Fun in Texas

This past weekend Elli and I joined T on a trip to visit the Sikora's in Texas.  We hadn't had the chance to go visit them since they moved to San Antonio and with them moving home in a month (Yeeeaaahhh!!!) we thought this might be our last chance to visit there.  It was also a special weekend for Annie with her debut dancing to "Don't Rock the Jukebox", which I must say I have been singing since we left.  We had an awesome time watching Annie's recital, eating at the Riverwalk, seeing the Alamo and spending quality time together.  Thank you Sikora's for such a fun weekend and we can't wait until your home!

Feeding the ducks while waiting for dinner

View of the Riverwalk

Elli was intrigued by Owen and was a little jealous I must say when T was holding him

Elli plays a game on mommy's phone as the Sikora girls watch intently

Party Time

After getting back to Ohio around midnight Sunday morning we woke up early and started to prepare for Elli's Birthday Party.  Elli had a great turnout for her party and everyone seemed to have a good time despite the chaos!  She had lots of fun with her friends and her cousins but we missed the Sikoras as always. 
 

South Dakota - Part 3

The day after Elli's birthday, Daddy and Jim went golfing and Mommy, Sally and Elli decided to visit Storybook Island.  Storybook Island is park operated by donations from the public and businesses. The park is based around Nursery Rhyme Characters, Disney Characters and more!  Elli was a bit still too small for some of the activities but she of course liked seeing all the kids and visiting each character theme.  The last day of our trip was another traveling day but we decided to get one more hike in before we left.  Matt, Elli and I took off the last morning and hiked around Jim and Sally's property.  It was a nice ending to our trip.  Then it was back to Ohio to prepare for the Birthday Girl's big party!

Of course Elli's favorite was Toto from the Wizard of Oz

There was a train for kids to ride around the park in

Daddy showing Elli some wildlife up in a tree

All tuckered out on the way to the airport after an eventful time in South Dakota!

South Dakota - Happy 1st Birthday Elli

The second day of our trip was Elli's 1st Birthday!  It is so hard to believe that our sweet little girl is a year old already.  For her birthday we wanted to take her to the very spot that we got engaged.  So the morning of her birthday we did just that.  She did amazing on the 6 mile hike - slept on the way up and talked the whole way down.  Even though she won't remember her 1st Birthday it will always be a very special one for us.

Birthday Girl was all smiles when she woke up.

The backside of Mount Rushmore

The Harney Peak Fire Tower

We celebrated that night for Elli's birthday with a yummy dinner and cupcakes that Sally had made especially for her.

Starting to take a few steps at a time now - but not walking yet.