the party

 You can't have a birthday without a party. Although small, it was perfect for a one year old who really doesn't care about a party! We invited just a few people {lets me honest, we don't even really know many people!}, grilled pizzas by the pool while the kids...and a few adults swam, and the other adults sipped their Italian sodas. After a good swim we came into enjoy yet another cake smash! Avila is quite a spoiled little girl! But, who wouldn't want to spoil her??

{I am so kicking myself, however. As I was going through all of the pictures, I totally didn't even take a picture of my favorite decoration! I hung up a picture of every month above our couch with cute clothespins and everything...I guess if you want to get the full effect of my parties, you gotta just come. I promise you, I won't disappoint! ;-)}

avila is ONE.

{september 7...her actual birthday}

We celebrated with a little family birthday on Avila's actual birthday, with plans of a bigger party the next day. Of course, she wouldn't have known or cared one way or another, but we had leftover cupcakes from Adam's birthday the day before, so we did the traditional cake smash! She opened family presents, which we just rewrapped for the party the next day. She's one...things like that are okay! 

She loved having a birthday and having the kids sing to her all day long. She glowed everytime with a huge grin and danced throughout the song, too. Gosh, I love this girl!

sunday best

Trying to get four kids to smile or at least hold still for a picture is pretty ridiculous these days. Avila doesn't want to hold still, Jacob just doesn't want to be dressed, Noah is getting better about smiling, and Macie feels overwhelmed with holding wiggly Avila. It's just an overall awful experience! If I catch them all on good days, I might be able to get individual pictures, but even those are far and in between these days! I tried before church...fail. I tried after church...another fail. Hmmm...

Macie and Avila got these dresses from my mom, which are too cute and coordinating. They got lots of compliments at church, and from me. They really can't wear the same clothes usually. Macie is too big for the little girls size that Avila is finally in. So, we kind of missed the boat on that, so we have to just settle for coordinating!

six

Six years ago, Macie Alida Christensen was born. The assumed 5 pound baby actually was 8 pounds 1 ounce...and already weighed in at 10 pounds 2 ounces at her ten day check up! Oh, Macie was huge. Over the past six years we have laughed so much. Macie is a crack up. Every day there is something new with her! She may have a temper of a lion, but it's not all of the time. Most of the time she's a good little girl with a gentle heart. I think she really believes she is about 16...if not older! Her birthday list this year consisted of make up and high heels. She decided that she would rather have high heels than a bike which she previously had requested. "Santa Claus would probably give a better bike, because high heels aren't toys," she said. 

Macie is a very well loved little girl, and such a happy girl, to boot. We love you, Miss Macie. Have a great year being SIX! Here's to many more laughs with you!

one.

Avila is one. Can you believe that Avila is one? My goodness, where did the year go?! Avila is seriously the happiest baby. She is always smiling and giggling. {Such a difference from her older sister who always glared at other people! Ha.} We have really loved playing with her this past year. I think I'm saying it every month, but I think this is my favorite stage! She is crawling around...almost walking. She climbs the stairs like a champ, and is learning to come down. She jabbers and laughs all of the time. She is pretty independent and likes to figure things out on her own. I can't feed her food, she has to do it all on her own. Thank goodness for the baby food/applesauce in a pouch! It seriously is our saving grace! :-) 

Avila is a girly girl for sure. She always has to be wearing a necklace. And...anything can be a necklace. Her favorites are Papa's dogtags or Macie's swimming suit. Although a girly girl, she absolutely HATES getting her hair done! I can't even touch it without a fuss. She rips out any bow, flower or headband...and usually ends up destroying it! You will usually see her with crazy curly hair, and depending on the time of day and humidity level, it could look pretty crazy! 

She is funny. And she knows it. Her favorite thing to do dance. She's got rhythm. If she hears music, she will start bouncing and dancing. She also loves to lead the music in church, she's pretty good! Whenever she hears laughter, she will follow. 

 We love this little Avila. She is such a fun happy girl! Here's to another fun year, Miss A! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

35.

Happy Birthday, Adam!
Thank you for always being older than me.
We love you so much.
You are the best daddy and husband ever.
Enjoy Dinosaur Jr.