Clara's 1st birthday!

I can't believe it has been a whole year. I still hold her in my arms and stare at her perfect little features and wonder that God gives us so much. It has been a blessing to get to know this sweet babe who comes speed crawling across the floor to give us a hug and a kiss. Her curiosity reminds me of my own, as does her love for books (her sense of adventure and interest in things that roar come from her father). It is very fun to have a little buddy to hang out with, and also terribly scary to see a little 'me' running around - yes mother, all those years of saying "just you wait" have finally paid off =) We had a little Dr. Seuss party - since the first birthday is really for the parents - for Clara and her cousin Isabella who just turned six. Lots of food, fellowship, and presents made for a fun evening...

We had tortilla soup, salad, sparkling cider...

and rainbow fruit twizzlers, chocolate raspberry cake,
 and truffula tree cupcakes

Clara's first cupcake

Marmee and Papa got her this sweet little ride

and found this guy creeping outside.
The moral of the story: sometimes the moral of the story
should be disregarded...especially when it comes to
squishing spiders...

After receiving this super cute book (Be Nice to Spiders)
from Grandma and Grandpa,
along with a super cute stroller for her baby doll,
We opened the door...

We pray for you Clara, every day. We have faith that you will come to know the love of your Father in heaven and know the peace and joy of those who trust in Him. We love you so much, and remember if you ever find a spider as big as the one in the picture above, please squish it or get your father.

Love, Mom and Dad