our lydia's twelfth birthday

Twelve years old, she is.

Here she was like six years old.

Here she is just born--that's going back a ways.  She was born round and sweet on an April morning.  We were pretty glad to see her.

But today, twelve.

We had the big party last night, so today we had a small party--colored Easter eggs and baked a special cake.

That cabinet behind him has issues.  Maybe next week we'll take care of them. First the glass broke, so we turned it around to keep babies out of the contents.

Then the other day, THAT baby in the red shirt tore off the back panel in a surge of curiosity. 

No, no, no.

I found duct tape and Kari and my mother dealt with it while both b.g. and p.j. crowded in, underfoot.

 Yah, moving on from that problem to other hazardous activities:

 Cake time!  Pink frosting for my baby, and even broke out the heart shaped pans:

 Happy Birthday, you patient, lovely girl.

 This is the last year before you become a TEENAGER.

 Oh gosh, Lydia,

We couldn't possibly love you more.   This whole family is so incredibly lucky having you.   Happy, happy birthday.   With love forever, Mom and Dad