Yeah a new bike!! 

Anna on her new birthday bike!! 

Anna is 1 year old!!

Anna eating a piece of her little duck cake. We thought duck theme was appropriate seems how she learned to quack before she said Ma-ma.

This is actually a re-creation of her eating her birthday cake. We forgot to take still pictures while she attacked the first piece -- too bad! But we do have some great video footage of it. 

Anna's Birthday close-up!! 

Camping near Leavenworth, WA - Memorial Weekend 2006

Mariela concentrating on roasting a marshmellow. Both Mariela and Brinlee said that roasting marshellows was there favorite part of the trip. Had we known that this would be what brought them the most joy we would have had a fire in our backyard and saved a lot of WORK!!
Actually, we had a great time on the trip! 

The Ohme gardens were full of flagstone trails. Anna had to get down and do some walking herself. -- The trails led to ponds and great viewpoints of the surrounding area -- including the amazing columbia river. 

The Ohme Gardens in Wenatchee, WA

We visited these Gardens and had a great time!!
The pictures don't really do them justice, they were beautiful. We even got to enjoy a thunderstorm while we were there, which was a treat because we never get that here in Sequim. 

Justin and the girls pausing for a picture during our hike up to the top of Castle Rock. (Perhaps it was just a good excuse for a break for the not so in shape parents). 

Mariela and Brinlee looking down from the top of Castle Rock onto the Wenatchee River. They loved looking at the road with the cars that appeared to be so tiny! They said they felt like they were on top of the world. 

This is the back of Brinlee, she would never stop long enough for me to get a good picture. -- We call her "Speedy"

For some reason removing the girls training wheels was a bitter-sweet for me. It is so great to see them learn new things, but it really is a symbol of them growing up and needing less and less from you. Sometimes I wish I could freeze time -- and then I come to my senses :) 

Mariela and Brinlee have learned to ride their bikes without training wheels, and now biking has taken on new meaning. They can't get enough of it. 

"Don't eat that!" - "Not in your mouth" - "YUCKY!!"

These are phrases Anna heard a million times throughout the trip. 

Whoever said camping is a good way to relax and enjoy the great outdoors has never camped with a toddler!! Anna was one big dirt ball by the end of our 4 night adventure.

Anna -- camping in Leavenworth, WA
Memorial weekend 2006