Our first family hike

We took a little family trip to the mountains last weekend and took a little hike with Reilly Jane. It was a short one, but I did not know how she would do. She is a little busy body now and I did not think she would love being in a carrier, but she was great! She loved the hike! We saw two different waterfalls and lots of interesting bugs! Anyway, we had a blast and Reilly Jane was asleep within 5 minutes of the car ride home! We are truly blessed with such a joyful and fun little girl.

Early Beach Trip

Reilly Jane and I stole away with some friends to Ocean Isle Beach for the week. It was a relaxing week, but busy with a 15 and 19 month old. I am not sure why I packed a magazine and book in my beach bag?? I found myself running after Reilly Jane hoping my bathing suit was still intact. By the end of a beach trip, I was just as covered in sand as Reilly Jane and probably more exhausted. What a joy it is to see your little one enjoy life explore the newness of the beach. However, I forgot what day of the week it was and got lost in the gleaming sun during nap times! The only regret is that I did not stay longer!

Reilly Jane's 1st Birthday

I cannot believe my little girl is one!! We had a perfect day for a birthday. Considering there was snow on the ground on Monday, we felt blessed for it to be 70 degrees. It was a beautiful day! We had a "Pinkalicious" party for Reilly Jane. As you can see, she was not shy with the cupcake! We had barbeque, mac & cheese, green beans, and Gina's (Frank's mom) homemade sourdough bread...it was a feast! What a joy and blessing our first year with Reilly Jane has been!

Daddy time!

The holiday rush is over...and now we begin 2009! Reilly Jane is now 11 months. I am overwhelmed at how fast the year has gone by. I truly do not believe my little girl will be one next month. As for the picture above...I came home from work on a Saturday after Reilly Jane's day with her daddy and this is what I found at the door to greet me! What a fun mess after a day with daddy!