Beach Baby!

Today was SO gorgeous out! It made it up to 98* with very little humidity. Samantha and I went to the mall in the afternoon and got some great deals on things we didn't need, but will surely use! After Anthony got home, we headed to the beach! Went and had dinner at an overpriced not so yummy Mexican place on the Boardwalk, wasn't so much worth it... after we ate we hit the sand! Samantha LOVED it!!! She was grabbing handfulls of sand and throwing it in the air, and didn't eat it - yet!! Then we went by the water, not surprisingly she wanted to go right in! The only downside is the water was freezing! Still she was giggling every time a little wave splashed across her feet. We then went and walked quite aways along the beach sidewalk, Sam walked herself and was waving to people and saying "Hi" and barking at all the dogs, pointing at birds and chasing bikes. After we went back along the Boardwalk and hit up a car show. On the way home the sun was setting, and while holding hands the song "It's a Great Day To Be Alive" was playing and my husband and I reflected on how amazing our life together is. Such a beautiful day full of His Love and Happiness.

One whole year passed...

A year ago today, we were blessed with precious Samantha Lin Marshall! Born at 7:48pm, weighing 5lbs 14oz and 19.5 inches long... she came 4 weeks premature, but that hasn't held her back from anything! Such a little ball of energy and excitement! We just love you so much baby girl! Tonight we're going to take her out to dinner, possibly to Johnny Rockets for a milkshake. I'm sure she will love every moment. I am excited for our new chapter, to experience and create many more memories.

Birthday Party!

Today we celebrated Samantha's first Birthday at Mt Trashmore! The weather was in the high 60's with LOTS of sun, and at first much wind but that soon settled. So much preparation, but it was worth it to see her smiling face! I had the gorgeous party dress for her, but it soon came off as she was getting a little chilly in it. THANK you to those who came! We celebrated with The VanCampens, Nammie, Uncle Jack, The Kraus', The Goedeckes, The Armstrongs, The Cryers, Johanna and her Rayven, The Hassanpours, Katherine, The Campbells and The Bonneys!! So much laughter and many unforgettable memories were made. Truly this was a day needed to be spent before we move on to our next home! Samantha made such a mess with her cake, oh man her hair was purple! Phew! So happy today is over as I can now sit back and relax, but kind of sad my baby girl in already a year old... where did the time go? Looking forward to a new chapter with many more memories!

Sunny Days and Easter Sunday!

The weather has been absolutely amazing lately! Not too hot, but definitely not cold, lots of sunshine and lower humidity!!! We had a picnic at Mt Trashmore yesterday, Samantha absolutely loved it. She walked around everywhere, and even took her new Dora Quad for a spin. I can't get over her obsession with dogs..... she does a high pitched bark 3 times then says "Dog Dog!" This is something I don't think I'll ever forget, and I really need to try and get it on video - it's just that adorable.

Easter Sunday today was such a great day. Samantha was all dressed up in her designer Easter dress that her Grampy picked out, with her pigtails and new sandals. She kept trying to walk around at church, but when she'd fall and try to get up she kept stepping on her dress. Eventually she would give up and lay on the floor like a frog or something - I couldn't stop laughing. After church we headed out to Smithfield to see family and have a delicious dinner (never a bad meal out in Smithfield haha!) We enjoyed lots more sunshine, conversation and just plain old good family togetherness! On the way home we didn't make it far before Anthony's motorcycle stalled out and wouldn't start back up - thank goodness we have the truck! We just pulled up into a ditch and the people that lived there helped up load it up and he had his straps.. Something is so wrong with his battery, and the Harley people better fix it because it's brand new and shouldn't have any problems for what it cost! Anyway, regardless of that it was a beautiful day!

So now the planning begins for Samantha's FIRST BIRTHDAY WEEKEND next weekend. I can't believe she will be 1 year old in 7 short days... Where did the time go? I mean, seriously?? She's walking and talking now? Woah! We really need to get onto baby number 2 now :) Keep us in your prayers, we want another successful pregnancy and another happy healthy baby.