Quick update

We've been having a ton of fun playing outside, especially in the water, lately. This morning we found a place called the "splash pad" out at a park in Knoxville. It's a place with a ton of sprinkler type toys and other water spouts for the kids to play in. Ruby loved it! But, every time she got splashed, she would come running back to me for a hug -- so I was a little wet by the end of the morning. Here are a couple pictures from my cell phone. This weekend we are going to the Secret City Festival here in Oak Ridge ... and this year we are going to make it! A little less than 2 weeks and we begin our LONG drive to Iowa. See y'all soon!

Ruby's First Birthday Bash!

We had a blast with Ruby's first birthday party this weekend. Long ago, I decided that she needed a rubber ducky themed party and I think it was perfect! We put Ruby to work in the morning blowing up all of her balloons ... she thought the helium tank was pretty cool. But, she tired herself out and almost didn't wake up in time for her party.

Ruby spent most of the day yelling "Duck-y" "Duck-y" at the top of her lungs. We had a bunch of friends over and spent a couple hours running around the backyard, eating cake, and playing. Ruby had so much fun and crashed really hard last night. Thanks to everyone who came, it was a great day!

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Today we made the trip to Gatlinburg, TN (about an hour and a half from home) to visit Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and do some touring. It was a blast! Ruby could not get enough of the "fishies" and even got to touch a crab. The aquarium was huge and very child-friendly. She spent most of the time running from one exhibit or fish tank to the next while shrieking and pointing. And, she loved the stingray bay area.

Gatlinburg is one huge tourist town. So, after the aquarium we decided to do some walking along the main path with all of the shops. Ruby waved hello to everyone and was really well behaved. Here are some pictures from our adventures today. Tomorrow is the big party, I'm sure I'll post pictures after that!

Grandma's coming to visit!

We're waiting for Grandma (Jason's mom) to get into town for a fun visit this weekend. We have lots of plans. Friday we are going to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and touring Gatlinburg. Then on Saturday is the big birthday bash! And, we're going to try to take Ruby (and Grandma) to the petting zoo Sunday or Monday before she leaves.

Ruby has been up to a lot lately. We recently found a great "beach" area to play. It's a lake with a decent little swimming area. The second I set Ruby down on the sand, she runs for the water. The child is a complete daredevil! I haven't taken my camera to the beach yet, but maybe I'll try to bring it with next time.

I will post photos after the party! But, check out the flickr site (www.flickr.com/jasonhill1627) Jason did a big upload last week and we're almost caught up on photos for that site!