Time to go outside

On Monday of this week Kara's uncle Joe was visiting as he was on spring break. It also happened to be as close to seventy degrees as we have seen in about four months. So we decided to go to the park for a little while. I wonder if I have any pictures or video...

Yep.

Out to eat

The following are some photos and video from a recent trip to Red Lobster here in Ames where we met up with Lance's side for dinner. It was also a chance for Kara and Layne to do somethings like...

share some chocolate milk...



give eachother hugs...

and walk around the restraunt by themselves...

Time to watch Mickey

We bought Kara her own chair for the living room so now she can sit all by herself when her shows are on. There is a thirty second video below. However, you should only watch it if you enjoy riveting, action-packed footage that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

A walk in the park

One Year Photos

On Saturday afternoon we went to Des Moines to take Kara's one year photos. Even though we had to sit through the typical bubbly nonsense of the photographer trying to get Kara's attention, which didn't work most of the time, it was overall a good experience as we had about six poses that turned out rather well.

However, I must offer a few words of advise for those who have not had the pleasure of taking their one year old to a photographer...

1.) Try to avoid any photos that require your child to stand up and yet stand still.

2.) When given the option, choose to have your child wear the cutest outfit first. That way those pictures turn out better. As opposed to fighting off the drama in between shots.

3.) Use any and all resources around you to calm your child down. Even if you weren't intending on having your photo become Easter themed don't rule out letting your child play with an Easter egg basket in order to prevent a breakdown.

First Birthday

On Sunday we had Kara's first birthday party. Lot's of our friends and family showed up which was great! Chances are that if you are reading this you were there. Which means you know about the giant inflatable castle and personal appearance by Barrack Obama. Fun had by all! Thanks to everyone who could make it and you should know that Kara has been having fun with all of her new toys. In addition, her parents have been having fun cleaning them up every night. It appears that you can't teach a one year old to pick up yet.

Here are some highlights from the party...