Happy Anniversary, Fred and Wanda!

A few weeks ago we went to Texas to celebrate my grandparents' 65th wedding anniversary. They are quite an inspiration for the rest of us. After 65 years, their affection for one another is still obvious to anyone who spends time with them. It was a joyful celebration of love and family, with almost all of the Applegaths attending.



Juniper was pretty smitten with her cousin Aubrie.



Hazel spent a lot of time with her great-grandmother.



Oh joy! Juniper was completely entranced by my grandfather's automatic card shuffler.



Four generations of Applegath women, in front of my grandparents' house.

Who is this girl?

When did our daughter turn into the superhero from an indie comic? You know, the hip, smart, nerdy cool one with weird hair and boots and a cape and too many stripes and a look that says, "Yeah, I see you."

I swear, she was a toddler just about 5 minutes ago. And now she's not.

Fly me to the moon

While visiting family in Texas recently (photos to come soon), we took Juniper to the NASA space center. It was a big hit, and her imagination lately has been full of space shuttles and rocket ships. During one bit of play, I overheard her making these plans:

"I packed my moon buggy and my spacesuit and my flag and everything I need for the moon."

Yep, that about covers it. I think she's set for a moon trip.

Greetings

A little out of date (and a little out of focus), but still pretty cute. Juniper and Violet at the airport when Cheryl and Violet arrived in early November. They were positively giddy with excitement at seeing one another.

Stylin'

Juniper puts in her own barrettes.


You can't see it, but there are several more in the back and a couple on the side.

Big girl at the park

Just a year ago, she could barely reach these monkey bars. Now she has to stoop a little to keep from bonking her head.



She easily climbs all the way up the monkey bar ladder onto the platform at the top of the slides.



But she's still sad when it's time to go.

Our favorite bandit

Or as Aaron commented earlier today: Hazel, you're my favorite disembodied head.

Knowing "no"

As we were walking into the park today, Juniper pointed to this sign and announced, "That word says no." This is not a sign we've read or discussed before today. In fact, I don't recall ever talking about any no parking signs with Juniper. To prove that it wasn't a fluke, later in the evening she independently pointed out the "no" on a no smoking sign at a restaurant.

Our girl is a reader - a very early, beginning reader! (Given her current state of stubborn independence, it seems quite fitting that the first word she can read is no.)

Have muffin, will travel

From Janet's visit in the fall, she and Juniper go for a ride on the train in the church playground.

Tummy Time

Unlike her older sister, Hazel actually seems to enjoy tummy time. She'll certainly let us know when she's tired and has had enough, but she'll happily push herself up for quite a while.



Another difference from her older sister is the amount Hazel spits up. We had no idea.

Huckleberry has arrived!

Welcome to the world, Henry Delaney. We're so glad you're here, and we can't wait to meet you in person.

Hidden and happy

Quotable Juniper

I'm yawning because I'm so tired that I need to play.

I will do all I can to defend the earth and stop you from peeing.

Can we climb on the NASA?

To go order

I'll have one baby, all in blue, with a side of colorful wooden toys.