Kiawah vacation

There is nothing like the feeling of watching your child experience one of God's greatest wonders for the first time. The beach mesmerized our girl. She wasn't quite sure what to think of the sand on her feet or the waves knocking her down, but once she got the feel for it all, she could not have been happier. David and I are still laughing about how she wanted toys from other people's beach bags (even though she had the exact same ones), how she legitimately thought that she could catch at least one seagull, and how there was very little book reading for either one of us! Vacation has now taken on a new look, but it involves this precious face and we wouldn't change a thing...

 Her very first look at the ocean. 

 Mr. Bear, Lilly suit and Crocs. All set.

 One of the week's highlights was being a part of the pre-PGA Championship festivities. The tournament started 5 days after we left. Dave and L in front of The Ocean Course clubhouse.

 After dinner, we took some pics around the grounds. This is in front of the putting green.

 I just love this photo. She walked around like she owned the place with that shovel in her mouth.

 "I can catch one, I can catch one, I can catch one."

 Got visited by the ice cream truck. One of the highlights of her week.

 Tiger's boat is so small :)

 She follows the rules.

 Favorite.pic.of.all.time. Does it get any better than that bow and belly?

We had a GREAT time! 1st family vacay = success!

Birthday week! Lots of photos again!

How can it be? We already have ourselves a one year old?! I feel like we just left the hospital!

We decided that it was only fitting to celebrate our girl's birthday all week long. So on her actual birthday (May 6), she woke up to balloons all over her room. Her reaction was much more exciting when I envisioned it in my head than it actually was in reality. But, she warmed up to them after a while. She takes after her momma in the mornings :)

Then, we headed to Krispy Kreme for her very first donut before church.

Watching how the donuts are made.

After church, we came home to celebrate! I attempted to make this birthday cake for her, but she wasn't a huge fan.

She mostly shared with Daddy...

She loved all of her special gifts! We had to immediately try out the new pool and swing!

The following weekend, we had a large party at the house with family and friends. I had been planning this shindig for months! Pinterest has created a monster! It was so fun to put together a day that we could celebrate all of the joy that Leighton has brought to our lives alongside our closest family and friends.

She wasn't walking quite yet, but Grancy helped her try!

She was loaded with gifts! Thanks guys!

She liked this cake MUCH better!

Opening her presents! She loves books.

 Her friends helped too :)

To our sweet-spirited, sassy, smiley, strong-willed baby girl...you fill our hearts. I am blessed to be your momma. Your tiny voice that wakes us up in the morning and your heavy eyes as we pray together at night are the best gifts we could ever imagine. We love you so much.

The next stop for the three of us....

Stay tuned!

Just a little hiatus (Warning: Picture Heavy!)

Long time, no see friends! We have been MIA on this blog for over a year now, and I am eager to return and share some of our life moments with you! The past 14 months since I blogged last have been the most rewarding months of my life. Being momma to our precious girl and watching David be the best daddy to her has been two of the greatest gifts of my life thus far. The year has gone by too quickly and I often comment about wishing that I could "pause" time. But each stage and phase brings so much joy! Here is our bundle when she was born.

  Just hours old. Very inquisitive then and still is today.

And here she is now!

Here are some photos in between...

 Serious face...

Special picture. Daddy Ralph went to be with Jesus just three months after this photo was taken. David and I were so blessed that she got to meet him.

The morning of her dedication at church. 

Another special picture. Leighton meeting Grandpa George and Grandma Bobbye!

Yet another. One blessed girl. Meeting Great Grandmom for the first time.

 The night of David's 10 year reunion.

First UT football game.

Seeing what Santa brought for her first Christmas.

 First family Christmas.

 She has LOVED food since we started solids. I chose this pic because we love how she puts her toes underneath the tray. She still does it.

Loves bath time.

 First trip to the aquarium. She was unimpressed.

 First Valentine's day.

Pretty self-explanatory. The Vols disappointed her on multiple levels.

 First Easter. Her beautiful dress was made by her grandmothers.

 First UT baseball game.

Those are some highlights from L's first year of life. The next post will be all things related to her first birthday "week"! Thank you for continuing to love on and pray for our family!