On the Blue Ridge Parkway

We are so blessed to live so close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a gorgeous stretch of road, especially in the Fall. This year the leaves weren't as bright as they usually are- up until 2 days ago the temperatures were in the 80's! It was also a pretty dry season, so a lot of leaves had fallen already and most other ones were already turning brown. It was still wonderful to drive to the Peaks of Otter and enjoy some desperately needed family time.

I love my family!

Playing in the leaves with Mommy

Daddy and his little girl

Mommy and her little girl

She doesn't look so little here!

12 months

Rachel's 12 month check up was last week. The doctor says she is doing great and isn't concerned about anything. She was talking up a storm in the office and showing off for everyone! This appointment was harder at the end because she had 4 different shots (2 in each leg) and she had to have blood drawn to check for anemia (it's routine, no concerns!). So of course my little drama queen screamed for all of her shots- I don't blame her- but when someone smiled at her she smiled back and waved. Then they walked away and she wailed again! Then the finger prick came... and the world ended again, until someone smiled and waved... happiness... and then we left and out came the crocodile tears agin! It's ok though, I didn't mind her cuddling up with me.

Here are her stats:

Height- 28.9 in.- 39%

Weight- 18 lb 9oz- 11%

Head- 17.9 in- 60%

Of course Daddy took some 12 month portraits... I'll let you think of your own captions!

Rachel's Birthday- Part 2

Yes, I am fully aware that more people were at Rachel's birthday party than just her, so here are some pictures of the rest of us!

This is what goes on behind the scenes when pictures of kids are being taken! (You've all been there!)

Cousins on the riding toys!

Poppy makes the best signs!

And Grandma makes the best cakes!

Grandma and Papa with the birthday girl

Liberty's Homecoming happened to fall on Rachel's birthday, so after her party, we all loaded up and headed to Lynchburg to watch the game. It's amazing how much LU has changed since we were there!

Enjoying the game on Mimi's lap. Game=trying to get puffs out of the snack trap!

Family photo on the upper deck!

Rachel, Dustin, Lori, Brent, Blake, Kim (and Alli)

Rachel's Birthday!

We had such a great time celebrating Rachel's first birthday! We started out by going to Red Robin and getting Rachel and Dustin their birthday burgers! I signed Rachel up last month not knowing if they'd actually give her one and they did. She loved it!

Let me at it!

Yummy!

We went out on Wednesday and got her ears pierced! She cried for a few minutes, but as soon as someone waved to her, she gave a big smile back. And she looks so girly now!

Playing with her birthday balloons!

Who, me?

Such a happy birthday girl!

She was ready to get into her gifts!

She loved reading her cards too!

She was so proud of herself for opening her gifs!

Oooh!

Yummy!

Daddy's Birthday!

This past week was birthday week! Dustin's birthday was on Wednesday and it was nice that it was a half day for students so he did not have marching practice. Yay! A whole afternoon and evening to spend together as a family!

Daddy and his little girl!

Look at all those candles!

Look What I Can Do!

Rachel using her fork

She was proud of herself.

Then and now

This picture was posted on October 3, 2009...

I feel much better today!