Happy First Birthday!

This past Thursday (Sept. 6th) was Rachel's first birthday!  Although Becky and Micah were sick most of the week (still getting better), we did manage to pull off a cake and presents for her.  Rachel has really enjoyed a few things in recent months...Cheerios, anything that rolls (ball, car...) and books, particularly "Pat the Bunny".  The book starts out like this "Here are Paul and Judy.  They can do lots of things.  You can do lots of things too!  Judy can pat the bunny.  Now you pat the bunny"  [then there is a picture of a bunny with fuzzy fur to feel].  Rachel will sit for (no exaggeration) 10-20 minutes at a time paging through this book all by herself!  So, when we decided what to put on her cake this year, we decided on "Pat the Bunny" (a little more exciting than a huge Cheerio and less involved than a ball!):

Unfortunately, we forgot to get a good picture of the cake before eating it!  Oh well, it was good :)  In the absence of food coloring, mashed up strawberries (for pink) and cocoa powder (for brown) added to icing made for some delicious decorations!

Rachel enjoyed her first taste of cake, of course.  We didn't even have time to get a picture of the cake on her plate in front of her.  She quickly realized which hand had grabbed cake and which had the icing. 

So, we celebrate the first year of life with our little Rachel!  She is full of energy, smiles and squeals, especially when chasing anything that rolls.  She's also pulling up to stand all by herself and loves to climb.  We think walking is in her near future.  Then she'll really be able to chase Micah around (as well as our dog!).  We love you, Rachel!!!