Happy Birthday Babies!!

Although this is posting On Friday, May 16, I'm still up so it's still birthday day for me!


Today was Natalie and Abigail's first birthday! I can't believe it is already here. How did they get to be a year old already? It seems like yesterday that we were in the hospital waiting and worrying about the girls. At any point we could have lost one or both of them. Having them both here today, happy, healthy and beautiful is just amazing.

Today was a happy day of celebration. To start, the girls had their promised Tea Party with Daddy. While they were in the hospital, Daddy promised them they would have a Tea Party on their first birthday. He made good on his promise. He even shopped and picked out the tea set - Barbie Princess - himself. As you can see, it was a big hit. Natalie and Abby are dressed in party dresses picked especially by Daddy. (He's very proud of the fact that he picked out these dresses. They are also the ONLY clothes he's bought for them.) Froggy and Ducky as well as Pink Bear and Pony were also in attendance. Mommy was not invited but was allowed to watch, video and take pictures. A very good time was had by all.

Following a liquid lunch, and a nap, we headed out to the Museum of Life and Science in Durham. It's an awesome museum and I've just been waiting until the girls were old enough to go. I wanted us all to go for the first time. We arrived just as the clock struck 4:09pm - Natalie's official birthday. Abigail officially turned 1, a minute later at 4:10pm. I have to say they looked much better than they did a year ago.
Natalie at 4:09pm


Abby at 4:10pm

We had a great time at the Museum. We were there just in time to watch them feed some of the reptiles. We watched the alligators fish around for their frozen chucks of mice and the a snake gulping down live minnows. The girls really liked the snakes (children after my own heart:-)). I promise there is glass between Natalie and the Copperhead.


We also checked out an old train car where a nice man took our picture, and visited the Butterfly House.

Considering we only had an hour before closing, we did quite a bit. We purchased a year membership for 2 people (the girls don't count as people until they are 3). My plan is to take them during the week. If you want to join us while Ben is at work - you can be a people too!

Just after we returned home, Mema and Grammy arrived to start the celebration weekend. Nanny and Poppy arrived sooner after that. As you know, we have a big celebration planned for Saturday. Mommy has been working like a mad person in the yard to get everything ready. There are still a few things to do:clean the porch, make a cake, decorate cakes, shop for food, clean the house, move the camper, finish mowing the grass, pick up the tables and chairs, make a picture collage,...I'm sure there are a 1000 other things. Fortunately, we have lots of help now. Everyone was assigned their tasks before they went to bed. No, seriously, they really were.

We are really excited about the Dedication and party. Somehow, it's turned into this huge event. We are expecting about 50 people!! Some friends we haven't seen in years are coming. People are even coming from as far away as Wilmington and Boone. We are so honored and humbled that they would come so far, especially with the price of gas these days. What a tremendous gift. It's really amazing how loved and cared for Natalie and Abigail are. We are truly, truly blessed.

Happy First Birthday Natalie and Abigail. Mommy and Daddy love you so much and we are so very glad you are here.