Budding Artist

Hazel recently participated in art day at school. Since then she has been OBSESSED with coloring! She will grab any pen she can find, including sharpie's (yikes!), and any paper (bills, shot records, you name it) and go to town. Mommy quickly learned that baby-proofing is much more than outlet covers and rounded corners! Hazel now has an entire art box of WASHABLE crayons and markers that we carry with us everywhere. A word of caution: don't leave your purse anywhere near her--she will find something to write on!

She is so cute when she colors, because she concentrates really hard. She also won't let you hold the paper still (I've decided to tape them down). She also won't let anyone else color, she will butt in and take over.


This little person can cause such a huge mess!


Mr. Sketch markers and the "Lead Poisioning" Caution letter from the Doctor. Nice discovery, Hazel.


Hazel is passed out after a particularly taxing coloring session in the car seat. Apparently she ran out of paper and had to use her face!

Fabulous First!

There's the birthday girl!


She had fun with balloons!


She was all over the place!


It's not a party without a party hat!


Pinata time! It was crazy!


Let's eat cake!


Hazel jumped the gun.


She was offended by our singing.


Yummy cake!


One handful . . .


two handfuls . . .


three handfuls . . .


four!


So thirsty!


Sharing with her buddy (as usual).


Sugar high!!!


She paused long enough to give Mommy a hug.


She lost her shirt in a mad dash to the bouncy castle.


Beautiful birthday princess.

I hope you enjoyed Hazel's beautiful birthday pictures! I certainly did! There are a TON more in the gallery (there's a link in the top right).

Thank you so much, Julia, they are amazing!

Army Ten Miler

I ran the Army Ten Miler in DC this morning. The race went really well. My team, Team Army Hawaii, won first place! I ran a 1:03, which was exactly my goal time (even though I had to STOP to tie my shoe after the first mile). I got 2nd in my age group and 18th overall. It was a great running day! Although I could see my breath this morning and I MUCH prefer living without the cold!

I haven't been to DC since 2002 when I graduated from West Potomac High School, and it was very nice to come back. My cousin Kim lives here and I finally got a chance to see her adorable house! Chris do not read beyond this: I had a couple VERY productive shopping trips and finally had a reason to go into the coolest toy store ever, "Why Not?" in Old Town! I am going to have to buy a new bag to bring back all of Hazel's stuff! It's been a very fun trip, but I miss my Hbot and I can't wait to see her tomorrow!

My little BIG Girl

My BIG girl cheers on a clown at her friend's party: she's fearless


My BIG girl is freaked out by little dogs: maybe not so fearless


My BIG girl walks into "school" on her own: she's independent


My BIG girl still needs my help to open her birthday card from Great Grammie Hazel: maybe she's not SO independent


My BIG girl sits in the car seat forward (at least until the Dr told us to turn it around again): she's practically driving


My BIG girl still has to "taste-test" all her toys: maybe she'll drive once she puts the family back in the car


My BIG girl looks so pretty in her dress: she's a fashionista


My BIG girl still wants a baba sometimes: maybe she only really cares about food


My BIG girl had a birthday party with her school friends: she's organizing her own parties


My BIG girl can't seem to figure out how this toy works: maybe she has much more to grasp


My BIG girl was such a happy birthday girl (especially after chatting with Daddy): she is such a BIG ONE year old!


My BIG girl MUST have her Daddy bunny at school: maybe she's not SO big after-all.

Just when I think she's growing up too fast, my little angel shows me how far we have to go. I love my little big girl.

Princess Pigs Out!

Don't be fooled by the dainty tutu and princess crown, Hazel got down and dirty with her birthday cake.

Here's a video of Hazel devouring her cake! Enjoy!



A HUGE thanks to the Myers family for their camera work! An even bigger thanks to Weston for the cake eating demonstration!