Water, water and More Water

The weekend weather again was absolutely beautiful indicating that summer has arrived. Saturday and Sunday were both pool days, Saturday we went to the stadium to use their pool and "relax" poolside (relax with a one year old---RIGHT). It's heated so the water was very warm - but no pool toys ! So Sunday we used our pool and broke out her new pool toy - what a crack-up. She's so funny.

Another child favorite is the ordinary hose. Erin hasn't seen a hose before so it was fun to watch her discover all the ways she can have fun with it. It started with having the water run through her hands and progressed to her drinking the water and flinging the hose into a makeshift sprinkler. It kept us all very happy for the rest of the morning.

Beach Dayz

This past weekend the weather hit summer temps so we headed to the beach. It was crowded as it was still spring break , but we found a spot and pitched the tent. The water was still very cold ( there was NO way I was going in) but Erin and Paul wore their wet suits and hit the surf.

Paul was a little too confident in Erin's skills on the board. Right after this picture was taken he let go of her and that little wave in the background wiped her out and dumped her. She went under and tumbled for a bit and was on her tummy face down when Paul scooped her up. She wasn't phased one bit - Paul was a very proud Dad (but also a bit embrassed that he let his one yr old take a dump). I don't think the others on the beach were too impressed. After her first surf Erin retired to the tent for a much needed lunch break. Nothing like chomping on cold chicken after catching your first wave.

Erin was full of sand, she must have been so uncomfortable. I found more sand in her ears the following morning. Erin loved the beach and I think this will become part of our weekly routine.

Little Surfer Girl

From my earlier post you'll remember that Paul gave Erin a wet suit for her birthday. He couldn't wait to put her in it and take her for her first swim of the summer (we're still in Spring). It was a nice day but the pool was still a bit cool- he turned the heater on- nothing was going to get in his way. The pool temp reached 25C (77F) so it was very warm and probably didn't need the wetsuit but she looked so cute in it (notice the balloon).

It's My PARTY !!!!

I'll keep the commentary to a minimum and let the pictures do most of the talking. The morning started quite warm but then a "southerly" (not exactly sure what that is but everyone here was saying "Oh, it's a southerly coming in") came in and brought a little rain- but not enough to put a damper on the party. The jumping castle arrived and it was MUCH bigger than I thought - the kids LOVED it. Erin is explaining the rules of the castle.

After a bit in the castle she opened presents and had a turn at the pinata.

Cake TIME !!! Cake was everywhere - all over the chair, floor, her dress and even her hair. Erin loved making a mess and she certainly loves to eat cake.

After a much needed bath, Erin changed into her second party outfit from Aunt Karen and tried on her party hat ready for dinner. Erin made it to 7:15pm when she just about fell asleep in my arms. It was a great day and she had a "lie in" the following morning.

Happy First Birthday and Another First

The day started with presents (pressies) in the morning. I think Erin wasn't awake when Paul wanted to open presents- I don't know who was more excited (actually I do). I'm not sure she really knew what was going on but she seemed to enjoy her new toys. Paul gave her her first wet suit - I bet that doesn't come as a surprise.

Presents was followed by a breakfast of pancakes and blueberries (and some cake batter). Once we finished breakfast we made her birthday cake. Erin absolutely needs to be involved with whatever I'm doing which makes things difficult to get done but this was one task I knew she would enjoy.

After one more ride on my gift from Aunt Karen I took my much needed my morning nap- "who me? NO I'm not scared on this thing"

I made her birthday dinner of pasta with tomato basil cream sauce-her fav. I added garlic this time but I don't think she noticed. She's now fast asleep as we prepare for her birthday party tomorrow.

Erin performed her first sign today. I was completely caught off guard b/c I've been signing to her during her meals since 6mths. It's become second nature to me that I don't even know I'm doing it anymore. So when I asked her if she wanted more Blueberries she signed the word for "more". I couldn't beleive it! I asked her again after I got my camera so that I could capture the moment.

Balloons and More Balloons

Erin was invited to her first birthday party, Jake from her playgroup. It was a great party with lots of kids, food and toys but most important to Erin were the balloons. I guess I was "lucky" that Erin never had a favorite toy in case we misplaced it. I tried all sorts of toys, books, blankets, stuffed animals - nothing. That is until this birthday party. Unlike Oprah's list of favorite things Erin's list is small but very specific; Balloons- ALL KINDS and as many as she can hold.

By the time we left the party it was all that Erin could do to keep her eyes open. She still had the Gi-Joe kungfu grip on the balloons and wouldn't let go. Here she is sleeping in her crib with her beloved balloons.