Fourth of July

So my "white cake" dessert has become my go-to easy crowd pleasin' treat. It's simply box white cake, with a special whipped topping, and raspberry glazed fruit on top. This time I thought why not make it like a flag for the fourth? So this is my attempt, it proved difficult when the glaze started encroaching on the white stripes and there wasn't enough frosting for the stars (which were a total after thought) so yes I know, it doesn't have any stars. Rob says I don't support the union...

Aaaand I made a fruit tart...mmmmm. (PS-Let me know if you guys are interested in recipes).

Aaaand have the cutest baby in the world. I understand this is an excess of pictures that are quite similar but I couldn't help myself, they were all so adorable.

This is how books are dealt with in the Neilson house. You must first test the significance by tasting the book.

If it passes that test you should fiddle with it for a while and try to tear it apart.

Then, and only then...

do you commence to read.

We had such a fun day at Margaret's eating barbecue and watching fireworks. It was one of Elizabeth's latest nights out...and she was wiped.  All she needed was some quality snuggle time with Hugo and her day was complete. Thanks again Margaret and happy fourth!

Colorado Catch Up

On our way home from New York we stopped in Colorado and my sister Julia just got some of these cute pics to me! First of our little farmer tan baby experiencing her crazy princess walker for the first time.

Then our sweet baby experiencing this kinda freaky coyote for the first time.

My parents, thanks deedee and papa for watching our little one.

At this restaurant, Traildust, where they cut off your tie if you're wearing one, they have a huge slide right by the tables and the dance floor! I think we had more fun than Elizabeth. This is the restaurant my family took Rob to when he secretly flew out to Colorado for one day to ask for my hand in person.

Sweetheart sippin at Rob's now favorite sushi restaurant by my parents.

Breakfast at where else but The Original Pancake House on our way out of town...mmmm, dutch baby.

Elizabeth loved hanging out with you guys!

More Birthday More Ranch

A pic of some of the decorations.

Cousins and a super tired Elizabeth.

The infamous birthday cupcake. Will never do again! Haha, it was such a pain so I think I'll stick to carving my own. Good thing she doesn't know the difference!

Elizabeth needing some help blowing out the candles and loving her birthday hat.

She had a little trouble with the concept of opening one, putting it away, and getting another present. This baby she's been wanting for months wasn't going any where.

Lovin the cake, or all the attention. It's hard to tell but either way I think she had a great day!

We try to teach her to be gentle with hair to no avail. The key is to hold her hands while she's on your shoulders, Rob.

There you go.

Cute girlies loving the horses.

So fun! If my blog will ever let me post video I'll get some up soon!

Night at the Museum

A couple weeks ago my family was in town and it was fun! My parents were here and even my brothers family from San Jose. So with all the kiddies we thought we'd go to the dinosaur museum up at Thanksgiving point. I had never been there before and it was actually really cool!

Elizabeth wasn't sure about the sand at first but warmed up eventually and was just have a gay old time splashin around!

There's alot of scary things around these parts, but the babies weren't phased.

You have watch out for lurking around the next corner!

Come on how cute is that?

Elizabeth is a very aggressive child with the best intentions possible. She's just so friendly and assumes everyone wants to play with her.

Always the curious cat, elizabeth was loving all there was to look at and touch.

Like this dinosaur just her size!

The whole gang.

Can't get enough of these kids!

They even had a place you could sit and the sand and dig for bones!

All in all it was very successful trip and Elizabeth loved it, as evident by her cheeser face!

The Weber Ranch and Turning One!

The ranch has been in my family since my great Grandpa Sharp and is loved and cherished by all. We've gone up at least once a year since I can remember, it truly is one of my favorite places on earth. It is so breath taking and still feels so untouched.

This year we went up with my family over Elizabeth's first birthday! I wanted to wait to post for her birthday because other people got much better pictures than me but I'll post this now and re-post later.

Elizabeth was loving her cake although we were surprised how dainty she was with it. She took the tip of one finger and elegantly licked off the icing. I had to try and force her to get a big handful!

Of coarse she needed a bath after!

My camera started to get foggy in the little bathroom!

Etta's Monkey face above that she does when excited.

Cheeser face! Showing off a new outfit!

Stats for first birthday!

Weight: 19 lbs 8 oz - 30th percentile

Height: 30 in - 50th percentile

Head: 18 in - 50th percentile

She has started to walk but is still pretty hesitant. - Wipes your face with a napkin after feeding you. - Says a plethora of words some favorites being car and ball. - Still puts everything in her mouth. - Is fascinated with all things in the bathroom, ie running the bath water, playing in the toilet water, and ripping toilet paper into tiny pieces. - Opens all cupboards and doors. - Makes dog and duck noises. - Loves to be "gotten." - Gives super cheeser grins with her adorable buck teeth. - Is overly friendly and outgoing as always. - Favorite songs: Itsy Bitsy Spider, Old Macdonald, Row Row Row Your Boat, and Head Shoulders Knees and Toes!

We love our little monkey!

We had such a blast and we're so thankful all the family could make it up to celebrate. More to come!