Playgroup at My House!

I proudly hosted my storytime playgroup friends a couple weeks ago, and it was a really fun day! Mostly, we played outside with the toys my Mom got for me on Craigslist, or found on the side of the road; she says it's much more inexpensive this way, and much more earth-friendly to recycle these garish plastic monstrosities...So we climbed stuff and "rode" bikes and swung on my makeshift swingset (thanks for building me a swing, Uncle Sam!) and had a jolly time. We sat all in a row in our dining chairs and ate pizza with the Moms. We kids were really bummed to find out that our friend Keira is moving to Connecticut, but since my Gram and Beepie live there, I hope to see her there!

Storytime Playgroup

Viola has a group of friends she made at Storytime at the Burlington Public library, and we have been getting together regularly for playdates--Viola and I both feel so lucky to have made these new friends! Here are some photos of Viola and her adorable storytime chums: Tessie, Kiera and Ben (Nora had to leave early for her nap). Tessie has a beautiful yard and a really fun swingset, and the kids have a blast playing there.

My First Birthday (written by my Mom)

Our little Viola turned one on Sunday, and we were amazed, and so touched that over fifty of our friends and family came over to celebrate this first year of her life. The entire Todzia clan came up from CT (and NH--thanks, Kristin) and Uncle Chris and Aunt Brooke came all the way from NYC! I was so excited to watch Viola experience her party that I had a hard time making the rounds, so I apologize if I was a lousy host! The cake was made and decorated by her Grandma Mary, and it was adorned with violas we picked from our daughter's own little garden. Viola devoured every last crumb of her piece (her first official dessert) and by the end, the heavy dose of sugar had her giggling with glee (and making cute scrunched-up nose faces, see photo). Matt and I want to thank you all for taking the time out of this busy season to attend our cook-out. Our lives have been forever changed by this smiling, red-headed little cherub, and it means so much that you all were there to celebrate her first year with us.