1 year = 1 tree

In honor of Esme's first birthday, we planted an oak tree. We wanted to plant one when she was born, but we were living in a townhouse, so it wasn't an option. Her first birthday seemed like the next logical time to do it. Now we can watch them grow together!

Looks like she may be taking over for Vanna White someday! :)

Here's a flashback. We also planted a tree in honor of our wedding. Because we were in the townhouse, we planted it in Dan and Barb's front yard. It is a Sugar Maple tree.

A morning at the park

We went to the park this morning. Esme went on her first airplane ride. :)

Then she worked on her walking skills a little bit more.

And finally she just decided to play with wood chips.

Overall, a good day at the park!

Increasingly mobile!

Esme's walking! Exactly one week after her first birthday.

She had been hugging the perimeter of rooms and walking along the wall for awhile now. She's also been standing and walking next to every piece of furniture in the house. But now she's officially a walker.

When I got home today, I asked Aaron how her day was at daycare. His answer - "very busy". I asked why (thinking maybe she ran errands with Grandma and Grandpa) and he said "she spent the whole day walking around"! Oh my gosh! I was imagining her taking few steps here and there and then falling down. But no, she's actually walking pretty far! Aaron had me stand by the sink in the kitchen and then he set her down by the pantry and she walked all the way over to me!!! It was probably 8-9 steps. I couldn't believe that she could walk so far so quickly! I guess when you get it, you get it.

She still prefers to crawl sometimes. It's just faster... for now!

Esme's First Birthday Party

Esme had her first birthday party this weekend. She's such a big girl!!! Grandma and Grandpa came from North Dakota for the weekend to help celebrate.Grandma helped decorate Esme's cake.Esme helped make frosting for one of the other cakes.


The day started out kind of rainy.

But it ended up being a nice afternoon and Esme was able to enjoy her cake on the deck.


I was surprised that she didn't make a bigger mess. She really didn't eat much of the cake at all. She mostly just squished the frosting between her fingers. She didn't even get any frosting in her hair! She still needed a little clean up though. The laundry sink seemed to work nicely.


She got lots of fun presents.


Jodie and Steve came with Annika and Laurel.


Eric came over.


Mike, Karen and Sam came for Esme's party and saw our house for the first time as well!


She ended up having a great day and being in a wonderful mood all day despite not taking a nap at all. She woke up at about 7 am and didn't go to bed until 8:30pm. But she was a happy girl!