Houston Wedding

We had a fabulous time in Houston for Aunt Kristin and Uncle Andy's wedding. Congrats to them! It was wonderful seeing all her cousins - JW, Lilliana, and of course Jas. Bella absolutely loves Jas and asks about her all the time! Bella really enjoyed seeing all the lovely water and animals running around the Woodlands Resort. She especially loved dancing the night away during the reception. After Bella ate ketchup with chicken and played with the neon lights, she danced to all the songs until 10 pm when her parents dragged her out of the room because she wanted to partake in the garter event. Sorry kiddo, but you're TOO young for that.

But sleeping in wasn't so bad either :) We tried going swimming on Sunday in the amazing pool, but after getting sprayed by one of the water spouts right in the face, that was the end of the water fun. Maybe next time...

Two Years Old!

Bella's Two Year Birthday was quite a sight to see. We didn't have a big fancy party but we did have family and friends to share the weekend, making her birthday truly special. Pop came in to see her from Virginia. She took quite easily to him, and loved sitting with him at dinnertime. She enjoyed opening her presents on the morning of her birthday. She received clothes, a savings bond, sidewalk chalk, some books, and a movie "Planet Earth." Bella just adores watching the animals on TV, especially when it's slow and drawn out like the series Life on Discovery Channel. We made her birthday cupcakes, which she loved, mostly just the frosting though. For her dinner birthday we went to a Mexican restaurant she enjoys, Pasados. Not only did she eat nearly the entire salsa container, but she also got a special ice cream treat from a man serenading her! It was a great dinner shared with Pop, Aunt Iris, Uncle Jon, and Jas.

And last month......

Just after Nana, Papa, and Aunt E came down to Dallas, Bella and I traveled up to Ohio to see the family. It was great spending time with everyone! Bella loved playing with Riley at Great Nana's house. She loved the powered donuts too! To this day she still mentions Riley. We miss everyone in Ohio so much! We think of you and hope that one day we can get back there.

Baptism

On March 14th, Bella had her baptism at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Rockwall, Texas. We were very fortunate to have Grandma and Grandpa Valvoda and Aunt Erin visit for the baptism. Aunt Iris, Uncle Jon, and Jasmine were also able to witness this special occasion. Bella loved being in her daddy's arms, but of course when it came time to baptise her, she cried and flailed about. She also injured her daddy in the process, which would not have been a pretty sight for the entire congregation to see. Bella wore a dress from her Grandpa Rowell for her baptism but was also placed in the traditional gown from her Great-Great Grandmother. After the service we had brunch and celebrated the rest of the day with a bowling trip. Bella showed off her love for dancing while the music played at the bowling lanes. Hope you enjoy the video as much as we do, especially of Bella "raising the roof."

Springtime Joys

It finally decided to warm up in Texas, so off we went to the park! Bella loved walking around eating her "yummies" while Hunter loved exploring all this new uncharted territory. Bella was really cute on the playground - she kept watching this other girl play and as she did, she semmed to be "posing." Bella is loving the change in weather because now she gets to play outside a lot more. Mom and Dad are loving the fact that she loves playing outside because now she gets worn out a lot more during the day and is sleeping better at night. Lately we've been having a night battle for the past two months - where does Bella sleep, how many times she gets up at night, and how best to put her down. It's been a LONG two months but thank goodness it's getting better. We are very excited about the upcoming weeks. Next week is her baptism and visit from Grandma and Grandpa Valvoda and Aunt E. Next month is a visit from Grandpa Rowell and then it's her second birthday. Let the good times roll!

Record Breaking in Texas

Who would believe that the year we come to Texas it snows? And on top of it snowing, it made a whopping 7 inches! Of course Bella and Hunter went outside to enjoy the cold temperatures, flakes falling, and the slush. Bella enjoyed picking up piles of snow and throwing them, mom enjoyed throwing snowballs at Hunter, and Hunter enjoyed playing outside. It was a good time for all!

Bella has been showing lots of growth. She said "please" for the first time this week. Before that she would just smile and giggle when I'd try to get her to say it. She's also starting in with the "I want it" phrases - boy does she say that a lot. The terrible two temper tantrums are already starting.... and she's not even two! When she's not crying on the floor or telling puppy no, she's a ball to be around. She loves piggy-back rides, cuddling, or collecting all her toys around her in an awkward spot, such as under the table or in a corner. She can be very strange sometimes!

White Christmas

I can't believe we had a "white" Christmas in Dallas, Texas! All this week it's been warm and then boom - it's like the weather KNEW it had to snow for us for Christmas. It was wonderful seeing the snow coming down on Christmas Eve. After going to church (and yes, Bella did well during the hour long church service - just started to cry when she couldn't hold the lit candle) we came home and opened one gift before dreaming of sugar plums. Then Christmas morning we enjoying quality time tearing open presents and decorating Hunter. All in all it's been a good Christmas season so far..... but the fun continues now that Aunt Erin is arriving tonight to visit! YAY!

December tidings

Well even though there is no snow down here in Texas, we're still enjoying ourselves! Bella and I set up the Christmas tree shortly after Thanksgiving ended because..... YAY! Grandma and Grandpa Valvoda came to visit! It was great to see them and they really enjoyed their time with Bella Boo (nickname from daycare). She loved all her presents, especially the new table and chairs from her grandparents. She is quite the little rascal now, getting into everything and demanding her way. Her favorite words are "Stop it" and "Where'd it go?" She even does the hands up motion when she asks the latter question - too cute! Now that she's starting to notice things more, Santa still is questionable for her. Her visit from Santa this year didn't lead to crying but that doesn't mean she didn't look at him with a question in her eye. All in all, it started off to be a great Christmas even though we can't be with more of our family. Wishing everyone a Happy Holidays from the Rowells!