The Bible is True!

I've been doing Bible Study Fellowship for several years now. It's a great program, not just for me, but for the kiddos too. The children's leaders are wonderful and they are very intentional about teaching the kids about God's truth. Even the little babies hear a bible story every week. This year it's been really fun because Cameron is old enough to talk to us about what she's learning at BSF every week. A few weeks ago she started "teaching" bible stories. First to her animals in her room. and then to us. It was really sweet.

Tidbits

Just a few tidbits:

We have been getting up pretty darn early at our house recently (and when I say WE I mean Sydney is getting up early and waking up the rest of us). I am so not a morning person, so you can imagine how "excited" I've been about the whole thing. Needless to say, we've been dragging a little bit in the mornings...

Sydney cracks me up. She loves her sparkly shoes and wearing necklaces. The other day I caught her and she had put on all these necklaces all by herself.

She is also a huge fan of Cameron's doll bed, I find her throwing out all the dolls that are "napping" in there so she can take a seat.

Seriously, love this kid...

And this one too! :)

Veggie Tales Show with Daddy

Cameron had a VERY exciting Thursday night. She got to go on a date with Daddy to the Veggie Tales show. To say she was excited is an understatement. Leading up to it she was constantly telling everyone how she was going to go to a show with Daddy.

Before the show, she and Daddy dined at a gourmet establishment (Arby's), where she had the finest of foods (french fries and dip). Then they headed over to the show.

Apparently, the whole thing was a riot. There were a gazillion kids in the aisles dancing and having a great time. Ryan said watching Cameron was the best part about being there. This video is a little dark, but it's just too good not to post.

Sydney's 1st Birthay Party

It wouldn't be a first birthday without a big blowout birthday party, right? Ok, so MAYBE I went a little overboard, BUT we had a ton of fun! Sydney was a little overwhelmed at first, but once she warmed up she had a great time. We are so lucky to have so many wonderful friends who were able to come and help us celebrate!

Me and my sweet little birthday girl. Love this kiddo!

Cameron and her friends coloring pumpkin pictures.

Papa and Superpop...the two greatest grandpa's in the whole world! :)

Here's Uncle Ross showing off Cameron's pumpkin picture. Uncle's have very important jobs (like caring for priceless artwork).  

Here was the spread: fruit and yogurt parfait bar, egg and sausage casserole, pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, banana bread muffins, applesauce, and home made pumpkin spice creamer. All I have to say is YUM!

Sydney had a blast climbing on top of this table during the party. I think at one point she was standing on top of it. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree I guess (Ryan likes to get pretty crazy sometimes too!) ;) 

Sydney thought Mimi was pretty funny when she was tickling her with the balloon.

This is Cameron and her sweet friend Bella reading books to each other. How cute are they?

Here's the little smash cake that I made.

Sydney didn't really get into the cake this time. I'm not sure if it was because there were 20 sets of eyes on her, or if she just wasn't a fan of the cream cheese frosting. Maybe she is just destin to be a chocolate girl like her Mommy.

Missy and Madi, two of our favorites.

Well even if Sydney wasn't a huge fan of the cake, it appears the other kids thought it was decent. To be honest I almost skipped making the cupcakes. It's a good thing I didn't! All the kiddos were chomping at the bit to have a cupcake. I had no idea what a highlight the birthday party cupcakes were going to be. I guess it's been awhile since I was a kid.

Cameron is completely obsessed with Beau! She thinks he is the coolest, funniest person in the whole world. And when he wanted to roughhouse, she was all about it. Dexter (Beau's little brother) got in on the action too.

The Lego table was a hit. Surprisingly, Sydney got into it just as much as some of the bigger kids.

Sydney made out pretty well with her birthday gifts. She is seriously one lucky girl. It was pretty funny opening the presents. Look how many helpers we had. :)  

Don't worry, Sydney got in on plenty of the opening action.

She was very excited about her new remote control and was anxious to show it to Uncle Ross.

Mommy, Daddy and the birthday girl!

Papa and Mimi and the birthday girl!

Granne and Superpop and the birthday girl!

Uncle Ross and the birthday girl!

Auntie Jenna and the birthday girl!

Even though it wasn't her birthday, Cameron got a few goodies of her own. Look at her typing away on her new computer (can you say college scholarship!)

After her party I wanted to get some pictures of Sydney by the Happy Birthday sign.

And when we were outside taking pictures, Sydney found the huge pile of leaves, which we had to play in...

...because leaves are SO much fun!

Like I said, Sydney made out pretty darn well with her birthday gifts, but I have to show you one in particular. My sister made this grocery bag and fruit. Is it not the coolest thing in the world?

 Sydney enjoyed carrying it around her neck. Crazy kid! :)

The morning after her party, she was having a blast with all the new toys.

So in a nutshell: the party went great and we are so thankful for all our friends and family who helped us celebrate our special little Sydney Kate!

Fall

Leaves are falling off the trees. We had a first snow. It's starting to get cold. We are planning Halloween costumes. Yes, fall is definitly in the air. So here is a little taste of fall in the Volk house. :)

Sydney's Birthday

Look at this sweet birthday girl!

We had a little mini birthday celebration for Sydney on Thursday night. It was really fun. Both the girls thought the balloons were pretty cool. Who would have known 2 bucks worth of balloons would provide so much entertainment?

 Then, of course we had to whip out our super cute birthday hat from Aunt Mac.

This sequence needs a little explaining:

Sydney was super impressed with my signing skills

And she was memorized by the candle

But she wasn't so impressed when she figured out you weren't supposed to put the flame out with your hand. :( Poor baby girl.

No worries though, she bounced back quickly...

And did some serious damage to that cupcake!

Here's a video of her figuring out what the whole cake thing was all about

After cake we opened a couple of presents.

Sydney really liked the ribbon on the present that came from Great Grandma and Papa Summers.

Cameron was very excited to show off Sydney's new backpack.

And when all the excitement was over, it was time to kick back and relax in the rocking chair.

Next weekend is the official first birthday party. I'm excited it should be fun!