Milo turned one!

Going back in time again. Milo turned one year old!! He was going to be in NJ for the big day so we celebrated a little early on June 11. We had lots of friends and family over to celebrate the big occasion. There was a bounce house and the crooked house was completed just hours before. Some of the paint may still have been wet!

In honor of Grandpa Jon's retirement from Amtrak, we did a train theme. The Little Engine that Could. My mom made all of Kari and my birthday cakes and I have been trying to do the same. I made a 3D cake the first year and it has seem to stick. So, Milo's train cake was no different. The cake I made dairy free but at the last moment, I got nervous and cut off all the icing (bad mom, I know!!) But he seemed to enjoy it anyway. A big thanks to all the friends and family that were able to come and celebrate.

Click here to see Mom's pictures from Milo's birthday
http://www.flickr.com//photos/33707169@N05/sets/72157626847514855/show/

Click here to see my pictures from the party
http://www.flickr.com//photos/kenzitainow/sets/72157627223304520/show/

Birthday Boy NJ style!

Happy Birthday Milo!!!

What a wonderful year it has been. This boy has brought so much cheer and love into our lives. He is funny and always smiling and for that, we love him even more. Milo made his entrance into the world one year ago today, around 6pm. It was calm. It was peaceful. It was lovely. And ever since, he has continued to make us smile with his own infectious smile and spirit. We love you birthday boy!

Dinner with friends

In the Garden

Hanging at GG's

Napping/Playing

Milo napping after a long days work.

Meanwhile, Millie and GG playing on the porch

Noodles for Breakfast!

Playing at Camp

A day at Monmouth

Mitch and Joanne's house

Dinner at Galloping Hill Inn

Swimming!

JFS

We always hear stories about all the kids and parents at Terry's work. I was really glad when she got to take her grandkids in to "show them off". Here is Milo "helping" Terry finish up some lose ends at work!

Millie helping at work, cleaning Terry's desk!

Eating with GG

Pictures and videos like these, make it all worth it. Spending time with the wonderfully, fabulous GG; priceless.

GG & Milo eating Carrots & Crackers!

Every one eating Joe's Famous Pizza! (Milo's having an Italian Hot Dog!)

Look how far he has come!!!

Roll reversal!

Happy Fathers Day!!

Look at this good looking crew!

Grandparent Camp begins!

They agreed and so did we! 2 weeks of Grandparent Camp with Grandma and Grandpa Tainow!

This was something I, as a kid, looked forward to every summer! I stayed one week with each of my Grandparents. Ahhhh, the memories were wonderful!

We typically do, what we call "Grandparent Camp" now for one week with each set of Grandparents (one set in OH and another in NJ). Just a couple weeks during the summer months. This summer, my parents are going to Europe so they aren't able to do it. So we sent them to Mat's parents (in NJ) for 2 weeks!!

Sounds like it is going swimmingly!!! I loved going as a kid and it warms my heart that my kids are getting to experience their grandkids without us parents around. Plus, it has been a nice break for Mat & I. Next year we are hoping to take a trip ourselves while the kids are away. Fingers crossed we can save up to go international!!

In the pictures, M&M and Poppa Jon heard the "really bad music" and waited for the Ice truck. Millie had a Dora Pop and Milo and I shared some ice's ( Jonny
had a Sundae cone). And the second pic is Terry's first "alone time" outside after dinner!

Best Father's Day gift!

Whadu learn today at school?

Operation: Milo walk

We are trying desperatly to witness Milo's first steps before he gets shipped off to Grandparnets de Tainow. Starting on Sunday (June 12) he is finally standing!! I thought I had two videos but I can only find this one. Enjoy!

Papa Jon, did you know you sound like this?

A little birthday video preview

http://www.flickr.com/photos/33707169@N05/5835858051/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/33707169@N05/5836422826/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/33707169@N05/5836451414/

bounce house life

Jackie very generiously allowed us to use her bounce house for Milo's first birthday party. The kids had a ball all day. Here they are rolling around in it the morning of the party.

CrOoKeD hOuSe of Millie & Milo

I am going to jump back here. I am not sure I ever showed pictures of the final and completed CrOoKeD hOuSe of Millie & Milo. I am going to send you several albums here...

This is the making of the house back in Ohio
http://www.flickr.com//photos/33707169@N05/sets/72157626832581079/show/

And once it got to Atlanta...
These are Mom's pictures
http://www.flickr.com//photos/33707169@N05/sets/72157626957619436/show/

And here are my pictures from the build...
http://www.flickr.com//photos/kenzitainow/sets/72157626798380273/show/















The amount of time and effort that went into this project is unmatched. It was a surprise from start to finish and I have no one to thank but my amazing parents. They came up with the plan themselves and created this house with their own fabulous talents.

The kids love it. They love playing in it. Around it. They love everything about it. It will bring happiness to all for many years to come. How do you say thank you? With lots of love, hugs, kisses and pictures :-)

If you haven't heard...

There is something amazing being created in our backyard!



Lots more details and pictures to come!

This is for Dona!

She asked, and I delivered. A new picture of the kids, especially for Aunt Dona :-)

Talk talk talking

Milo is talking quite a bit these days. It almost sounds like he is answering you. Or repeating to you. He has said Momma and Dadda, and sometimes at the correct times! But he is really hit or miss. Enjoy the vidoe!

Milo getting his groove on

We love getting Milo to dance in the car!! He gets his little feet going, bouncing up and down, and it's so funny. I wanted to get it on video but it's harder for me to do while I am driving (HA!). So this is sitting in our driveway of our house, which is why Millie keeps wanting to get out.

PS: don't judge me for the songs that we blare in the car!

Dance Part 2

Dance Part 1