~Lydia is 1~

Every time I spend some time uploading photos and updating this blog, I realize how truly easy it is and I wonder why I don't do it more often.  Life has been a blur the last few months, and while that is hard for me to admit, it just happened.  I've had to readjust some of my thinking in the last few days, and realize, I MUST record some of these moments, because they will be lost to me forever if I don't.  I'm not a very good rememberer, and my Lydia's birthday yesterday gave me pause.  These baby days go soooooo fast.  

These two girls just love to play the piano, and it is not only harmless but educational.  You music teachers out there will appreciate that Elisabeth can already tell you "A is the top line."  :-)  She's only heard me say it to my music students 3,000 times!

Don't you love this toothy (or toothless) grin?

 One of my nieces found these kiddos lined up in a row.  Out of the four tries, couldn't get one picture where they all looked decent.

 Yes, my Lydia is 1!  We didn't have a fancy birthday party, just a bit of cake and some presents.  We needed to go get some furniture, so the girls and I met their daddy in at Pizza Hut in Mt. Carmel for lunch.  That was fun, and way more food for the price than we could have paid at McDonalds.

 Ah!  Finally a smile for the camera.  She has 7 teeth (4 on top), and enough hair to get a barrette in (and out, of course).  She started taking some steps independently about 2 weeks ago, but it's been slow going.  We're not in any hurry for her to walk.  I'm having a strangely difficult time letting go of these baby days.  I guess when you know that there might not be very many more babies, it's harder to let go of these days. Lydia is such a dear giggly baby.  And she and Elisabeth are dearest of friends.  I'm so grateful for my precious little ones.

Summer bounty!

The girls had fun playing with the empty bags from seed beans.  That was, until we got rained out.

Aunt Carol was helping Lydia try on a new sun hat. 

We were so grateful for the splendid number of green beans we were blessed with.  After getting almost none last year, we just praised the Lord for every one we picked this summer.

Lydia sure had fun munching on raw corn-on-the-cob.