Birthday Festival

We were able to spread Eliza's 1st Birthday celebration out across 3 different occasions, I mean, why have a birthday party when you can have a birthday Festival. Eliza seemed to have a good time, and Mum and Dad certainly did.

As far as our little girl growing up..... Eliza has 6 teeth now and can stand up and go for a walk or a run all by herself (which seems to make her very happy!)

Celebration #1 was in St Louis just before we left after Christmas. A little early, but it enabled the family out there to participate.

Ice cream cake is fun!

Celebration # 2 in NJ with friends - this was the day before Eliza's birthday. Grandma came in for the weekend so she could participate in the birthday festival. We had lots of balloons, one of Eliza's favourite things.

Cake #2 is in her sights

Mission #2 accomplished

Celebration #3 - this is Eliza's actual birthday and she is standing on her new Climb 'n' Slide castle - and yes, it now resides in our apartment...

Sliding is fun, Eliza has worked out the sliding part, still needs a little help on what to do when she gets to the bottom ;-)

Grandma and some of the family from Queens joined us to celebrate on Eliza's actual birthday.

Mum, Dad and Eliza with Cake #3

Triumphant over Cake #3 - mmmm, chocolate

Eliza's First Christmas Day

Eliza's first Christmas Day was fun, lots of toys, which seemed to be as much fun for the adults as they were for Eliza.

Eliza playing on Christmas morning
Mum, Dad and Eliza on Christmas morning
Eliza in her Santa suit
Eliza and Pooh, snuggling up on the couch
Toys are fun!
The weather was beautiful on Christmas Day so Mum, Dad and Eliza headed off to the park. Dad definitely had a good time on the slippery dip, Eliza seemed to think it was pretty good too!

Mum was a good sport and participant in Eliza's adventures

Eliza with Grandma and Grandpa

Christmas Time is here

We headed off to St Louis for the Christmas break. We had a nice get together the Sunday before Christmas. It was nice to catch up with friends and family.

Eliza in her party dress with some presents

The Bernie, Covington and Bach kids all together (from left); Pete, Joe, Brian, Phil, Scott, Emi and Eliza

Our Christmas Eve tradition is to have a traditional Bach Aussie Christmas dinner, complete with Crackers and paper crowns.
Dad and Eliza with the Christmas Pudding that Nanna sent over. Dad LOVES Christmas pudding, Eliza is not so sure yet. For those of you with an eye for detail will notice that Eliza's crown has changed colour.... seems that the paper crowns are no match for Eliza.
Christmas eve by the tree, PJs on, ready for Santa