little and I loved it. I love Claire's new toy box it makes it really nice to store some toys upstairs so when we are up or down she can play and have fun.

Claire's 1st Birthday Party

Planning Claire's party was a lot of fun but it always seems like there are a million things to do the day of the party. It was so nice to have Tim there to help with getting things ready. Somehow he seems to have fun with anything. Claire got a special hair treatment with a balloon while decorating. Tim found a new way to vacuum with her. She loves the vacuum but wants to be held.

I decided I wouldn't do a traditional cake this time. They actually were really a lot easier then I thought and everyone seemed to like them.

It was fun to have family come to celebrate with us. We don't all get together very often but Claire loved playing with everyone.

Claire loved opening all her gifts. Everyone got her such nice things.

We let her go all out on the cake and she really got messy.

After everyone left the birthday girl was all tired out and didn't even make it through dinner.

Happy 1st Birthday Claire!

Happy Birthday Claire!! Claire turns one today. I can't believe how much has happened this year. It has been such a fun and exciting year for us. Claire has been the best little girl. Things I love about her are:

She's smart

Funny

Loves her binki

Bathtime

Feeding Monster from her high chair

Throwing things behind the couch

Holding blankets

Eating otter pops

Playing outside

Turning the cable box off

She likes eating dog food

There are so many things we love about Claire. Here are a few pics from this year.

The Wall

Ever since Tim and I bought this house which was 4 years ago we have wanted to do something with the big wall our stairs back up to. We have come up with several ideas but never loved any of them. We finally saw something at a boutique I went to and loved it. My sister also told us about an awesome deal Aaron Bros does twice a year where you get frames buy one get one for a penny. So for christmas we finally did it. We still have to add pictures and a few flowers but pretty much done.
Before


After

The Day After

The day after Christmas Tim's Mom, Erik and Matt all came out to spens the day. The guys went dirt bike riding while Stephanie, Claire and I mananged to put the rest of the toys together. Like I said why does it have to come with so may parts. I had to go searching through Tim's tools to find everything we needed but she loved it.

Claire's first Christmas

This year with Claire having her first christmas we decided to stay at home instead of rushing around trying to be on time somewhere ( which we never are). On christmas eve Tim and I stayed up putting Claire's presents together. We thought it would be more fun to see her face with the toys ready to play with since she wasn' t really into opening gifts this year. It was a lot of fun opening all the plastic and using the million scews to put them together. I can't believe there is so much assembly that goes along with baby toys. Tim and I had a fun time seeing Claire's face in the morning. I was tempted to sleep in but I didn't want to miss her 1st Christmas surprises.

Later that day my parents came out for dinner and presents. She had a great time opening everything and getting spoiled.My sister even had a chance to stop over with Claire's cousin Sadie.

Christmas Eve

I have been so behind on my blog but I want to get upto date. This year was so much fun with Claire. Even though she didn't know what Christmas was we had a great time showing her her new toys and having fun with family. This year I couldn't get Christmas eve off form work and was worried I would miss the whole thing but it was slow and I was cancelled. We went to the Amsden annual Christmas party. Tim's grandparents are getting older and it is nice to spend time with them.Claire loves spending time with her cousins Lilly and Hannah.