Valentine's Day

We had a nice valentine's day at home

Notice Alice's hair, up in a single pony tail on the top of her head. That is the style that Cristy fixes it in for school everyday lately. Otherwise Alice would have a very crazy head of hair after just a few minutes of play time, especially now that she plays outside at school every day. BTW - Yesterday, one of Alice's teachers mentioned that she is enjoying playing outside much more and seems to have adjusted well to the play ground environment :-)

Me and Alice playing outside like we do almost every afternoon after school.

Some pics and stories

Alice has now graduated to the big girl class at school. She started the "Dragonflies" class last Monday and it was a big adjustment for baby and parents. No more cribs and bottles at school! She takes naps on a pallet, and they drink from sippy cups and feed themselves at small tables. According to her daily report cards, Alice has been eating very well. Most reports say she eats all her food for breakfast, lunch and snack time.

Alice practicing the stacking rings

The teachers say she is adjusting slowly. The rambunctiousness of the other kids is a little much at times, so she is allowed to go over to her old classroom with the smaller kids for some quiet time, but she mostly stays with her new class and is starting to enjoy the outdoor time they are allowed.

Alice playing in her kitchen cabinet

Car rides are much more enjoyable now that Alice can see out front. Mom and Dad can both sit in the front seat and Alice can entertain herself better now. One of our "dining out" fav's is Sonic Drive-In. Alice sits in her seat and lets us eat - as long as we pass back some buttery buns and tater tots.

Alice and the monster waffle

A breakfast fav is McDonalds. Never in my life would I have thought that I'd say "Lets go to McDonalds" on a weekly basis, but Alice finds it so entertaining to watch the other kids, and she really does eat good while we are there that it has become a breakfast mecca for the Bickels.

I'm a Pepper!

Alice Loves Her Stroller

Not only does Alice love to TAKE stoller rides, but she likes to give them too.

When Alice was just learning to walk,the stroller was too light, and she needed to have something more substantial to lean her weight on.

But now that Alice has better balance control she can push around the mini doll stroller. The stroller occupant is "Chickie" - who sometimes gets thrown out, or has to share the stroller with other items Alice piles in....water bottles, pacies, sippy cups, other toys, but she reigns as the strollers' permanent resident.

Alice Helps

Alice Helps in the Kitchen:

Alice Helps with Laundry:

Alice Helps Opening and Closing Doors:

Alice gets her Pony

Alice's First Birthday

A year's gone by, how time has flown. We can't believe how Alice has grown! She's such a joy and so much fun. Oh my! Our baby's turning One!

You're as cute as a bug, so precious to hug. A darling child who's nice to be near. So.. hope turning one is happy and fun, and takes you along to a second great year


It's your first birthday, baby,

One candle on your cake;

Proud parents stare in wonder

At each new move you make.
We join in celebration, as this special date arrives,

For baby has brought pleasure into all our lives.
We look forward now to seeing how you progress and grow,

From the cute and tiny infant you were one year ago.
So dig into your icing; Enjoy your presents, too.

The reason for this day is a special person--you!
By Joanna Fuchs