Walker's First Birthday

Walker and I started birthday celebrations a bit early by taking our first annual trip for a birthday book. He was so happy, enjoying the books and exploring the store. He really is a joyful baby boy, who really won't be a baby much longer. 

Happy Birthday, Walker Jon! 

This reminded me of my first trip to the bookstore for Lincoln's first birthday. Walker is above in the red shirt and Lincoln is below in the brown shirt. I am one blessed Grammy! 

Lincoln's First Birthday Book Date 2012

Walker confidently explored much of the store and responded with smiles to anyone who spoke to him. We weren't ready for the fun to end so we stopped for our first Cup of Joe date and had a great time there too. It's so fun to get to start some of these wonderful traditions with Walker and see how he reacts. We have lots of fun explorations in our future! 

February Sun

I was fortunate enough to escape winter and spend several days with great friends, Bob and Chris. I miss our time together when they go to Florida for the winter so it's great to get to visit them while they are away.  

 Bob and Chris are incredible hosts and it's always comfortable with them. Chris and I enjoy long walks on the beach and look forward to walking together in Iowa when it warms up.

 Such a wonderful visit to friends, from sunrise out my bedroom window to sunset on the beach and beyond. We enjoy the music, the flavors, conversation, laughter and the Gulf. I love getting time with Bob and Chris while visiting summer. It was a great week! Now I am ready for them to come back to Iowa.

February

 It's still winter. It doesn't seem ready to end this year. The snow is beautiful but I am looking forward to the change of seasons. I've had plenty of time to knit and although I love that I do look forward to evening walks and my body needs that. I am still walking, but must less with this weather.

 Winter baking doesn't help my body much but I love to bake. I made super bowl cookies then just a week later I was baking Valentine cookies.

 Yes, there were more trips to the mall for walking and playing. It makes a nice winter break. Walker's smiles are sunshine during the long gray winter. It's just amazing that he wasn't here yet a year ago.

 UNI basketball has provided lots of entertainment this winter and I am grateful for the fun and competition. I've been to lots of women's games and several men's. It's been a great season and a fun outing with Dale, friends and family. I was incredibly impressed with the band students who were so sweet with Lincoln. He loves the music and the instruments.

 I bought a baseball shirt for Lincoln to help with my Spring fever. I am so looking forward to baseball season and introducing Walker to the game of summer.

 I traveled to Mason City to do some visiting again and took Ashley and the boys with. It was so much fun to visit family and spend a day together. The day went way too quickly as always.

Lots of winter fun but hoping that March brings a huge change in temperatures and weather. It was actually -24 degrees here on one of the last days of February. I think we are all ready for that to end.

Late January

Late January is time to celebrate Jay's birthday. This year was extra special with the anticipation of Jay and Briana's baby due this Spring. It's gonna be a big year for them! 

 We all love birthdays. I guess I am passing that down the generations. Its so great to have a family celebration.

 Walker loves a good party too. He really loves people and its so fun to watch him grow and socialize. He is changing so quickly.

 It certainly felt like winter leaving plenty of time for knitting and mall walking. I am anxious to get back out to walking in the woods on the trails again but for now we have a good snow cover.

 I traveled to Mason City the last week of January to celebrate birthdays with Jill and Cindy too. It was fun to spend the day together and a great excuse for a road trip.

 Dale and I had a movie night with Lincoln and Walker too. Lots of winter activities...that's January!