Spring has sprung!

And we are soaking it up.  We were off to an interesting start with temperatures near 100 one day and then plunging to about 40 over the next few followed by rain, rain and more rain...  Storms have blown through town though we have been very fortunate not to get the brunt of it.  But finally - as of mid-May it - feels like spring and we are taking advantage of the blue skies and sunshine!  Walking downtown, strolling farmers market, sitting on the front porch and eating on the deck are just a few of our favorite activities; happy baby included. 

Hanging on the front porch with Dad.

Hanging on the deck with Dad.

Sleepy, sweaty baby.

Cheese!

First time in Grandma and Grandpa Buhler's pool!

It was fun!

A stroller ride to great-grandma and great-grandpa's house does the trick!

I know it is blurry, but she was bouncing on my knees and it was making her giggle like crazy, so this seemed to capture it perfectly.

Holiday Hoopla Recap

EASTER  We started the day at Paul's Aunt Becky's house and Lucy got to meet everyone on Teresa's side of the family that she had not before, and those she already knew got to spend some time oogling over her and the other cute kiddos running around.  Unfortunately, we didn't have the camera out there, but it was a sunny and beautiful Easter morning.  Next we were off to the Groene's for the afternoon where it appears (see documentation below) that the only guest at the party was Lucy; these pictures don't tell the full story, just OUR version of the story.  And I should mention that it warms my heart that Lucy will grow up with my grandparents, her GREAT-grandparents just down the street.  She's got six, count 'em SIX, great-grandparents within a 30 mile radius.  Lucky her, and them. 

CINCO DE MAYO  We ended up at 23rd Street Brewery because we had not anticipated the wait at our favorite Mexican joint being over an hour long (Really!?  Didn't see that coming???).  Although we opted for ales over margaritas, we still had the best dressed baby in the place, courtesy of a dress my parents brought Lucy home from Mexico.

MOTHER'S DAY  Sunday afternoon I returned home from a ridiculously fun girls weekend in Austin, Texas for the wedding of our friends Pat and Kirsten.  The weekend was perfect; it was a stunning wedding and I had a great time with my friends, lots of stories are still making me laugh out loud.  It also helps to have a great husband and dad that makes a weekend away from a six month old possible; he supported the trip whole-heartedly.  But the best part was coming home to celebrate my first REAL (people keep telling me last year counted because I was pregnant, but to me this feels much more legitimate) Mother's Day with this adorable little chunk of love we call Lucy.  I feel so lucky to be your Momma, Lucy Loo!  I love you! 

Six Months!

May 2, 2011 signaled six months of Lucy!  And a big sixth month it was - she is officially rolling over, sitting up by herself and chowing down solids regularly.

And as you can see, we used to be in control of these photo shoots.  Of course we used to be in control of lots of things.  :)

Bananas and Rice Cereal and Breastmilk - OH MY!

We've started solid food!  Rice cereal mixed with breastmilk and bananas, and you won't believe it but this chunky little monkey loves it!  This new stage is hilarious, entertaining and, if I must say, much cuter going IN than it is coming OUT.  Just sayin'...

She was so excited she skipped the whole "spoon" step and went straight for the bowl.

Waiting patiently...

It was wacky hair day at school; there's a little bit of unspoken pressure when your kid has more hair than all the rest of the infants put together!  That explains the wavy mohawk.  As for the rest of the mess, well...

 

AZ

We made the trip to Scottsdale last week in search of warm weather and good company, and despite an unseasonably cold and rainy Saturday, found both.  After I recovered from the Bubonic Plague, or a really bad case of the cold and flu, Lucy and I set off to meet Paul who had been down in Arizona for work.  This meant Lucy's first flight and her and I braving it together while I was still feeling under the weather.  But I should not have fretted as this sweet little girl did nothing but sleep, smile and entertain the front 1/3 of the plane on our three hour flight heading southwest.  She was a trooper!  And here's a brief look at how we spent our time.  Safe to say a good time was had by all.

Even on vacation in a beautiful place with lots of people watching,
the best thing to do was watch this little squirt!

I only included this picture because it is a spitting image of yours truly as a wee one; that look has been around for nearly 30 years now Lucy, you're going to have to work harder than that to get some sympathy. 

Due to the inclement weather, we found ourselves at the Contemporary Art Museum.  This installation was one of my favorites.  All of these bright colors were ribbons hanging from the wall; each with a different wish written on it.  The idea was to find the wish of your choice and take it from the wall, tie it on something with three knots and it will fall off whenever the wish comes true.  Then, visitors are asked to write their own wish on a piece of paper and stick it in the empty hole in the wall; the artist then comes back and turns those wishes into ribbons.  If my wish comes true, we'll all be lucky. 

I love this!  They get in each others faces and grab and talk and sing and laugh.  It's the best.

Snapped the picture just in time to catch that tongue sticking out!

Thanks for the shades, Grandma!

Luke and Lucy.  I know, adorable how those names go together.  Even better was watching them get a kick out of each other.  Luke is two and a half and would say over and over, "Hi Baby LUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCYYYYY!"  It was great.  He made her laugh and laugh and laugh and I think he thought she was kind of cool too.  He was fascinated with her and wanted to share toys, sing and keep an eye on her.  Luke is lucky to have little brother Colin around (18 days younger than Lucy) but these two...we will be keeping our eyes on them on future vacations.  :)

Toy Envy.

My first hike!

How cool is my dad?!

The Scottsdale Culinary Festival

You won't believe it, but we found the Beer Garden!

Lucy and Uncle Tyson

Number one!

Sexy Dad.  Or asleep with his eyes open.  You decide.

Please excuse the bags under my eyes.  A 7 AM wake up time at home equals a 5 AM wake up time in Arizona.  This is the first time we have ever been on vacation and waited for restaurants to open in the morning.  Ever.

First time in the pool!

Until next year...