The Start of Summer

This weekend Pepper had such a blast with many fun visitors. Sebastian and Aunt Kitty Kat brought their friend Robert. Also Jeremy, Tara and their kiddos came over. It was (barely) warm enough to go in the water, which means perfect swimming weather for Sebastian. He did warm up in Pepper's kiddie pool every once in a while, but otherwise was in the water most of the day.
Much to the kid's delight, Jo brought out his face painting kit again. My favorites were Annaliese and Taylinn's. So pretty!

Grandma Pat

Hanging with Grandma Pat is always a blast! Tractor rides, swinging and being pushed in the bubble car are a few favorite activities. It is so great that we live so close!

The Entertainment

Daddy Jo (as Pepper calls him) was our party entertainment. From bubbles to face painting, he made sure the kiddos, and Christina, had a great time! All too soon our beautiful weather went away and was replaced by wind and rain. We had to clean up the beautiful flowers and linens (thank you Grandma Pat) and head inside. Regardless, it was a wonderful day to celebrate our little girl and we feel extremely blessed that she entered our life 2 years ago. We love you Pepper!

Party People

Boppa Lee and Nana doing party prep

Grandma Pat, Grandpa John and Gruncle Keith

Rhonda, Anthony, Grantham and Gresham

Jen, Ben, Audry and little Lucy (next pic)

Christina

They are so GREAT! Grandma Dorothy and Gumby

Luis, Tina and Marisol (Luna running around nearby)

Mateo and Pepper

Travis and Ducky

Auntie Jamie and Pepper

Jack

Parties are a really cool excuse to get together with people you love. Pepper is very blessed to have lots of people that love her and are a part of her life here in Walla Walla. She was also very lucky to have those people, and many from out of town, at her 2nd birthday party. Luis, Tina, Marisol and Luna came in from Seattle, Ralph and Heather were here from Portland, Travis, Rika and Mateo were in town from Bend and Jamie drove in from Nampa. We want you to know that each of you are special to us and we appreciate the part you play in our life. The friends and family that could not make it today are just as special to us, but we feel bad that you missed out on BLUE cake.
A big THANK YOU to my parents who helped out with everything from set up to food, and Jo's parents who made the party beautiful with yard prep and decorations.

A little video memory of the Birthday song. I will hopefully get one of these each year. 

Happy Happy Birthday!

The finished cakes

Birthday GIRL!

Pepper had a blast opening her presents this year. Thank you all for each thoughtful gift. Pepper will be enjoying every book, toy, outfit, and game for months to come!

Sweet Butterflies

The night before Pepper's birthday party, we baked a few butterfly cakes. I had borrowed the butterfly molds from Sherisa and they worked really well. But then they all needed to be decorated! I ran out of energy after decorating the little cakes. Thankfully Jo was able to jump in and make the coolest blue butterfly (blue is Pepper's favorite color). We were exhausted by the time we dropped into bed!

Face Paint

In preperation for Pepper's birthday party, Jo ordered a face painting kit. This is his practice run.
Why would we be surprised that he is awesome at face/body painting?

Birthday Surprises

Pepper recieved a couple of neat gifts on her birthday. One was a stroller from Nana and Boppa. Pepper has been fascinated with strollers for a while now and is quite excited to have one of her own. She quickly filled up every inch of it, and more. Such a cute little bag lady.
She also recieved some Pepper sized yard tools from Emmarie. She was quite impressed, as you can see by the look on her face!

Thank you to all who made Pepper's birthday very special!

The Announcement

We decided that Pepper's birthday was a great day to announce our next life adventure. We dressed Pepper in a special shirt, with a vest over it. Partway through breakfast we took off the vest. Our parents are so observent, it didn't take them long to notice the "Big Sister"on her shirt. They were not too surprised but very excited nontheless. We are 9 weeks along with another little munchkin. A VERY Merry Christmas awaits us this year!

After breakfast we headed to Pioneer Park to play. Pepper loves going to the park, but having all of her Grandparents there with her made it even more fun.

Happy 2nd Birthday Pepper!

For Pepper's birthday we all took the day off and went to breakfast at the Maple Counter Cafe to celebrate. Pepper enjoyed her pancake but mostly just loved the pile of whipped cream that was on top. I know parents always say this, but we truly can't believe how fast the last 2 years have gone. Pepper is such a sweet, fun, bright little girl. She brings so much joy to all of our lives!

Happy Birthday Bugga Bugga!

Mom's Day

Mother's Day was a warm day so we enjoyed time outside...and the season's first popsicles. Jo spent quite a bit of time making me a little garden spot in the big dirt pile out back. We planted six tomato plants and some herbs. I can't wait to eat home grown tomatoes all summer. My favorite!

The other great project that Jo has started is painting the house! We ran out of good weather last fall, so it had been postponed a few months. I am liking the colors so far, it looks so much better! What a great Mother's Day. I feel incredibly blessed!