Fun in the mountains!

The middle of March, Daddy left us to go on a trip around the world! He went to Istanbul, Turkey for almost 2 weeks! Leaving the girls home alone to fend for ourselves! The week started off decent enough, but then Abby got sick and then she missed her Daddy, then Mommy got sick, then we had 2 little girls who didn't want to obey and were going through some sort of separation anxiety any time Mommy left them for more than a minute. So after much thought, Mommy packed up and we went to Grandpa's house! 
We went to parks, played on playgrounds, fed ducks, and had a visit to Aunt Tammy's farm! There were little lambs and Abby got to feed them from a bottle! She loved it and wanted to bring one home with her...or maybe it was Mommy who wanted to bring one home!
*Disclaimer - The Daddy earns trips every 6 months and Mommy knows that he deserves them after all the hard work he puts in at the office, so she doesn't fight him on letting him get away...The Mommy could go with him but the pull of her heartstrings by two little girls keeps her from leaving. One day The Mommy will be able to pack up and jet off, but until then, she will let The Daddy get away and relax a bit!

At the playground, Grandpa really got into playing! His favorite was the red firetruck!

"Helping" Ada slide down 

Riding the yellow tractor

Down on the farm feeding the lambs. She was chasing after them with the bottle asking "Who wants milk"

Grandpa was scared of the sheep coming after him so he stood on the highest point in the pen :) 

Happy First Birthday Ada Lynn!

Even though I knew it would, I can't believe how fast this year has gone by! You've brought a distinct personality that our little family was missing! Your sweet, gentle, calm spirit is a gift I constantly thank God for. You quietly sit back and watch the world around you and take it all in, absorbing it and slowly learning how you are fitting in. Big Sister, Abby has been in love with you since the moment we brought you home and is enjoying you more and more each day as you grow and learn to walk and interact with her on a 'bigger' level! Daddy loves the way you can just sit with him and cuddle while watching tv or reading and mommy is smitten with the cute and petite little thing you are! You're not much of a complainer and are content just going with the flow - which is a great thing since we are non-stop! A gentle, peaceful spirit, easy-going, quiet natured, loveable, petite child. We thank God every day for the child you are and pray He will help us mold you into the lovely woman you will one day become. We love you so much our precious little Ada!
Happy 1st Birthday!!
Love, Mommy, Daddy and Abigail

 Ada was not a fan of the cake smash - she hated getting it on her!

Party Time!!

What a celebration!! We had Ada's first birthday at Lawton Park, though I'm not quite sure she knew it was for her :) big sister Abby, kept insisting it was her party! The kids all enjoyed the playground while the adults sat back and enjoyed the cool weather. It turned out to be a perfect day!

When you ask Ada how old she is, she will hold up one little pointer finger! Only took Mommy a couple days to teach her that one! But she made it, just in time for the party!

 

Abby and her BFF Kelsie swinging

 

 We brought out the roller coaster that Grammy and Papa bought Abby for her 2nd birthday and Ada was a bit unsure at first but ended up loving it!

Riding along with sis

Kamden really LOVED it!!

Birthday girl chowing down on pizza

I think she had 3 pieces!!

Abby just skipped the pizza and went straight to the pops!

Sweet Esme 

 McKinlee had a great time!!

 Nonnie and Mary Clare

Happy 1st Birthday Ada!! She was quite unsure of why Daddy was handing her a cupcake with fire on the top! The #1 candle was the same candle we used for Abby and the same one that was used for Mommy's 1st birthday too! (Which of course was only 20-something years ago ;)

Even Kamden liked stuffing his face with cake!

Ada couldn't really get the concept of opening presents so she had a little help from Abby and the rest of her little party friends! Here, Abby had just opened Ada's first baby doll and she was so excited for her sister!

Can you tell how excited and interested Ada was!?!

Like the little princess just watching as her gifts were opened before her!

Nomi and Papa Dave are our Darlington grandparents! They are so sweet to the girls and watch them quite a bit for Mommy and Daddy! The girls really love them and always have such fun when they're around!

Kyler was clowning around

Poor Party Princess was fast asleep the second we put her in her car seat! This picture was taken before we even left the parking lot at the park!