Nana's Birthday Weekend

This past weekend the Peckenpaughs all met at the cottage for a celebration of Nana's birthday. We went out for a nice dinner at Tabor Hill and spent some down-time playing cards and enjoying being together. We also took a trip to the playground and let Annika experience her first trip down a slide. She wasn't too impressed. Our dog Gordy enjoyed it more than she did.

We were excited to show off Annika's walking, but unfortunately she refused to perform when under pressure. Of course, as soon as we returned home she was walking all over the place. Hopefully one of these days we'll get a good video we can post.

Here are some photos from the birthday weekend.

Nana making Annika giggle

Playing peek-a-boo with Papa

First trip down the slide with Dad

Teeth!

Annika has been a little slow in the hair and teeth department, so when her 2 bottom teeth poked through the week of her first birthday, we (especially Branden) were pretty excited. It has taken a while for them to come in enough for a good photo, but I finally got one at bath time tonight. I don't think my cropping of the photo can disguise how displeased Annika was for trying to get her to show her new smile.

Happy First Birthday Annika

On Sunday we celebrated Annika's first birthday with the Peckenpaughs and Johnsons. Annika was thrilled to wear her special pink dress, open her (many) gifts and eat cake. Although we expected cake to be a insanely messy experience, Annika proved that she is a dainty girl by neatly picking out small bites. It took her almost ten minutes to dig into the whipped cream.

We remember Annika's first days so vividly, it's hard to believe that a year has already transpired. We love every day with her and pray often for her future and for God to shape us as parents.

Happy Birthday Annika. You are a gift.