Happy Spring!

Although living in Southern California, I can't really say we have "seasons". It's pretty much summer most of the time...maybe a little chilly and wet in the winter. Robert and I have very different opinions on what it means to be "cold". I have to be able to see my breath when I'm outside before I'll start hearing anything about how cold it is. Robert doesn't like it when it dips below 72! Being from Alaska, I never got used to the hot weather here and am not looking forward to the arrival of summer. However, one great thing about summer this year will be celebrating Lily's 2nd birthday! I'm already trying to decide what her birthday party theme will be this year.:o)

Speaking of Lily...;o)...here are a few pictures taken in March. I can't believe she is 19 months old already...almost 20. Ack! We experienced our first "parental manipulation" (for lack of a better term) a few days ago. I was in the kitchen and Robert was in the living room. Lily had been snacking on some crackers and came to me asking for more. I told her no...she had had enough already. She usually takes "no" pretty well...she just looked at me and walked away. Next thing I hear is her running over to daddy asking "more?". I could not believe it! I knew this would happen, but I had no idea it would be this soon! Robert yelled out to me, "Did you hear what she just did?!?". Part of me was in shock, part of me wanted to laugh, and part of me was very impressed with my brilliant daughter!;o) Needless to say, Robert and I took a united front and Lily was denied a second time. And so it begins...

Lily in our backyard. I wanted to get some pictures of her outside
for a special gift I am making Aunt Paula for her birthday.

We went out to dinner with several friends a couple of weeks ago. While we were waiting for our food, one of the waitresses brought me a plate with some whipped cream and blueberries and asked if Lily could have it. She was so sweet to do that and to ask if it was ok...how could I say no? Obviously, Lily enjoyed her special treat.

She is just the sweetest thing in the whole world (even when she is manipulative!).
This picture starts to capture just a little bit of that side of her.

This top is actually a dress I thought was way too short for her.
Even though she is a baby and people think it's so cute, we want to start early with lessons in modesty. I thought I'd try it with jeans, and it looks so adorable! I love this new trick. She has several short dresses that will now be tops!

My friend Jenny was right...the big toothy smiles are just as cute as the big gummy ones!