Merrylee's First Birthday

I've broken several of my "blogging rules".

#1. I wont post more pictures than would overwhelm the average viewier

We all have busy lives, and spending 20 minutes looking at photos of other people's kids doesn't usually make the top of a "to-do" list.

#2. I wont add a new post more often than every week or so

I want to give friends and family time to look at what I last posted before something new is up.

I guess all this time away from Scott has scrambled my brain a bit, because this is the 4th photo-slideshow I've posted . . . in 4 days. Honestly, Daddy being gone is a major factor to my rule breaking. I'm posting them for him. If anyone else just happens to want to see the faces of my family over 100 times in 4 days, I've made it easy for you!

Last but certainly not least . . . Merrylee's First Birthday Photos!!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

We're thinking about planning a visit to the National Zoo before I head back home, so maybe I can sneak in one more slideshow . . . .

Another Slideshow

And yet, this isn't the last one I'm going to post . . .

These are pictures from a 3 generation photo shoot we had today.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Virginia in the Fall

For Merrylee's birthday we went to the Fall Festival at Cox Farms. It was a perfect day. We sure missed Daddy. He would have loved being there too. If you feel a little photoed out after my last slideshow, or think you may have something better to do than sit and watch 75 beautiful, fall-festive pictures slowly glide by, don't worry. I didn't make this for you.

More pictures to come of Merrylee's first cupcake, and opening her gifts.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

A Day at the National Aquarium in Baltimore

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Finding Hope

No one will forget this date 8 years ago. As we remember with prayerful respect and gratitude those who lost their lives, let us also remember those who survived. Let us be better friends, neighbors, brothers, sisters, daughters and sons. May we all remember what's important in life, and be grateful for what we did not lose that day.

For Daddy

Scott asked me to post video of the girls he can watch while he's gone. Merrylee seems to be growing and changing the most, so this post is all about her. This is a lot of footage for someone other than a parent, grandparent, or possibly adoring aunt or uncle. I understand of course why it'd be hard to watch it all. It's all too easy to feel overwhelmed by all that sweet baby cuteness. We're around her all the time you see, so we can handle it. Don't feel bad if after a minute or two you feel inadequate to the task of finishing it. She is pretty cute. Not many people are used to so much concentrated sweetness. Just relax, and watch as much as you can handle. You can always take a break, come back and finish watching it later.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We miss you Daddy. This movie was made just for you, with love from all 3 of your girls.