Lilly's First Birthday Pics...Finally!

Here's our little Birthday girl! Better late than never, right? She is now 13 mo old (and keeping us on our toes) but I wanted to share some pictures of her day. Mom & I spent all summer planning it - it was something fun & exciting to look forward to, and it ended up being better than I had imagined. We were so happy to have lots of family here to celebrate with us, but missed those who couldn't be here.

Here is the Birthday girl!



With her sweet cousin, Sierra, who loves to give her hugs & kisses!



The girls that made it happen, Aunt Barb, Mommy, Grandma Bonnie, and especially Grandma - I could never have pulled this off without their help! And Jana, too! I don't know how she missed this picture. I think she was busy chasing after the kiddos! :)



There's Aunt Jana!





Finn was totally in his element - he is my party boy and was so excited that this day was finally here!





The details...





Cupcakes from Cupcake a la mode - the best cupcakes in KC! And we did a taste test to make sure! :) I did make Lilly's cake, though! :)



And Cupcake Push-Up Pops for favors, so fun!



Found an amazing cookie lady - beautiful work & they taste as good as they look!







And now time for Lilly's first bite of cake. Finn helped out a little. She really enjoyed the cake, but the ice cream hit the spot!













All clean now, thanks Grandma!



Cupcake sandwiches for the kiddos...



Cousin Neale...



Cousin Rowan...cutie pie!



Having fun on the bounce house with Eleni and the rest of the big kids...



Time for presents! She got some really fun, cute things and loves playing with her new toys!





She had lots of help opening gifts! :)



This is one of my favorite pictures from the whole day!



I still cannot believe that she is one. She is at such a fun stage and we are cherishing every minute. We are so blessed to have her and her big brother in our lives! Hope you enjoyed the pictures & maybe I'll get in the habit of posting a little more often now! :)

Finn & Lilly's Special Day!

I, the Lord of sea and sky,



I have heard my people cry.



All who dwell in dark and sin,



My hand will save.



Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?



I have heard you calling in the night.



I will go, Lord, if you lead me.



I will hold your people in my heart.



I will break their hearts of stone,



Give them hearts for love alone.



I will speak my words to them.



Whom shall I send?



Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?



I have heard you calling in the night.



I will go, Lord, if you lead me,



I will hold your people in my heart.



It was a very special day for our family today. We had Finn and Lilly baptized in a special baptism ceremony. We didn't know quite what to expect since it wasn't a normal church service, but it was absolutely beautiful! When it was our turn, our family was able to come up with us to watch and take pictures. Finn went first and did great, he was so calm! I am so proud of him! I think he was proud of himself, too, and could feel God's love & spirit with him! He also kind of liked his tie and didn't want to take it off when we got home! ;) Lilly was next...she cried some when she put the water over her head, but otherwise did great. She fell asleep in my arms right afterwards. She looked so pretty in her dress, I hated to take it off of her. She wore my cross necklace that my grandfather gave me when I was a baby, and she has enough hair that I got a bow in! Loved it...I want to buy one in every color now!!! Our house was filled with peace tonight, and I am feeling so thankful for our healthy babies, our amazing church, and our wonderful, loving families! Ryan's family was able to be there with us today, and Grandma & Papa & the rest of our family that couldn't be there - you were missed! Love you all so much!