Ainsley's One Year Pictures

Yesterday, we took Ainsley to the studio for her one-year portraits. She was a pro for the first half - smiling for the camera, showing off those new top teeth. But then she tried to keep crawling away!

We discovered she would sit well in a chair, so the photographer brought in a few different chairs.  Ainsley really liked the little rocking chair; she kept rocking back and forth, grinning away.  What a smiley little kid!  She sure did a great job at her photo shoot!

Ainsley loves her kitty, so we had to make sure the kitty got in a few shots.

I love the tongue sticking out.

 

And a few of the whole family.

Vacation at Maumee Bay State Park

We took Ainsley on her first real vacation (staying in a hotel room and everything!) at the end of June - to Maumee Bay State Park at the western end of Lake Erie.  Ainsley was so excited when we got to the hotel room, she started hopping on the bed and shrieking with glee.  Good thing quiet hours didn't start until 11 p.m.! 

Ainsley went down to sleep each night around 10:30, and so did we.  She slept through the night - I think because she was so worn out from all the activities - waking around 8 a.m. each day.  What a wonderful, relaxing getaway!

We started the first full day by visiting several local nature reserves. We didn't realize this part of Ohio had once been known as the Black Swamp.  But only some of the marshes remain today, preserved throughout the area in state and federal parks.

We saw animals in their natural habitats...

...and one right on the resort propery!

Oh, it's just a fox walking by.

We spent both afternoons at the hotel pool, taking Ainsley swimming for the very first time.  She loved the water - started kicking and splashing as soon as she got in!

The evenings were spent watching the sunset over Lake Erie.  Ainsley walked on the sand for the first time.  She enjoyed playing with the sand, and we enjoyed watching her...until she started throwing it! :) 

Our second day was also full of fun adventures - sidewalk chalk, the playground and shuffleboard!

Daddy & Ainsley, going down the twisty slide

Ainsley is "getting her shuffle on!"

Mommy & Ainsley, blowing bubbles into the sunset

Ainsley's First Birthday Party

On June 25, we had our family over to celebrate Ainsley's first birthday.  She was a bit overwhelmed by all the people at first, but she warmed up quickly.  We started with lunch, then opened presents, as the guest of honor was getting a bit tired.  Ainsley made it through the whole afternoon, though, without really getting fussy.  I'm surprised at how well she did without a nap.  The girl loves a good party!

Opening presents with Mommy & Daddy

Ainsley and her new kitty in her new adirondack chairs

On the Princess Mobile

 After gifts, we moved on to the cake!  Ainsley wasn't so sure at first, but it didn't take her long to figure out what to do.

Happy birthday, dear Ainsley...

Hey, this is pretty good!



Having some cake with Uncle Brian

Ainsley celebrated with her party guests.



Ainsley and her Great Grandmas

Showing Aunt Meghan how it's done

Ainsley and Nana Wills

The whole gang

Half-eaten piece of cake, a mostly empty bottle,
and one tired little girl, who fell asleep with Grandma Molnar