A Butterfly Birthday

Although we already recognized Bria's first birthday, we wanted to share a few pictures of her Butterfly Birthday Party. We were a little concerned about our BBQ given the weather forecast for rain, but were pleasantly surprised when the rain held off...at least for a bit! During the party we saw sunshine, rain showers, hail and then sunshine again...just a typical day in May in Germany! We were so thankful for our local friends and neighbors who helped us celebrate.

I am sure Bill making butterfly copies at work was official NATO business!

Guest of honor

Finally a kid that likes cake!

A few days later the family headed to Drielandenpunt (Three-Country Point) which is the Tripoint between Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Bria in Ghent, Belgium.

The Gravensteen Castle from the Middle Ages.

Loved the architecture along the Graslei harbour.

Best part of the day.

The Hills are Alive

Recently a very talented friend took some pictures of Jacob and Bria. The kids were great sports since I dressed them up in traditional German outfits. During the photo shoot I had visions of Fräulein Marie singing in the hills. The photographer, Nicole, was also a great sport since Jake wouldn't even look at her for the first 30 minutes. She not only takes fantastic pictures, but also managed to get a 2 and 1 year old to sit long enough to capture some priceless moments. We loved them all, but here are some favorites: (all photos compliments of Nicole Barker Photography- nicolebarkerphotos.com)

Classic Jake, "Don't even think about looking at me."

 

LOVE

Our blue-eyed girl.

I love this one, looks like they are in trouble, but they did that on their own.

 

To Bria, with love...

Dear Bria Jane Keleher,
                Today you turn 1, and what a year it's been! You have laughed and smiled your way into many hearts this year.You have also grown and learned so much. Sometimes we are still celebrating a milestone and then you go and try something else for the first time. From the start, you have stayed true to your Gaelic name meaning "strong." You have proven yourself to be fearless and always up for an adventure. While you might look like your brother, your personalities differ. Jake still needs to play it cool on the sidelines for a bit before joining in, but you like to jump right into any new situation. You love to put your arms up in the air to anybody nearby as if to say "hold me." We have loved all of the sweet snuggles you have given us this year, but these days they are harder to come by as you would clearly rather be on the move.

Your squeals of delight can clear a room, and while others find these squeals less endearing, someday we might actually miss them. You always scream when you see food. You have a voracious appetite for food and for life. We know that this is just the beginning.

While you are only one, we are already so proud of the daughter and sister you have become. You keep us on our toes, and you keep us entertained. Your big brother adores you and has lovingly called you "Baby" since day one. He won't share his trucks with just anyone, so you must be special.

We still remember the day you were born like it was yesterday. Before that day we didn't think it was possible for our hearts to grow any bigger, but we were wrong. Our family was incomplete until you came into our lives.

 We love you sweet baby girl!

Love,

Mommy, Daddy, Jacob and Casey

 

You and your brother when you were 1 week old.

You and your brother now.

I'm ONE!

Such a happy girl, always smiling.

May 15, 2013

Celebrating your birthday with Daddy.

So nice of Nana and Grandpa to come all this way for your birthday.

 

Finally a child that likes cake!

 

You and Jake enjoying your new water table from Auntie Duddies.

Look out world, I'm on the move!

 

Reims rhymes with France

I have to begin this post by thanking my terrific husband who made this all possible. For some reason things always seem to go wrong when daddy is deployed or away. There was one particular trip, a few months back, where I was covered in toddler, baby and/or dog throw-up everyday Bill was gone. One night while skyping, still covered in said throw-up, and having just finished scrubbing diarrhea out of the bathtub, Bill (while trying very hard to hold back the laughter) said, "I think we should find a time for you to get away with the girls," so that's exactly what I did!

A few weekends ago I cashed in on this offer and headed to the Champagne region of France with 3 friends for the weekend. Between the 4 of us we left 8 children behind with our very competent husbands (diaper bags were packed, outfits were laid out, schedules were typed). The dads did great and even got together for a barbecue where I am sure they discussed how easy it was going.

Reims (which does in fact rhyme with France, and whose pronunciation goes against all my phonetic instincts) was the perfect destination for a girl's weekend. Despite the chilly temps and occasional rain, we didn't let the weather get us down. We spent all day Saturday on a private tour of the area and several Champagne Houses. I think it is safe to say that Chris, our British tour guide, will never forget the time he gave a tour to 4 lactating moms!

Here are some highlights-

Julie, Cara, Chris (the guide) and Katy in the Vineyards. Unfortunately due to their harsh winter the vineyards were bare.

View of Reims from the Vineyards (this and the other really great photos are compliments of Katy!)

The perfect pour.

Reims at night.

Reims Cathedral, site of coronation of French Kings.



Tasting room at Nicholas Maillart Champagne House

Katy on the suspended bridge to get to the champagne bar in the trees.

The destination at the end of the bridge.

Epernay, France

Statue in the gardens where we stopped for lunch.

A fun group of moms.