Surprise trip to visit Sydney's Granddad

Two weekends ago Sydney and I made the trek up to Illinois to surprise my dad for his 60th birthday. He had no idea that we were coming and was completely shocked! I have some great pictures of him when we walked in, but I can't get them downloaded for some weekend. So here are some other pictures from the weekend.

This was Sydney's favorite toy during the weekend. This is a gorilla that my grandma gave to Kevin when he was a baby.

Dad teaching her to play the keyboard





First time playing w/ chalk...sooo messy!




Giving hugs to Spike. She LOVES dogs so much!!
The family pic.

Claire teaching Sydney how to play on the real piano.

Swinging in Miller Park after a trip to the zoo. I'm sure I swung on these same swings at some point.

We had a very good time on our trip. Sydney was a great traveler. Most of all it was wonderful to be able to surprise Dad w/ our visit. It made the long flights worth it!

random pics

Nothing too big going on, so just some random pictures to share


Sydney loves giving hugs now. Shaq is a reluctant recipient.


This is her first dress-up outfit thanks to Luke, Emily, Gigi and Callie

Sydney in her usual mode of transportation. Although, now at almost 22lbs she's getting heavy to go too far.

She's really starting to look like a kid...just a sleepy one here. Here Sydney is giving her best impression of 'Frank the Tank'. That crazy hair!!!
She already has the pose down for when she's a teenager on the phone.

Sydney also had her 1yr apt she's now 21lbs 12oz and 30in tall. It's amazing how much she's grown in a year.

Sydney's First Birthday

So once again it's been a while since I've updated the blog...sorry. We've been busy w/ the ACC tournament and then the NCAA tourney. UM did great, but Texas got the best of us. Oh well...it was a great season!! This weekend Mom and John came to visit and then Lynn came during the weekend for Sydney's birthday. We had a small party and it was a great time. Here are some pictures from the weekend.

Here's Mom and Sydney after lunch at the Hyatt pool.
John, Sydney and Shaq all playing together.

This is Sydney's signature 'face'.

The birthday has begun!!!

Here is Sydney and her friend Jillian playing together at her party.



Sydney is NOT too sure about this cake thing.

NOT a happy camper!

"Mom I do not want cake!!!"

Sydney has already figured out that opening presents is way more fun than the cards!

Since the cake wasn't a hit we took her out for ice cream later that night.


Now ice cream she LOVES!!
A rare family shot

Sydney and Nana before bedtime.

Playing w/ her new airplane the next morning.

It was a great weekend. Thanks to everyone for their birthday wishes!

love, Sydney