The Durbin's: Jan 17, 2012

Cousin Palada's

It's so great when we get to see cousin Johnny & his mommy and daddy! We just love them so much! Being that they live out of town, we try and see them as often as possible! Johnny is in the stage of "mine" now and isn't loving to share with Evy, but he's definitely making quick progress:) One thing he loves to do is give kisses to Evy! Evy eats it up:) She can't get enough of cousin Johnny, especially when he says her name! It's so great that these two kids are growing up together!!! Plus, the mommy's and daddy's get to see each which is ALWAYS a good time! These adorable munchkins have truly brought our families closer together and we couldn't be more thankful! We can't wait to see you again next weekend.....the more, the better:)

where's cousin Evy??:0

Uncle Mike and Evy....she loves him!

Aunt Ellen and cousin Johnny! xoxo

Cousin Jonny giving Evy a kiss!

No you may NOT wear my heels cousin Johnny:)

My favorite Aunt Ellen gives me kisses.....I love her!

Wait for me cousin Johnny.....I'm coming to play too!

Oh Uncle Mike....I'm exhausted from playing with cousin Johnny! Can

I see him every day, please??

Evy's 1st trip to the ZOO!

This fall we went to the zoo with some great neighborhood friends, the Rohlfing's! We absolutely love Reed, Natalie, Marin, Caleb and their new addition, Emme:) It great that they are so well versed in St. Louis activities....it saves me the research:) haha One of Evy's favorite animals was the billy goats. She attempted to hug, ride and kiss every goat she passed! Finally, one gave in and planted a big wet kiss on her face. She laughed until she fell over:) Hilarious!

We can't wait for many more fun times with the Rohlfing's.....you guys are a blast!

Evy and Caleb

Another trip to the Butterfly House

Evy's love for chasing animals of all shapes and sizes, has lead us to the Butterfly House for another visit! Now that she's a little older, she had a great time actually looking and watching the butterflies. Although it's a tad difficult to explain to her why she can't grab and eat them.....she does giggle when they land on her! After the Butterfly House we went over for a ride on the Merry-Go-Round! Boy oh boy did she have a blast! I have a feeling we will be venturing back there agin real soon!

Brentwood Days 2011

On September 16th we met up with our favorite St. Louis Aunt, Aunt Marlo, and went to Brentwood Days. I can't even describe how much fun Evy had! There was a petting zoo, rides, food and games. Oh, and Evy showed her dances moves to everyone as she rocked out to the band playing:) We must've spent 30 minutes at the petting zoo as Evy gave love to all the animals. She couldn't get enough of the billy goats and rabbits! The lizard didn't appeal to her too much,

but she still gave it a nice gentle pat...then back to the billy goats!:) It was great spending the day with Aunt Marlo.....she's the best!

Aunt Marlo.....this animal is soft!

Mommy....I want a billy goat for Christmas:)

I love Aunt Marlo.....she spoils me....maybe she'll give me a

rabbit for my birthday:)

Oh, Aunt Marlo....you're giving it to me now:)

Mommy....what did we win??")

Balloon Glow 2011

In September we went with some great friends, the Schaecher's, to the Balloon Glow in Forest Park. What a great time! Alison (one of Evy's best friends) and Evy had a great time watching all of the balloons light up! They were clearly in a state of amazement!:) It truly blows my mind what catches these little ones attention! They can sit for hours and just stare:) We can't wait to go again next year! We love you Schaecher's! Thanks for always being such great friends:)

Mommy & Evy, and Scott & Alison

Scott and Alison

Scott & Alison and Durbin & Evy

Daddy and Evy

Oh Boy.....there it goes!!

The second round at the Magic House

In August, my cousin John came in town with his little boy, Ryan, to visit. We all met up at the Magic House for an afternoon of fun! It was hard to get the two cuties together since they were running around like little busy bees, but here are a few pictures. I can't believe just how big Ryan is getting, but Evy sure seemed to love him! We can't wait to see you all again soon!

Ryan at the water table....he looks like a little scientist

Everything goes in the mouth, right?

Evy looking for her license and registration.....she's a speedracer:)

Ryan.....slip slidin' away....what an adorable little boy!

The McDonald Clan

It is not often enough that we get to see our GREAT friends, the McDonalds! Luke and Kate are absolutely the most adorable kids and always take Evy under their wings when it comes to serious play time:) We often feel like we get a free trip to Disney World when we visit the "McDonald Playland" since they have the best toys! Speaking of Disney....we can't wait for our vacation to Disney World with the McDonald's! It can't come soon enough! We just love the McDonald family and the joys of watching these children grow.....they always bring a smile to your face!

We love little Kate

Evy's 2nd set of parents

bouncy bouncy bouncy

Evy is fearless.......head first!

Durbin's Surprise 35th Birthday Party!

August 7 was Durbin's 35th birthday so I decided to throw him another surprise party! I think I got him twice now....30th and 35th! It was great to have our friends and family together to celebrate this "monumental" event:) My parents came for a while, but Jack decided once the band started playing that he was going to exit the party:) haha My mom could've danced all night long; however, I'm sure that doesn't surprise anyone that knows her! We are sorry Ellen, Durbin's sister, and Mikey, Durbin's brother, couldn't make it.....I never would've left you out so next time we'll make sure you're there!!! Having them live out of town is hard since we don't get to see those we love as often as we would like, but we definitely make the best of it when we're together, especially at times like this!

I think the pictures can speak better than I when it comes to describing just how fun the night was for everyone! I hope you had a great time Durbin! Happy Birthday and I Love You!