Kindergarten graduation

Samuel graduated from kindergarten today. It was so cute! They had a full ceremony, which only lasted about half an hour. The students walked in wearing felt grad caps that they got to keep afterwards. They even received diplomas with their pictures in it. Sadly, I forgot the camera, but I couldn't stop grinning the whole time. Now my oldest son is a proud first grader. Afterwards we ate lunch at Golden Corral, Samuel's choice.

Rachel's First Birthday

I love it when she scrunches up her nose and laughs.

We celebrated Rachel's first birthday this weekend! Nothing big or fancy, just a simple family party. This has been an exciting year for our family, from unemployment to a great job and moving from a small rental house to a big house we're buying. Through it all Rachel has been growing and exploring.

Although she can scream like a banshee and rattle our brains, Rachel also has an infectious laugh. She loves getting tickled; when we stop, she either puts our hand on her belly or walks into our hand to get tickled more. Rachel and Lisy sit next to each other in the car, and sometimes they laugh together for no apparent reason.

Our traditional first birthday chocolate cake. So messy, yet so adorable.

Rachel loves to play peek-a-boo with a blanket, a toy, or even around a door. She walks about 50% of the time now. She doesn't talk much, but she says 4 words: mom (sounds like mem), dad, up, and cat (which she first said on her birthday). And as with all kids, she understands much more than she can speak.

Rachel is enjoying her present from Grandma and Grandpa Abbott - a plush tea set.