In bloom

Emily and I went to the Nichols Arboretum today to see the lilacs in bloom. The Arb has a historically-based shrub collection that dates back to the original 1907 landscape. The blooms were beautiful and so fragrant.

I took Emily in our cruising stroller because I wanted her to be able to see everything. I was a little concerned about it being too bumpy, but she had her hands up and was kicking her legs, as if this was her own personal rollercoaster ride. The lilacs are located in a fairly hilly section so my
muscles got quite a workout!

The apple blossoms are also blooming right now. Emily wanted to see if the blooms taste as good as the fruit.

We are looking forward to visiting the peony garden next month!

Sunday Ride

We have had two successful Sunday bicycle rides! Our first attempts last month were met with tears and protest, mostly over having to wear a helmet. Ryan read on a message board that if your child learns to associate the bicycle trailer with something they enjoy, they will start to like bike rides. So we ride to one of the nearby parks and Emily is able to climb and swing. Emily now happily wears her bicycle helmet and enjoys the ride while Dad does the work!

A party fit for a princess

Emily turned 1 on Friday, May 4. To celebrate, we had a party the previous weekend. We had great weather so the kids were able to play outside with all of Emily's toys - the sand & water table, the sandbox, the picnic table, the play house with the slide and swing, as well as her tractor, hula hoop and beach balls. Grandma Sally made Emily's smash cake - a princess castle cake, complete with frosted sugar cone towers. Emily had several sessions with cake at her party and over the course of the weekend. She thought it was quite delicious.

On Emily's actual birthday, she celebrated with a pink ice pop. It is so fun to be one!