Overnighter

We commissioned the mini-van for it's first whirlwind overnighter this weekend to Knoxville. Our "swagger wagon" (Toyota Sienna commercial anyone?) made the trip so convenient. I can now walk the aisle to get what I need. It's nice to be able to feed EK on the back row too! It was an ideal road trip as Eliza Kate contently slept with a full belly the majority of the trip and Miller enjoyed his Happy Feet DVD. A three hour road trip is manageable with two kiddos in tow! The packing, even though we stayed one night, was the challenging part.

Our niece Meredith turned one and we just had to be there to celebrate this milestone with family. We were also excited to introduce Eliza Kate to Aunt Laurel and Uncle Chad. Omi and Papa also wanted their baby fix as it has been six weeks since they've held the little miss. Our family enjoyed Papa's homemade dinner on the back porch Friday night. What a joy to watch Miller interact and play with Meredith. Now that she's one, they're closer in age to play. Sweet baby girl was passed from lap to lap and kissed a million times over. Aunt Laurel waited a long time to hold her newest niece. Miss EK slept for most of the family fun.

This cute one loved exploring Omi and Papa's beautiful backyard barefoot. Isn't that part of being a boy in the summer time? One things for sure, Omi and Papa's hungry mosquitoes had a feast up and down Miller's legs and even his face. Ahh..red bumpy legs. Another rite of passage for a boy in the summer. A little cortisone brought relief to my itchy legged boy.

Miller also loved opening Meredith's family birthday gifts for her. He loved tearing into the paper and announcing the gift to his cousin. It was so sweet to watch Miller unselfishly celebrate in her glory and not think that the gifts were for him! From baby dolls, a bubble blowing machine and a ball popper, this girly is well on her way to stocking the play room. On a side note, yes Miller is pantless. He's potty trained when he can just wear a t-shirt around the house. I hope nobody was offended by our pantless, streaking wonder.

Saturday morning was the big Minnie Mouse event at the pool clubhouse. Our lil guy loves a pool party. Between dressing up in hoola skirts with his dad, sporting sun glasses, water gun squirting with Uncle Chad and dancing on the brick stage, Miller thoroughly enjoyed Meredith's big ONE!

There's nothing like watching chubby one year old hands digging into the smash cake. Meredith loved the frosting and the guests loved her messy face. Miller plunged through the crowd to get a front row seat to all the frosting faced action. I think he secretley wanted to sample the sweetness.

Happy Birthday sweet girl. We loved celebrating every minute with you! We can't believe you're 1!