One Year Pictures

I just had Arianna's one year pictures taken. You can view the proofs by going to http://tinavinkportraits.smugmug.com and clicking on Arianna. Let me know which ones you like best!

Just too cute..

I had to post this. When Arianna was born, my Aunt gave us this dog as a baby gift. It's kind of a tradition with her. Over the last few weeks Arianna has grown very attached to this large dog. His name is Lloyd. She carries him around, gives him hugs and kisses and it's just darn cute. Here is a short video of her with Lloyd. Oh, and yes she attacks me at the end, that's why there aren't many videos of her as of late, she loves the camera and ALWAYS wants to hold it herself.

Birthday Party -- She's ONE!!

I cannot believe how time flies. Arianna turned one on December 27th. It was a sad and exciting day at our household. Our baby is no longer a baby. She's walking, "talking", understanding and she's independent. It's such a blessing to watch her grow and develop, and yet it's so sad to see her grow (moms will understand what I mean by that!) Anyway, we were planning on having her birthday party on her birthday, but my entire family had the stomach flu. Yes, four of the six cousins, Uncle Drew, Grandma, Grandpa and Daddy all had the flu, so we postponed the party. We had her birthday party December 30th instead. She really didn't know the difference :) It was so fun. Everyone came over and we had BBQ and cake. Arianna wasn't nuts about either one, but everyone else loved the food. Here are some pictures.








Finally, here is a video of us singing "Happy Birthday" to Arianna. Please, pay no attention to my family's singing...we try.

Christmas Fun

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted anything! Things just got crazy! I know, that's no excuse, but I'm using it! Our Christmas break has been wonderful so far. It started out with Jason's family visiting and we had so much fun. Arianna loved playing with Uncle Joel, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Jill and her cousins. She also loved seeing Grandma and Grandpa Nikkel again. While the Nikkels' were visiting we also celebrated Arianna's first birthday. Here are a few pictures of Arianna with the Nikkels at Christmas.

After the Nikkel party, we celebrated Christmas with my family! It was party after party! Arianna did great, but she did get a little overwhelmed by all the activity. She loved playing with her "crazy" cousins and trying really hard to keep up with all the big kids. Don't worry, she can hold her own! My parents even attempted their picture tradition of having their picture taken in front of the tree with all the grandkids. It wasn't too bad...I'm sure to an outsider the scene would have been funny. All of us adults trying to get our kids to look, shouting names, making things rattle, making funny faces...all for the sake of a cute picture, but I think we got one! Here are some photos of my family Christmas.

Just waiting for Christmas

Hello! Jason and I are both counting down the days until Christmas break. We are both so excited this year. More than in years past because we get to spend all day with our little family! It seems like life has been so hectic over the last few months that we hardly have seen each other! Now, we'll have two weeks of just hanging out. I know that there will be basketball practices, and parties, but at least we'll be off work and just relaxing. Other than that, nothing really new has happened in our lives. We survived the first ice storm and we both STILL HAD SCHOOL! That's what teachers live for...snow days. Alas, no such luck this time. Arianna is doing wonderfully. She is getting two more teeth on top so she's a little cranky at times, but mostly she's great. She loves to laugh, smile, wave, blow kisses, and mimic all of our motions. She is full of wonder and curiosity. It's so much fun just watching her. I'm posting several pictures of her at daycare. We are so blessed to have someone who loves Arianna watching her while we're both at work. God works in amazing ways doesn't He? I was a wreck going back to work and now my heart is at peace because I know Arianna is getting great care. The first two pictures show just how hard Arianna plays at daycare. Yes, she's actually sleeping like that. Don't worry, after the photos, she was moved to a more comfortable position!

This final picture is of Arianna with some of the kids at daycare all sporting the cool new "hats" they made (Arianna had help making hers!)