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Happy St. Patty's Day!

Thanks to the desire, research, and spunk of our good friends Brandon and Kristin, we got to enjoy a real Irish treat this St. Patty's Day.

Corned beef, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and some good ol' black and tans.

Ay laddie... it's a tradition worth repeatin'.

Post-dinner ice cream and fountain fun...

February Fun

Princess Night at Chick-Fil-A. Carriage rides, LOTS of princess dresses, and free food.

2 weeks of rain...which meant snow for the mountains out our window.

80 degree weather and fresh-squeezed orange juice.

A fire burns in my heart...and my hearth

My wonderful husband put in a gas fireplace for us this month. We love it! Noelle and I spend every morning there...she with her milk, me with my coffee, and both of us with our Bibles. It is treasured time every day. We awoke on Valentine's Day and found not only our burning fire, but two beautiful bouquets. What a man!

It's true...flowers melt a girl's heart...

What a difference a year makes...

Noey with her animal - Summer 2008

Noey with her animal - Summer 2009

Noelle in the Minneapolis Airport - August 2008

Noelle in the Minneapolis Airport - August 2009

Highlights from April...

Noelle turned ONE! Joe and I count this one of the best years of our lives. We LOVE having a one-year old, and she LOVED her chocolate cake...

A 16th birthday visit! We got to spend several wonderful days with Amy and best friend Alyssa...

Noellle's First Easter!

A ski trip with the Coniglio Family! So fun!

Surf and Sand

There's a first time for everything, and this month Noelle visited the ocean. After thoroughly covering every orifice of her white body with triple layers of SPF 50, we made our way to the water front. Her eyes widened with each crashing wave and watched with delight as the water rushed up to cover her toes.

Then we headed to the sand! Her roly-poly legs, toes, and fingers loved wiggling around in it.

We soon learned of her perseverance, and taste for, well, sand! As she began to bring the first fistful up to her mouth, Joe suggested just letting her be. "She'll see that it's gross," he assured me. As handfuls three and four made their way into her mouth and as she continued to smile and laugh we realized we have a little adventurer, who just doesn't mind some grit! (Note the permanent place her pacifier held the rest of the time on the beach)

A future in surfing or professional sand castle building perhaps?

Good Friend, Good Times, Good Food

Joe traveled earlier this month, and surprised me with a visit from a best friend! Sara arrived after a LONG travel day from Michigan. Ahhh...it was like a back rub for my heart. There is nothing like a longtime friend! We spent the week sleeping late (well...as late as Noelle would allow me), shopping, visiting LA and Santa Monica, getting pedicures (see picture from previous blog) and enjoying long conversations on the couch. Our grand finale was a brunch at my favorite restaurant. Yummy! Mimosas, crab legs, and elaborately decorated desserts abounded.

Thank you God for this special friend, a husband who takes care of me even while away, a baby girl who loves all things girly, and for the memories you allowed us this week! I am humbled by your generosity Lord.