Pat on the Back

Lately, Bridgette has started doing the cutest thing. We normally rock her and rub her back as part of our going-to-bed-soothing-routine. Needless to say, this little nightly snuggle is one of the best parts of the day. However, a few days ago, she started to rub our backs in return. Who knew parenting would have these little wonderful moments? (Don't say everybody!)

Future Cheerleader?

I'd just dressed Bridgette up in this bright orange jumper (a change at the end of the day due to copious spills on her prior outfit), when we went outside to play for a minute. Bridgette went right to Grandma's plastic toy bin and plucked out this orange cone. She put it to her lips, megaphone style, all by herself. Future cheerleader?

I am the one who placed it on her head, dunce style. No hidden meaning, but it did give me an idea for a Halloween costume. Head to toe in orange, she looks like one giant hazard cone!

Opening Doors

Brigette-the-Destroyer (as Kevin cheerfully calls her) now knows how to open doors. It is a skill she is quite fond of practicing. This is why the unbreakable paper plates now sit on the lowest shelf in our pantry.

Crazy Cute Cookies & Cupcakes!

We threw another bridal shower this weekend, but with a bright mix of summer colors. All along, Mom planned to use colorful cupcakes as edible decorations. However, when she went to order them from her regular baker this week - the baker wasn't there! I guess even bakers go on summer vacations.

Fortunately, I recalled that Sandy Hestand, my neighbor, was a caterer (her scrumptious cookies have been showing up at church events ever since we moved into the ward). So, despite a last minute request, she produced a plethora of cookies and cupcakes that matched the event! The party looked delightful and was delicious!!

Spaghetti & Meatballs

As many know - my Mom is the shower-giver-extraordinaire of the old Lakeshore ward. Through the years, she's helped many brides and births be celebrated with flare. This past Saturday, Season Hale's shower was no exception!

The bride picked black and red, and we had a blast serving up Italian food on checkered tablecloths. The napkins (my contribution) were an eclectic coordinated mix. The flowers were arranged in bread bowls with spaghetti accents. And the guests filled out adorable advice cards (designed by Rainy Hale) to stuff in a photo-filled album.

Of course the highlight of the shower - for me - was when Kevin brought Bridgette by to see everybody after her swim lessons. Even she dressed appropriately for the party!

Lost

I swear my heart stopped on Sunday. Kevin and I lost Bridgette at church.

We were hanging out with Bridgette in the hallway (where we pretty much spend all of church with our curious daughter these days), when Sacrament meeting let out. Well, we have a ward of nearly 600 people. Thus, a lot of other people suddenly swarmed the hallway too.

Basically we blinked. I thought Bridgette was in the church library, panning through the lost and found toys (a favorite Sunday pasttime of hers), and Kevin thought she was by me. When we realized she wasn't in either place, we began frantically dodging the other church goers and looking in all the rooms.

This is church, I thought to myself. Bridgette must be safe. No one here would really kidnap her. Everyone here would surely protect her if they saw her. But - those thoughts didn't stop the panic.

Maybe two minutes went by before Kevin found her. She had meandered into the cultural hall via the chapel and was perfectly happy exploring her world.

Anyone know where to buy those leashes for kids?

Officially One

On the day Bridgette officially turned one - I dressed her in a sparkly dress and took her to the office for ice cream pie!!

Better Than a Quiet Book

Kevin's parents came all the way from Whidby Island, Washington and braved the Arizona heat to celebrate Bridgette's birthday with her.

Kevin's mom, who is wonderfully artistic and creative brought this adorable gift. "The Cupcake Bakeshop" has a handle on top and a door that opens, so that Bridgette can carry around the purple bears inside.

All the little girls (and there were many) at Bridgette's party oohed and awed, but probably only the adults appreciated the time and skills that went into sewing all the darling details. Thanks DeAnna!

And I have to add that this is better than a Quiet Book. Since Bridgette came along, Kevin has often reminsced about the quiet books his mother made him and his siblings. He's raved about the buttons, ties and zippers that kept him occupied in church. On multiple occasions, he suggested we should convince his mom to make one for Bridgette. But the cloth cupcake and bears are waaay better.