A Visit to Appleton City, MO

During Dennis's Winter Break, we had the distinct honor of visiting our dear friend Pastor David Herald.  Dave is Ethan's Godfather, he was a groomsman in our wedding and he is a trusted and loved friend.  Dave lives in a large parsonage in a small town where he serves as the pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Appleton City, Missouri.  Last summer we were able to attend his ordination at Trinity.  Our visit in February was a bit different than our August visit.  The weather was cooler, the house had more furnishings and we had an additional car seat.

Dennis and Olivia welcome you.

Choo-choo.

Electrifying.

The local cemetery, beautiful weather.

Dave with Olivia and Ethan

Olivia enjoying the sunny weather.

 During our stay we were able to interact with the local animals.

Olivia and Sandy

Pastor Herald sharing some grapes.

Sandy, the dearest deer you could ever hope to meet.

Olivia and a cat.

Arty the Armadillo.

Puppet Theater

The local library had a special puppet theater night.  The show was the classic story Three Billy Goats Gruff.  Before the puppets appeared on stage, the kids were introduced to authentic African instruments.  Olivia and I volunteered to play the bass drum.

Miss Jackie getting to know the audience.

All smiles for the camera.

Setting up the rhythm band with Papa Ray.

We banged out the bass and kept the group in good time.  I think Olivia gets her musical talent from her father.  Olivia loves music and dancing, this was a real treat for the whole family.

Snow Fun

We have had an extremely mild winter this season.  When it finally snowed a bit on Valentine's Day I knew I needed to take advantage of the weather.  While Ethan was snoozing in his swing, I bundled up Olivia and out the door we went.

Snow smiles.

A whiffle ball, not a snowball.

Sprouting tulips amid the snow.

Make A Wish And Blow

Two parents with two children watching their two year old daughter blow out her two candles.

Happy 2nd Birthday Olivia!

Olivia turned two years old today!  Our birthday celebrations began yesterday evening and continued into today.  Yesterday, our weekly Sunday potlucks with our seminary friends served as Olivia's official birthday dinner complete with all of her favorite foods: chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole and a fresh fruit salad.  Before dinner we went outside to blow bubbles and play a balloon game. After dinner and Olivia's bath, she opened presents.  We had a marvelous evening.

Apple Tree Cake

 A note about the cake: Olivia wanted a carrot cake with marshmallows.  (Sounds strange, but that is what she told me.)  We have M&M's in the house because she is potty training.  Which by the way, is going swimmingly.  She has been on a recent apple kick.  She loves to eat them and say the word.  So the idea of an apple tree cake was born.  I wanted to write "Happy Birthday Olivia The Apple of Our Eye."  Dennis wanted me to write "Happy Birthday Olivia The Fruit of Our Loins."  So what you see is the compromise.  Ha!

Birthday Table

The budding artist.

Fresh air.

Getting ready for the balloon game.

Ready for dinner.

Family picture.

Good cake, great frosting!

Wow!

Today, we continued the birthday festivities by going to the zoo in the morning and feeding the ducks at a local park in the afternoon.  Olivia received many phone calls on her birthday.  Of special note was a call from her friend James in North Dakota.  She was also able to Skype with some of the relatives.  She had a wonderful Missouri birthday.

A ride on the carousel.

Feeding the ducks.

Sharing our bread.

Quack, quack.

Happy 2nd Birthday Olivia!

Interview with Olivia

The recent video clips of Olivia have received rave reviews.  This encouraged me to add this clip to the blog.  Although Olivia does the talking, Ethan provides some entertainment doing what he does best--being himself.  This interview was conducted on Thursday, February 2, 2012.

Big Girl Bed

On Wednesday, February 8, Olivia did not get a wink of sleep during her afternoon nap, she was too busy planning and executing her escape from the crib.  I heard a loud thud and then cries coming from her room.  I instantly realized what had happened.  After her tears were dried she excitedly chattered away about anything and everything.  She was obviously quite proud of her accomplishment.  I was a bit astonished.  That night Dennis removed the front side of her crib to convert it into a toddler bed.  This is Olivia overjoyed at the look of her "big girl bed".

While digging through my video clips I came across this one.  I felt it was an appropriate time to reminisce on little Olivia in her crib.  Olivia is around 8 months old at the time of this video.  She had just started pulling herself up and being able to stand in her crib.  Shortly after this was taken Dennis lowered the crib mattress to its lowest setting.  I know it sounds cliche, but they do grow up so fast.