At Work and Play

The new toys from Christmas and birthday are definitely helping us get through these cold months when it's not as pleasant to be outside. Above, the ever-popular ball popper toy never gets old for Sasha.

We tested out the new wagon inside for the first few weeks until the snow finally melted this weekend and we were able to go for a stroll outside with it. It is a challenge to keep her seated in it though. She prefers to walk on her own at her own pace, taking time to pick up rocks, touch branches on trees, and pick up dog poop--that's yucky, Sasha!

She was tuning up the wagon wheels with the wrench above and helping me vaccuum later that week. How nice to have some assistance--HA!

These are just some favorites from a few weeks ago. Sasha has taken an interest in using a spoon for its intended purpose rather than a weapon. She usually needs a little help loading it up and still misses the target pretty often, but she's getting better.

On her actual birthday she got a Costco cupcake. She was happy until the musical candle starting playing "Happy Birthday" which immediately induced tears. No se porque.

I flew solo last weekend to Chicago for my annual girls weekend with college friends. Lisa graciiously hosted the six of us at her apartment. We spent many hours catching up over great meals, shopping, and we attended "Wicked" downtown on Saturday night. Great show! It was my first overnight away from Sasha. She and Phil had a wonderful father/daughter bonding weekend. I definitely missed her, but I came back very refreshed from the social interaction with dear friends.

A delicious Indian curry dinner at Lisa's place.

Smoothies and a light impromptu breakfast on Sunday morning.

Tina and Minda at the Frango Cafe in Macy's downtown.

Christmas in Goshen

We had a nice, relaxing Christmas in Goshen after a harrowing flight to South Bend where we had to make an emergency landing due to mechanical problems with the landing gear. Phil and I agree that it was the most scary incident in our adult lives, but luckily Sasha won't remember a thing. We spent the first half of the week with my family and then packed up and moved down the street to Phil's parents house for the second half. For once we felt like we got to spend adequate time with both families. All of our siblings were in town as well which was just great!

Christmas morning at the Smuckers was pure chaos with 3 little ones (all in plaid jammies). No more sitting around and politely watching each other open gifts in turn!

The Yoder family at Sasha's birthday party.

Sasha Walks and Has a Birthday Party

It is with great joy that I announce that Sasha is now officially a toddler in the walking sense and the turned 1 year old sense! A year ago this evening, Sasha became a part of our family and it has been quite a ride. We can't imagine life without our sweet little "Bean" as we call her. We went to back to Indiana for 10 days over Christmas and luckily for the grandparents she started walking there a couple days after Christmas. She is so proud of herself as she waddles all over the house, often babbling or making funny noises with her lips and tongue.

We had a little family birthday party for her while in Goshen and, as I predicted, she devoured her birthday cake without hesitation. Phil and I made a cake in the shape of a monkey (her favorite stuffed animal that she sleeps with) with yellow frosted cake bananas which she promptly grabbed up like she does regular bananas and proceeded to eat one.

She was way into the boxes and wrapping paper this year and now that we're home is really enjoying the nice gifts she received.