1st Birthday

Yesterday I got to join my friend Laura and her family in celebrating her nephew, Aaron's, first birthday!  The celebration was held at her sister's house, which is about a two and a half hour drive. 

I met Aaron when he was just a month or so old and I remember Laura's excitement when he was born.  I couldn't wait to see him again-it's been too long!  He's grown so much in this first year.  It's amazing how fast children change and develop when they're young. 

Aaron has such a good attitude.  He didn't fuss once even with all the people and being passed around so much.  He seemed to really enjoy his first birthday.  Besides, he received some cool gifts, and got to eat birthday treats, so how could he not enjoy it? ;)

Laura's aunt made the adorable frog cookies.  Talk about talent!  Plus, she found a fan in Aaron, he really liked his cookie. Aaron also got a kick out of being messy with his cupcake, which was funny and cute all at once.  After opening presents, we were treated to Aaron demonstrating for everyone how he dances to the elmo song.  He is a mover!

I really appreciated being able to be there for Aaron's 1st birthday.  It was so kind of Laura and her family to invite me.  I felt honored to celebrate his birthday.  I don't have any nephews of my own (and never will have any biological ones for that matter), but if I did, I'd want one just like Aaron. :)  

School's Out!

Adele, Becca and I have been enjoying the first few days of summer by running around oustide and being goofy.  We went to the park the other day, a park which all of us grew up going to.  In fact, we have some younger pictures of us in that very same car/batmobile. (see top picture.)

I just love these girls.  And if this is how summer will be, bring it on! 

P.s. Becca, I have a feeling we're going to be making full use of that brand new porch of yours.  So don't be alarmed if one day you find Adele and I sitting on your porch swing. ;) 

Finals

it's that time of the year again...

when my to-do list looks oh-so-impossible

and this looks like the most wonderful place on earth....

and it's the time when i start wearing these...

eek!

however, finals time also means

 soon it will be time for

cookouts

bonfires

swimming

bike riding

star gazing

lightning bugs

tennis playing

s'mores

fireworks

picnics

and enjoying the sun.

i. can't. wait.

MPA

Tonight I just returned from the Midwestern Psychological Association's annual conference.

It was held at the Palmer House Hilton, pictured above.  (Isn't it gorgeous?!)

It was my first time attending and I must say, it was really intriguing to see what students all over the U.S. have been researching.  The topics ranged far and wide!  As did the school affiliations!  However, the one thing everyone had in common was that they have dedicated an impressive amount of time and energy towards their research.

here's til next year, mpa!

Weekend Snapshots

Here are some last little shots from our weekend together.

I'm so glad Adele was able to come visit.  It was an awesome couple of days.

We had a lot of fun just being goofy, as you can see.