Frances' Baptism

Our good friends Tony and Betsy asked us to be Godparents to their beautiful daughter Frances.  We are so honored to play such an important role in her life.  Her baptism day was beautiful.

As a side note- our own "angels" were actually angels during the service.  We were nervous about the attending since we were going to be on the altar and they weren't.  We put Kate in her stroller and left her in the aisle a few rows from the front.  When she started to get antsy, Grace got up all on her own and sat next to her on the floor and gave her books and toys.  So sweet, such a good big sister.  I wish I could have taken a picture, not really appropriate during the service from the altar, but it's one of those pictures I will freeze into my mind forever.

Decorating the Tree

Everyone was excited to put up the family tree.  We made some hot chocolate and got to work.
Kate just wanted to roll around on the floor at first-

But then she saw the lights and jumped right in-

Grace was very serious about her job of making sure every branch had lights on it

Kate found something to get into-

After Grace filled up the low branches, she went to the bathroom to get her stool and get some of the other branches

The big honor-

Thanksgiving

We were able to spend Thanksgiving with Grandma and Pop this year.  We had a great time!
Lots of playing-

Checked out the sales-

Ate great food-

Played at the park

The girls really liked this tunnel-

Played with Grandma and Pop

The parachute was definitely a favorite

Happy Birthday Roland!

My friend Brooke had her second son the day before Kate was born so Roland and Kate are a day apart.    Roland had his first birthday party at his grandparents' house and everyone had a great time!

Grace did her own hair....

Everyone loved helping to open the gifts
Happy Birthday Roland!

Grunewald Thanksgiving

Since my family was all together for Kate's birthday, we decided to take advantage and have an early Thanksgiving.  Here is some of the fun we had-

They loved this box..

We did a video conference call to my grandmother and everyone wanted to talk at once

The first bath with three...soon we'll add Aubrey

Kate's First Birthday Party

We had Kate's Grover themed birthday party at a local "indoor playground."  It was great!  Everyone had a fun time, especially Kate.  There was lots of playing, Kate's favorite thing to do, and a music lesson with instruments, also a Kate favorite.

15 more years and this will be a different car...

Isabella's head...

Even cousin Aubrey had fun!

After all the fun we moved onto eating- again, another favorite of Kate...

And now she's just mad....enough pictures- let's get to that cake

That's what I'm talking about...

Very generous gifts and lots of helpers to open them :)

Thanks to everyone who helped to make Kate's day so special, especially those that traveled far to come- we really appreciate it!