The Gripka Family

7th Professional Photoshoot...

2012-01-31T21:13:00.000-06:00

and she just keeps getting more beautiful!!!

A huge thank you to Kendra with Kendra Elise Photography!!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kendra-Elise-Photography/127141170723997

2 year old fashion

2012-01-29T21:31:00.000-06:00

Some days I care what outfit, bow and shoes Tori wears, ensuring that it all matches...most days I just want to get out the door in a timely fashion with no meltdowns..yesterday was one of those days :)

Happy Birthday Thomas

2012-01-29T21:27:00.000-06:00

Thomas is my friend at school. He invited me to his birthday party. Mama said we could go so yesterday we went to Baby Moon Boutique for his party. It was super fun! We sang silly songs, used shakers, tambourines, scarfs, a gigantic drum and Matilda the Gorilla. We painted crocodiles. Had snacks and cake. Thomas even gave us a treat bag. My bag had my very own Thomas the Train in it, some Thomas stickers (my favorite), goldfish and Thomas fruit snacks. I participated in all of the activities and had an awesome time! That was a really fun place to have a birthday party!

headed out the door :)

Showing Lolo (Thomas' grandpa) where her tummy is

"Yeah, I do flips and stuff"

2012-01-29T14:33:00.000-06:00

January 19th started our weekly dates with the gym. Yes you heard correct, we started gymnastics a couple of weeks ago. Bryan and I had no doubts that Tori was going to love it and we were right!! She is very good at listening to Miss Ashley, she tries hard at each station, and the best part she has fun!!

practicing her table top at home

Miss Ashley gives out stamps at the end of class

ta-da

stretching

bars

waiting her turn to jump

trampoline

beams

her favorite part..jumping in the foam pit!

Happy Nanny

2012-01-22T21:06:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow January 23rd is Nanny's birthday..for those that don't know, Nanny is Tori's really fun and loving Grandma, Vikki Gripka!! To help her celebrate we sang her Happy Birthday ~ Tori style tonight. She was a little distracted by the football game on the TV and forgot a couple of times who she was singing to :)

Jumping

2012-01-21T18:35:00.003-06:00

First you count, then you tell Bertha to quit licking, and then you jump!!

"Yeah I do flips and stuff"

2012-01-21T18:34:00.000-06:00

this is the quote on Tori's newest shirt...we started gymnastics this week..Tori LOVED it!

I couldn't take pictures during class because I was with her alone but next week we will take pictures when Daddy is with us. I took a couple of pictures after class at home of things she did.

table top

stamps on feet after class

TA-DA

Ooopie..Dad Dad Dad Dad

2012-01-17T20:15:00.000-06:00

apparently the 2 year old thinks that her Daddy is her personal "picker upper"

2 Year Well Visit

2012-01-16T12:57:00.000-06:00

This morning we visited Dr Schlansky's office to make sure all is good with Tori and her health. We got a clean bill of health and don't have to go back for another year!

Weight 26lbs - 41%
Height 34 1/4 - 63%

We got the okay to quit buying whole milk and now will only have one kind of milk in the fridge - YAY!

Tori is exceeding the 2 year expectations which include:
*using 20 words or more
*using 2-3 word phrases (her favorites are "Mommy/Daddy go up the stairs" or "Where's Bertha at?")
*Following one and two step directions
*Going up and down the stairs
*kick a ball
*stack 5 blocks
*imitate adults
and many many more

We can't wait to see what this year brings with our beautiful little girl!!!

Iowa Family

2012-01-15T13:44:00.000-06:00

Tori wanted just a few more hours to play with Auntie Randi and our family from Iowa. We don't get to see my dad, step mom, sister, sisters boyfriend, and brother very often, only a few times a year. I am amazed every time we see them how Tori acts like we see them every day. She has never been scared or shy around them. This visit she was so cute calling everyone by their name (she got Tristen and Austin mixed up a little). So cute when she is telling Mama "no, Grandma Karen do it" when I try to help her with something. Or when she is yelling "Papa Rod, pizza" when she wants my dad to play pizza party with her. She couldn't get enough Auntie Randi time. I got a couple of pictures this morning before they left of them playing with a new sticker book. I cherish these times and wish that there were more of them.

Auntie Randi, Coco and Tori with a huge cheesy smile

Christmas again!

a tea set!!

playing with Coco while Auntie worked on a skirt she made Tori

Tori's newest cousin - Coco 7months

reading a new book with Auntie

giving Papa Rod some extra love before they had to leave

Fashionista

2012-01-15T13:30:00.000-06:00

Yes, this is what she chose to wear after her party...Sock Monkey hat from GiGi and Papa Choo Choo (handmade by Jennifer Brushwood) and Twinkle Toes light up boots...not everyone can be this cute in an outfit like this :)

Happy To-ri To-ri

2012-01-15T13:22:00.000-06:00

Thursday January 12th was my birthday. Daddy had to be out of town so Mama and I had our traditional birthday breakfast ~ a donut and milk ~ including 2 candles this year!!

Then on Saturday we had my birthday party. A lot of my family was able to make it making it a really fun day. This year Mama picked a cupcake theme for the party. It turned out really cute and very simple, not a lot of work for Mama!

A HUGE Thank you to everyone who came and those who couldn't but thought of Tori on her special day!!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Baby T

2012-01-15T12:49:00.000-06:00

Dear Sweet Baby T-
As I sit back and reflect the past two years I can't help but thank God for making me your Mama. He knew exactly what he was doing! Your Daddy and I love you more than you will ever know, even when you are showing your age :) Thank you for always being our sweet, wild, loving, crazy, energetic, curious, ornery, well mannered, dainty little girl. We had a blast celebrating you turning 2! A ton of your family and closest friends shared your special day with you!!!

xoxo,
Mama

Happy Daddy Dad-dy

2012-01-02T10:12:00.000-06:00

Daddy's Birthday

2012-01-01T20:32:00.000-06:00

Happy Daddy Dad-dy, Happy Daddy Dad-dy, Happy Daddy Dad-dy, Happy Daddy You!

This was Tori's version of Happy Birthday tonight to her Daddy .. pretty good for 23 months old!

We had a mexican dinner at Auntie's tonight for Daddy's birthday, enchiladas, taco salad, beans, rice and brownies with ice cream for dessert!! It was sooooo yummy!

Tavianna and Tori playing some pretty music

Tori and Gabi doing puzzle with Aunties - Shelly & Laure

Walking Oreo ~ this is why we need a little dog that Tori can walk :)

Daddy's "cake"

Hope your wish comes true Daddy ~ xoxo Tori Elizabeth

Ringing in a New Year

2012-01-01T20:26:00.000-06:00

This morning Mama and I went to the park (yes on New Year's Day in St Louis it was kinda warm enough to play outside) and met our friends - Krissie, Logan and Emma Druen - and their friends - Jenni, Ethan and Addison - for a quick playdate. We lasted about 30 mins before we were frozen and then headed to eat lunch at Red Robin. That was a fun lunch date too! 5 kids under 5 with only 3 adults. Mama said the adults played good zone defense :)

Left to Right: Tori, Emma, Addison

tiny Tori in the adult swing :)

Emma & Logan

teeter totter - teeter totter

playing with the atticus, not wanting to take turns!

Red Robin - sharing Ms Krissie's lap

The Gang - Emma, Addison, Ethan, Tori (what kind of "cheese" is that??) Logan

It's Christmas Again

2011-12-30T20:40:00.000-06:00

Today we got some gifts from Grandma Patty for Christmas. I didn't waste anytime digging into mine...

my annual ornament

coloring books

Elmo Potty Book!

Grandma made this table by hand with tiles for Daddy and Mama to put on our back deck

We LOVE it!!!!

my very own stool - hand sewn by Grandma - Thank you!!!

All Things Christmas...part 2

2011-12-26T20:04:00.007-06:00

Christmas Day Papa Joe, Nanny Vikki and Bubby came to our house!!!!!

starting to open gifts

later in the evening I found these stickers on the spindle of stairs...this took place while Papa Joe was in charge...**note to self - do not leave toddler alone with Papa Joe**

Papa Joe, Tori and Nanny Vik playing with Pony and puzzle

Nanny and Tori being silly with Play Foam

Papa Joe trying to make a cowboy with play foam

I think they liked their artwork too!

a bling bling cowgirl hat from Nanny!!!

coffee pot, mixer, and toaster for the play kitchen

opening presents with her new Minnie Mouse under one arm :)

Bubby opening new Xbox 360 games

Cowgirl Tori..she wouldn't stand still to take a good picture..we will try again later :)

All Things Christmas...

2011-12-26T17:12:00.007-06:00

with the Gaumer's, Grummert's and Lamczyk's

watching All Dogs Go to Heaven

creating with Play Foam with Uncle Jake

Christmas morning - Daddy, Me & Uncle Jake

Papa Choo Choo & GiGi opening my artwork I painted for them

Uncle Jake got a book from me :)

Olivia books from GiGi

Santa came!!!! He must have been tired b/c he missed a letter on "Christmas"

sprinkling Reindeer Food on the front lawn

Happy Birthday Auntie - Love, Tori & Gabi

Cousins in matching jammies with their new animals from Auntie

Opening her first Barbie from the Grummert's

Oh the things that Auntie teaches Tori - running across the ottoman and jumping off!

"uncle Joe Joe" and his girls

Christmas Eve family picture

Beautiful girls before church on Christmas Eve

Gaumer cousins - Ethan, Tori, Gabi

opening presents from cousin Ethan

we did some baking - green wreaths

Great Grandma DeVore's chex mix recipe

After we saw Santa we had to take some pictures in front of the tree

Silly face but legs are "lady like"

Merry Christmas to All - xoxo Tori Elizabeth

Zona Rosa Christmas Tree

2011-12-26T17:09:00.003-06:00

Can you find me???

Mama wishes there wasn't a glare on the picture but oh well we were in a hurry!

Quick KC visit

2011-12-26T16:19:00.003-06:00

The 2nd weekend in December we went to Kansas City to visit our friends. Saturday night we met at Paddy O'Quigley's in the Northland with a bunch of friends since we left town so quickly when we moved. We had a great time and THANK YOU to everyone who came out to visit! See you all next time!!

Daddy and Eric Trujillo later in the night

Mama and her work friends

Tori, Shawn and Audrey shooting some pool

Can't leave home without the chapstick!

New Baby Friend

2011-12-26T16:00:00.003-06:00

Uncle Brandon and Auntie Jessie Fuhr had their first baby girl on Tuesday December 6, 2011. We got to visit her that weekend when she was just 4 days old! Ashlyn Marie is such a beautiful baby...

Lovin on baby

holding baby Ashlyn (with Mama's help)

Can't wait to visit Baby Ashlyn again!

Arts and Crafts

2011-12-26T15:07:00.003-06:00

This year we decided we were going to paint canvas pictures for all of my grandparents. We invited my cousins, Tavianna and Gabriella over to paint some pictures too! We had a ton of fun and hope all of the Grandmas and Grandpas enjoy their gift.

O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree

2011-12-26T14:44:00.003-06:00

This year we had to buy a new Christmas tree since our other one is too tall for our ceilings in our new house. We put it up while Bubby was at our house for Thanksgiving. This year I was really into hanging the ornaments and most of them were WAY on the bottom so Mama helped me move them up higher.

"it goes right there!"

Daddy wanted to know if the angel was straight :)

Our finished tree - Bubby 13 yrs Tori 23 months

Bubby Love

2011-12-04T22:01:00.003-06:00

Words and pictures do not express enough love Little Tori has for her brother. It is truly amazing to see them together. He is a wonderful big brother and we cherish every moment we get to spend with him! Love you Bubby!!

4 Generations

2011-12-04T21:57:00.002-06:00

Apparently in all of my almost 2 years of living we haven't taken a 4 generations picture with Great Grandma Rosie, GiGi, Mama and I...so here it is :)

1st St Louis Thanksgiving

2011-12-04T21:42:00.004-06:00

This year we stayed at our house for Thanksgiving. Our house guests for the week were Great Grandpa and Grandma Smith, GiGi and Papa Choo Choo, and Bubby! We had a lot of fun visiting with everyone. All of the Lamczyk's (Uncle Von, Auntie, Johnny, Bully, Bones, Sister and Pat), Grummert's (Cousins Joey aka Joe Joe, Ami, Tavi & Gabi) and Aunt Laure were with us on Thanksgiving day too! We are very blessed to be able to have so many family members over at our house during the holiday.

Tori sharing her pony with Gabi

Family photo missing Bertha

yummo - Grandma Rosie's rolls are so good!

Great Grandpa Bup

BFF's Bertha & Johnny before dinner

Great Grandma teaching Tori how to crochet

playing with Bubby is so much fun!

GiGi showing Tori how she makes a blanket - Tori doesn't look like she is buying it :)

Happy You

2011-11-13T20:58:00.003-06:00

Tonight we celebrated Cousin Johnny's 25th Birthday..we had a lot of fun hanging out with the big cousins..

Showing Mama her cowgirl boots before heading to the party

Singing "happy you" *hard to see but she puts her fingers in her dimples when singing Happy Birthday and she only sings "happy you"*

waiting patiently for oreo cookie ice cream cake *which is also why she has no dress on*

Our cutie cousin John Taylor turns 25!!!

Baby Wearing

2011-11-13T20:50:00.004-06:00

I know I have stated this before but I LOVE wearing my baby. As she gets older, now 22 months, she is more and more independent and would like to be on the move by herself. However, there are times when she just wants to be held, snuggled and close to me. For these times I am ever so grateful for my friend Jenni Becker and her friend Tiffany Speck who is the owner and maker of Baby So Smart baby carriers (www.babysosmart.com).

I used the ring sling up until this month and decided I would see how Tori liked the Mei Tai carrier this week. *please do not look at my messy house or my lack of doing anything with my hair or face this day*

You be the judge and decide if you think she loves it as much as I do!

Trees

2011-11-13T18:30:00.003-06:00

Our neighbors have three beautiful trees that separate the view from our house to theirs..we just met the neighbors this weekend, very nice family with 2 young boys.

The leaves have fallen off and Daddy raked, mowed, and bagged the leaves this weekend. We will miss all of these leaves during winter and look forward to them coming back in the spring.

Peek-a-Boo

2011-11-10T10:06:00.001-06:00

Probably one of my favorite games/things to do daily...

Where's Tori??

"BOO"

Earlier Every Year

2011-11-09T14:45:00.002-06:00

I can't believe that it is November already and as many of you know the holidays will be here before we know it. This year I decided I would keep my eye out for some deals on Christmas cards. I have decided on Shutterfly.com this year for our card. We have used them for our photo books and Christmas cards in the past and I found the perfect card for this year. If you are looking for some deals on cards check them out..

www.shutterfly.com

Sorry no preview of the card..you will have to wait until you get yours in the mail :)

xoxo,

Brandi

Outside Time

2011-11-07T12:45:00.004-06:00

I love to play outside, some of my favorite things to do are ride my bike, take wagon rides and pick pinecones from our neighbors tree..we are so glad that the weather has been nice this fall to allow me to do all things I love outside!!

**her face is priceless**

Cuteness

2011-11-07T12:35:00.003-06:00

Here are some random photos from this fall that Mama thinks are cute..well she thinks all pictures of me are cute actually :)

Coralee Jayne turns 1

2011-11-07T12:28:00.003-06:00

Mama found more pictures from CoCo's birthday party!!!! It was such a fun day we wanted to share them with everyone!!!

Reading Time

2011-11-07T12:24:00.002-06:00

One morning before school I wanted to read a book to Princess Pumpkin Head..yes I put her parts where they are all by myself..couldn't read a book with out a few "night nights"..what an awesome choice of story at 7:30am!!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-07T12:00:00.006-06:00

October 19th was Spooktacular at school. I got dressed up in my costume and went from room to room not really knowing what was going on. We got candy, decorated cookies, made sucker ghosts and spider webs, pinned the nose on the pumpkin, and had a chance to get our face painted which I didn't choose to do! Overall it was a FUN night!

Then came our Halloween party at school on Halloween Day. Our party consisted of special snack in the afternoon. I loved the cupcakes and asked nicely for "mo mo mo peas". I decided that cheese puffs dipped in chocolate frosting was pretty good (check out my hands and face). Mama made Mummy juice boxes for me and all of my friends - aren't they cute? Snack time that day was a huge hit!! Before leaving I had to show Mama my leaves, pumpkin and scary bats that were on the wall outside of my class.

Later that night came time to go Trick-or-treating. We went to Auntie and Uncle Von's house. I practiced what I was going to say all afternoon but when it came time to say it at the door I froze. We went to 5 houses thinking maybe I would get the hang of it and finally say "trick-or-treat" but I never did. I had more fun eating candy and seeing all of the other kids come to Auntie's house!

Here are some pictures Mama took of me outside of our house...

Good Luck Charms

2011-11-07T11:54:00.002-06:00

Mama and Daddy went to their first St Louis Rams game last Sunday while I stayed home and had a playdate with Ms Fran (co-worker of Daddy's). The Rams hadn't won a game yet this season and were playing the New Orlean Saints. Mama said they wouldn't win but she was wrong..guess they are good luck for the Ram boys!!

P P P Park

2011-11-03T09:57:00.005-05:00

I LOVE the park..especially "ide" and "winging" (slides and swinging)..it was amazingly beautiful and warm last weekend so Mama and I headed to our favorite place..

Lost while playing

2011-11-02T22:23:00.001-05:00

Hey, can anyone help me find my Sock Monkey??

Newest Babysitter

2011-11-02T22:16:00.004-05:00

While Mama was cooking this fun creative dinner for me...

I was being just as creative with my Halloween stickers..all over the kitchen floor!

Mama says at least they kept me occupied and I was whining up her hiney the whole time :)

Run Auntie, Daddy, Uncle Run

2011-11-02T21:46:00.004-05:00

October 23, 2011

Solutia presents St Louis Rock -n- Roll Marathon and 1/2 Marathon

Daddy, Uncle Von and Johnny B ran 1/2 of a marathon .. woohoo but the best part is ..

AUNTIE SARAH RAN THE WHOLE MARATHON..26.2 MILES!!! We are so proud of her!!!

Kansas City here we come..

2011-11-02T20:52:00.006-05:00

Ok, so I am really behind on sharing what I've been up to..October has been one crazy busy month for the Gripka's..a couple of weekends ago Mama and I went to Kansas City to visit friends, hang out with Papa Choo Choo, and go to a very special 1st Birthday party for my "cousin" Coralee Jayne..here are some of my favorite pictures from the weekend activities!!

Coloring with Papa at 54th St

HOT PINK frosted cupcakes!!!!

Happy Birthday Coralee!

I showed CoCo how all of her new toys worked

jumping - first time - loved it!

Big girl walking!

Me and my friends Gianna and Mady playing at the Grove in Zona Rosa

Picasa

2011-10-26T12:32:00.000-05:00

I was playing in Picasa this morning..I am not creative and don't use this product enough to know all of the cool things I am sure it does..here is what I did today with this beautiful picture..love love love this precious little girl..so blessed I get to be her Mama

xoxo,
Brandi

Rainy Days

2011-10-19T16:00:00.002-05:00

Norwegian Popcorn Balls

2011-10-17T11:50:00.011-05:00

Here is a recipe that GiGi and I made last week...they were oh.so.yummy!!!!

Taste testing before we get started :)

In a medium saucepan put one bag (14 oz) of caramels - remove wrappers

1 cup of condensed milk - you aren't required to pour it on your hand like me

2 sticks of butter and melt on low heat

while an adult watched the stove - I cleaned up the caramel wrappers

on a cookie sheet with edges pour Rice Krispies and spread them out

taste a couple of Krispies while an adult coats a bag of marshmallows in the caramel mixture

Roll the marshmallows in the Rice Krispies - sorry no photo

Put on wax paper to cool - pose for a super cute picture w/ GiGi

Store in refrigerator or freezer

Side note - if you get tired of rolling the marshmallows you can make a big blob like we did :)

Enjoy!!

Here is the recipe written out in case we missed a step with our photos :)

2 sticks butter

1 bag caramels (14 oz)

1 cup condensed milk

1 bag marshmellows

1 box Rice Krispies

On low heat melt caramels with butter and condensed milk.

Coat marshmellows in caramel mixture and roll in Rice Krispies.

Put on wax paper to cool. Store in frig or freezer.

New Friend

2011-10-17T11:45:00.002-05:00

Over the weekend Mama gave me a new Halloween decoration to play with.

Introducing..Princess Pumpkin Head!!

She played with me all weekend and I love taking her "eyes, no, and mouk" off and rearranging them :)

Sticker Fun

2011-10-16T21:00:00.000-05:00

My latest obsession...STICKERS...GiGi is always on the hunt for more stickers to send to me...last week I got this in the mail from her and then I put my new Halloween stickers to use right away!!!

Thank you GiGi

xoxo,

Tori

Dear Mama

2011-10-16T20:58:00.001-05:00

I love you!!

xoxo,

Tori Elizabeth

St Louis Zoo

2011-10-13T13:34:00.007-05:00

Tuesday October 11, 2011

GiGi came to visit me this week!!!! As if that is enough excitement I got to play hooky at school on Tuesday and Wednesday and hang out with her all day!!!!

We went to the St Louis Zoo on Tuesday - which by the way is VERY.COOL.AND.FREE!!!!

Elephants - I'm not really into looking at the camera

There were some Halloween decorations - Cute bats!

Me sitting on a seal

the jaguar was so pretty

"hi long necks"

"bye bye big monkeys"

Mama and I on the carousel - blurry b/c we ride fast :)

GiGi and I rode a Somali Wild Ass

checking out the penguins

Wednesday we went shopping in the morning and then stayed home in the afternoon and played...

showing GiGi how big I am now!

paying with my new toy GiGi and Papa bought for me ~ thanks!!

Pumpkin Patch 2011

2011-10-13T11:58:00.005-05:00

For our first pumpkin patch of the year we visited Rombach Farms in Chesterfield MO. They had a ton of fun stuff to do and we participated in almost all of it!!

Mama and Tori riding the train

First real pony ride *note how tight she is holding on* so cute

hiding - toddler style

Family picture - Gma Patty, Bryan holding Tori, Dustin

Grandma Patty and the kids

Happy Fall ~ xoxo, The Gripka's

going through a fort with "boy"

posing on the big big pumpkins

cute kids on the school bus

onto the next fun thing with Grandma

pumpkin picking ~ so many to choose from

helping Daddy put the gourds in the wagon

Welcome Fall

2011-10-13T11:43:00.003-05:00

Over the weekend we had a couple of visitors..Cousin Dustin from AZ and Grandma Patty (Daddy's mom). We had a fun filled weekend with lots of playing and hanging out.

I hadn't met Dustin until this visit and immediately fell in love with him. I can say "Dustin" if you ask me to but I preferred to call him "Boy" He played with me from morning til night. We had so much fun together.

Grandma brought a car full of toys for outside play. These toys were bought quite a few years ago for Bubba when he was little like me. I am SO happy and thankful she kept them in good condition so I could play with them too! Mama didn't get the camera out while we played with them but I am sure she will soon. The toys included: lots of bubble gadgets, Cozy Coupe Car with gas pump, tricycle, t-ball stand, Little Tyke golf set and horseshoe game. I will be busy playing outside for ever now!!

Boy and I jammin' to his music

Playing golf inside

Daddy and Dustin playing video games

We are so thankful that we were able to spend the weekend with family. I can't wait until the next time they visit!!

PS. pumpkin patch pics coming :)

Hollywood Homecoming - MSSU

2011-10-04T14:37:00.007-05:00

Last weekend we visited Joplin MO for MSSU's Homecoming and to see Bubba!

We had a fun time going to the parade, tailgating with the Sigma Pi fraternity brothers and friends, hanging out with the Stoller's, and having lunch at Papa Joe and Nanny Vikki's house on Sunday.

The drive is long (4.5 hrs) so we won't be doing it a lot but we sure do enjoy visiting!

Tori, Grace, and Korey

Mama and Sam (Mama used to babysit Sam and her sister, now they are sorority sisters)

Sigma Pi float - 1st Place

cute parade watching girls

Mama and Auntie Kristy (only missing Auntie Sarah)

"cheese"

Bosley (Dexter's puppy) gettin' Korey

me, Mama and Brian Robin (Shuga)

Bryan and Brian

mmmm cheetos!!

Giving Nanny Vikki some loves

snack time with Bubba at Papa Joe and Nanny Vik's house

having a smoothie with Auntie McGee in my monkey jammies and piggy tails to match!

The Goddard School

2011-10-04T14:13:00.004-05:00

I started a new school since we moved from Kansas City to St Charles. I LOVED my first school, La Petite and all of my teachers there and was sad to leave them. The first week we were in St Louis Mama took me to visit and meet my teachers. I walked in and immediately started playing with the other children. I did make sure Mama was where I could see her the whole time. We had a snack and did an art project and then we left. The next week it was time for me to go to school and this time Mama was leaving me there. ALONE. Well not really alone, I have 15 friends and 2 teachers. Ms Sam is the lead teacher and the one I am favoring thus far and Ms Leah is the other teacher who Mama says is just as nice! I cried the first week every morning when Mama left. As the days went on the teachers told Mama I was doing better each day, not crying as much and putting my "night night" in my cubby more and more. Now we are at week 4 and I don't cry in the mornings unless Ms Sam isn't there yet and I don't carry my "night night" except at nap time!!

I am learning how to talk a lot more (all the other children in the class are 2 years old and that is pushing her vocabulary) and since this has started I have a lot of words I want to say I just can't get them all out quick enough so I am starting to stutter. Mama says it is cute and will go away, Daddy is concerned I will need therapy!

Here are some pictures from school for the month of September .. hope you like them as much as I do!

some art work that we got to bring home

Inside of Grandparent's Day cards

Outside of Grandparent's Day Cards

Pajama Day

On my first day we made Grandparent's Day cards..that also happened to be the first day GiGi was at our house and she got to come and have snack and help me decorate my cards..so.much.fun!!!

We have arrived in the Lou!

2011-10-04T12:22:00.015-05:00

Quickly I will update you on things going on the past month since moving to St Louis...

*Cousin Gabi turned 3 with a Strawberry Shortcake Party!

*Uncle Leg and Auntie Anna went to a St Louis Cardinals game with us, my first one in Busch Stadium

*We closed on our new house!

*Daddy bought a new grill/smoker - a must have at our house and we used it the same day!

*GiGi came for a week!

*I started a new school - The Goddard School

*Went to my first train station

*Got my first real pony tail - with all of my hair in it!

*Enjoyed my new house and yard while the weather was beautiful!!

Here are some pictures of these events..sorry so many but Mama says we have to get caught up :)

Gabi the birthday girl and big sister Tavianna

Auntie Shelly teaching me how to jump on the trampoline - T later asked Papa for a "jump jump"

Bubbles bubbles bubbles!!

Cousin time coloring before the party started

Albert Pujols figure free to all kids!

People watching..she is her mother's daughter :)

Mama and Tori enjoying a funnel cake together - although I don't look like I enjoyed it I did!

A view of the outside of our new home

boxes boxes and more boxes

Watching Elmo videos on mama's phone while the movers unloaded all of our stuff

Daddy and I having our first meal on the back deck - yummy BBQ

Daddy and Don Estes starting up the smoker - Don & Stacy helped us unpack - a huge thanks to them and Auntie Shelly and Uncle John!!

The Kirkwood Train Depot

I was a little scared of the big train but GiGi held me tight :)

"ooh choo choo chug chug chug chug"

We are so happy, thankful and blessed that GiGi got to spend a whole week with us!!!

My first full pony tail - looks a little silly and my hair isn't really long enough yet but we tried :)

finally figuring out how to blow bubbles - this face melts Mama's heart

hanging out on the front step after school

baking brownies with Mama and Daddy

I LOVE OUR NEW HOUSE!!

Saying Goodbye

2011-10-03T21:49:00.007-05:00

Date: August 28-31, 2011

We had one week before we moved to see a lot of our friends. Everyday/night the last week we were in Kansas City we had a playdate. Mama tried to take pictures at all of them because she said I won't remember the move and she wants me to have lots of memories of all the fun friends I had in KC.

Here are pictures from all of the playdates we had. This was super hard on Mama (she was crying a lot that week) but she says we will see all of our friends again! I'm hoping soon!!

One of my VERY favorite teachers..Ms Shanda

Cruz & Tori (met at swim lessons at age 6 months) both born on 1-12-10 almost exactly 12 hrs apart..seperated twins?? we think they are too cute!!

reading books with Cruz

having snack at Cruz's house - so much fun!

Dinner with Aunties - Auntie Reece let's me do whatever I want

Auntie Jen, Tori, Auntie Reece

Auntie Sarah and Tori having a serious conversation over Margarita's :)

3 of the mom's from our Breastfeeding Support Group

from L to R: Rylie, Gianna, Levi, Tori & Emry (in birth order & not planned)

"Breast Friends"

These girls are too sweet!

Mady (next door neighbor) and Tori = friends forever!

Goodbye Lunch

2011-10-03T21:36:00.004-05:00

Date: August 28, 2011

We learned that we were moving very quickly so we planned one last lunch date with Uncle Brandon and Auntie Jessie Fuhr before we moved. We met at the Legends in Kansas City KS. We got there a little early so we decided to walk around a bit and take some pictures. We loved seeing our friends and can't wait to visit them again in December once baby girl Fuhr arrives!

Daddy and Tori in front of T-Rex

melts Mama's heart

being a good girl at the ChopHouse

Uncle Brandon, Tori and Auntie Jessie

Dinner Date

2011-10-03T21:17:00.005-05:00

Date: August 27, 2011

My Auntie Anna Pohl Amrine came home from Basic Training and AIT school training for the US Army so we invited some friends to have dinner and welcome her back to Kansas City for a while.

We had a nice dinner downtown Parkville and even got to enjoy an ice cream cone before heading home to go to bed.

We are so proud of our soldier!! Thank you Auntie for your service!!

Tori and Adyson jumping on the chairs - Uncle Jeremy was in charge :)

Kisses

The Gripka's

Kevin and Angie Wallen

Elijah and JoJo Pohl

Uncle Leg and Auntie Anna

Kasee Zaerr and Crystal Johnson

The Zaerr's (Jeremy, Gavin, Ady & Kasee)

hmm Auntie Angie what kind should I get??

Adyson with her baby and baby cone

mmmm vanilla..soooo good!!

Visitors from IA

2011-09-26T21:47:00.005-05:00

Date: August 19-21, 2011

Papa Rod, Grandma Karen, Auntie Randi, Austin, and Tristen came to visit one last time before we moved. While they were here we went to Parkville's Riverfest Parade, the boys did some work around the house so we could finalize our contract to sell it, and for most of the weekend the rest of us just played. At first I was afraid of the little tiny puppy Coco (Auntie's new addition) but then I decided I liked her :)

my new cousin Coco

planking

soooo excited to have my family in town!

flirting with Uncle Austin aka BF Austin, wearing his hat and glasses

playing with Uncle Tristen

Me and Grandma Karen

Papa Rod giving the toilet new guts

Austin putting his college skills to work

Watching the parade

waiting for the marching band with Auntie

Cute Cowgirl

2011-09-26T16:19:00.002-05:00

Thanks Auntie Randi and Uncle Austin for my new boots...I HEART THEM!

Bull Shoals Lake - Family Reunion

2011-09-26T15:46:00.007-05:00

Date: August 11-14, 2011

This year was a year to celebrate in the Smith family. Gup and Rosie (T's great grandparents) celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. John and Shelly Lamczyk celebrated 25 years of marriage. Bryan and Brandi Gripka celebrated 5 years of marriage and Jacob the baby of the his generation graduated from High School. A wonderful reason to get everyone together and spend some quality time together!

We missed some of our family (Keisha and family, Kendra and family, and Matt who is active duty in the US Navy serving his 2nd tour over seas) and wish they could have been with us but we did have a GREAT time with everyone who could make it!!!

Here are some of the pictures that were taken over the weekend (in no particular order). We hope to do this again soon!

Lil' Helper

2011-09-25T21:39:00.003-05:00

Date: August 7, 2011

We are preparing for a Smith Family Reunion (Brandi's Moms side) and the Gripka Family was in charge of the Minute to Win it games. Austin picked the games we would play, Brandi purchased the items needed, and Tori tested them for accuracy and approval.

Oh boy..

2011-09-25T21:35:00.001-05:00

we are going to have our hands full...as if we don't already :)

Fireworks

2011-09-25T21:28:00.003-05:00

I know this is really late or out of date order but I got some of these pictures from a neighbor from the 4th of July fireworks show they had and I had to share...

The child of many expressions while watching fireworks!

Proud to be an American

2011-09-25T14:34:00.002-05:00

Date: July 31, 2011

With the 10th Anniversary of September 11th right around the corner and the return of our dear friend Anna Pohl Amrine from AIT at Ft Sam Houston TX we have been talking a lot about what it means to be an American, what our flag stands for and how much we love and support the Armed Forces.

Tori loves her flag and we visit it outside almost daily!

Country Music

2011-09-18T14:38:00.004-05:00

We are a family with a love for all types of music. The end of July Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Billy Currington and Uncle Kracker were on tour and stopped in Kansas City. Mama and Daddy decided to have "date night" and headed out to the concert while I stayed home with my babysitter Kyla Best. Before they left we took a couple of pictures and then mama took some at the concert too!

blogging on hold....

2011-08-26T09:44:00.003-05:00

For very good reasons I have not been updating the blog lately.

We have sold our house in Kansas City and have found a new one in St Charles MO (St Louis suburb) so we are busy trying to get things completed to move.

There is a week between closings so we will be hanging out in a hotel with lots of time, I promise to get updated then :)

Thank you for your patience while we are putting our family back in one city!!

xoxo,
Brandi

18 Month Photo Shoot

2011-08-08T14:07:00.009-05:00

The pictures are finally in my hot little hands...I couldn't wait to see them and looked at them right when we walked in the door!
We think Tori Elizabeth is the most precious little lady around and with the help of our dear friend Jen Menzies (bandbphoto.blogspot.com) she really captured her personality this photo shoot.

Hope you all enjoy the pictures as much as I am!!! (there are so many good ones, I know this is alot of pics but I couldn't pic just a few cute ones) :)

Daddy Fun

2011-07-30T11:42:00.005-05:00

As many of you know my Daddy has been working in St Louis a lot lately. Nightly I ask "Dad-da e-you?" (Dadda where are you?) in hoping that he will jump out of a room and scare me but lately he hasn't and Mama keeps telling me he is at work.

Saturday mornings are all about Daddy..today we played with a little bit of everything..

practicing carrying my backpack

going through the tunnel

playing peek-a-boo

In our friend Amy's boots

picking out books to read

Nap time

2011-07-24T14:39:00.003-05:00

Normal routine: eat lunch between 11 and 11:30am, clean up lunch, immediate go upstairs to take a nap, sleep 2-3 hours

Today's routine: eat lunch 11am, clean up lunch, immediate go upstairs to take a nap, attempt to put jammies on..(who knows how long this took place, she was successful at putting both bottoms and top around her legs up to her knees) sleep 3 hours.

I went in to check on sleeping beauty after 3 hours of being upstairs and she was still out! Wonder how long she attempted the jammies before giving up and just going to sleep??

CRAZY GIRL!!

Sunday Dinner

2011-07-17T20:39:00.004-05:00

Tonight we had Sunday Family Dinner at our friend Adyson's house..they are just as much family as our real family since Daddy and Uncle Jeremy are fraternity brothers and best friends.

Adyson was taking a nap when we got there so I tried to play quietly inside since it was too hot outside...

Once Adyson woke up we ate dinner and after dinner we were some C.R.A.Z.Y girls...

I was wearing Ady's shirt around my neck and tried to wear a pair of her shorts on my head

Ady was shirtless since I had it around my neck so she decided she needed a cape

Showing off how I can dress myself and look cute even when I don't quite succeed!!

Thank you Uncle Zaerr for having us over tonight..I had a GREAT time!!

18 months old!!

2011-07-17T11:03:00.003-05:00

Can you believe it?? Our tiny baby is 1.5 years old already!! Tori truly brings joy to our lives each and everyday and we are so blessed to have her as our daughter. She is growing and learning at a very rapid pace (sometimes too rapid in our opinion). Here are some of her stats...

Weight: 23.8 lbs (46%)

Height: 31 3/4 inches (46%)

Can say 30 words (yes Mama has been writing them down)

Consistently signs: all done, please, thank you, more and eat

Things Tori is enjoying these days: throwing/kicking balls, blowing bubbles, swimming, scribbling with crayons, walking down the stairs alone, playing peek-a-boo, hide and seek, & ring around the rosey, loving her babies, watching about 10-15 mins of Nick Jr shows, and not leaving Mama's sight!

We took a couple pictures of Tori and her Bear in the Chair..she wasn't really interested that day so they aren't the best but we had to in keeping with the tradition :) We also had her 18 mo professional photo shoot last weekend so those pictures will be coming soon!!

Fresh..it's what's for dinner

2011-07-17T10:53:00.003-05:00

We love summer time dinner when we get fresh fruits and vegetables every night. On this particular night we were enjoying corn on the cob and cucumbers..two of my favorite foods right now!

My Uncle Jake

2011-07-17T10:18:00.004-05:00

I love my Uncle Jake and I am going to miss him when he leaves for college in August..but until then we will hang out and have tons of fun!!

Independence 101

2011-07-16T22:35:00.003-05:00

Just as I was about to be 18 months I decided I am big enough to dress myself...see for yourself...I think I am doing a pretty good job!!

Peaaaase

2011-07-16T22:32:00.002-05:00

How can you say no to this cutie asking for something by signing and saying "peaaaaase"

Cutie Patooties

2011-07-16T22:12:00.002-05:00

Baby Coralee got to come over and play last Saturday and we had so much fun!! We love the days that we get to see baby CoCo and we will miss her and her wonderful parents SOOOO much when we move.

such cute girls that hang out at our house :)

Madison turns 10

2011-07-16T21:54:00.004-05:00

While my cousin Madison was visiting she also celebrated turning 10. All of the fun activities we did while she was here were all part of her birthday celebration but on Friday night I spent the night with GiGi while Mama and Daddy took her out special for her birthday!

Maddy chose sushi for her birthday dinner..they went to eat at Drunken Fish..which was very good, including dessert, and fun!

After dinner they heard a band playing at Power & Light so they went to see who it was. The band was opening for Better Than Ezra (I've never heard of them but Mama has one of their cd's upstairs) and they didn't catch the name of the opening band. They were really good and Maddy loved them because they played a Katie Perry song :)

It was very fun having my cousin here for a week and helping her celebrate her birthday. I can't wait until I get to see her again!

Ball Ball

2011-07-16T21:10:00.003-05:00

After a long day at World's of Fun we decided we still had some energy that week so we went to a Royal's game. It started at 7:10pm (same time I normally go to bed) so if you see me with my binky and/or night night you will know why..Mama and Daddy were giving in to anything to get me to sit still. I made it through the entire game but quickly fell asleep when we got in the car.

A HUGE thanks to Uncle Leg for getting us Diamond Club seats for FREE!!!!

Austin, Maddy and I ready for the game

Every 18month old needs a Royals tattoo - right??

AWESOME seats 11 rows behind home plate

All of the Royals fans (Mama not shown) cheering hard for a win!

Ride On...

2011-07-16T13:15:00.005-05:00

My cousin Madison came to visit the same week my Bubba was at our house. I had so much fun with both of them! On Wednesday we went to World's of Fun for my first time. I LOVED it! I rode every ride I was big enough for except the Taxi cars (the line was too long and it was too hot). Here are some of the fun rides we rode!

My first ride of the day - I wasn't quite sure of it...

but after a couple of time around I figured out it was fun!!

Linus and as mama calls me "little linus"

The Flying Dutchman - you can't see me but I really liked this one!

driving a boat like Papa G

Ladybug Girls

Riding on the yellow school bus

driving a pink monster truck

Austin and Maddy

hot air balloons that went about 40ft up!

Nascar driving with Daddy

Bubba and Mady riding the kiddy roller coaster (I wanted to ride but wasn't big enough)

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T22:10:00.004-05:00

This year we spent the holiday weekend in Kansas City. Bub-ba (Austin) is at our house for a week so I am having fun but he has mostly been hanging out with his friend Gavin so Mama hasn't gotten any pictures of him yet! We had a very busy, fun weekend. I hope you had as much fun as I did!

watching fireworks with Park View Manor neighbors

waving American flags with my friend Alli

BBQ fun at the Fuhr's

playing Peek-a-boo with Bubba

BBQ dinner with the Zaerr's

playing with Adyson

Happy Independence Day!!

Mady & Me

2011-06-26T19:53:00.004-05:00

Today Mady came over and we played played played in the sun all afternoon. I am so glad that she lives right next door. I sure will miss her and her family when we move.

I love the water!

Mady and I had a snack break - Thanks Tiffani

Daddy shared his Sonic orange slushy

do I look pretty??

Mady smiles pretty

We had a fun afternoon in the water!!

Playdate with Adyson

2011-06-25T21:26:00.004-05:00

Tonight we went to our friends the Zaerr's house for some smoked meats and all of the other good stuff you eat at a BBQ (corn on the cob, baked beans, potato salad, and strawberry shortcake for dessert).

While we were waiting on Uncle Zaerr to finish the meat, Ady and I decided to have some water time and play on her new slide. By the end of the night I figured out how to get up the ladder and slide down alone!!

Ady showed me how she plays in the dogs water

instead of the dog water we decided her Daddy should get out the baby pool

playing with Ady

yes there was supervision during this time, I decided Ady needed a shower, she loved it :)

"HI Daddy"

Mama couldn't resist taking a picture of my cheek!

One, Two, Three...GO

Bright Future

2011-06-22T21:01:00.002-05:00

It is so bright I have to wear my shades inside and out!!

Father's Day

2011-06-19T12:49:00.004-05:00

Everyone tells me I am so lucky to have a daddy as loving as mine..boy are they right! I couldn't have hand picked a better one. Today we celebrated Daddy's Day by letting Daddy do whatever he wanted to do.

Wake up at 8am, drink some coffee, had breakfast with me, played with me, read the newspaper, played with me some more (prob my favorite part of the day), went on a 20 mile bike ride (while I took a nap), and went out to eat at our favorite mexican restaurant Rancho Grande with the Zaerr Family.

Now that sounds like a fun day! Of course we took pictures along the way....

Thank you Daddy for always being the first to get me out of bed, feed me breakfast, play with me, teach me the ways of life, kiss my boo-boo's, and love me unconditionally. Mama, Bertha and I are very very lucky ladies to have you!

xoxo,

Tori Elizabeth

Helping Daddy open his Father's Day gifts

Daddy and Tori - take one

Daddy and Tori - take two - much better

Father's Day Dinner with the Zaerr's!!

Summer time

2011-06-18T20:09:00.003-05:00

Today was a hot one so Daddy filled up the baby pool and we put it in the shade and played outside all afternoon! Baby Coralee came over to play today (and Mady the next door neighbor although Mama didn't any pictures of her). I love water, bubbles, and being outside and I wore myself out and was in bed by 7pm!!

Kona, Hawaii

2011-06-16T21:17:00.007-05:00

The big island is where Bryan and I spent 5 days last week. It was beautiful, weather was perfect, so much to do yet we chose to chill out poolside or on the beach almost every day. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from our trip.

xoxo,

Brandi

we got lei'd!!

visiting the refuge museum (above and below)

driving down Hwy 19 this truck was in front of us!

Lu'au - very fun, great food and awesome entertainment

Bryan, Mark and his twins building the sand castle

so relaxing

Adult only dinner with Nick and Kristen Rebne

every night @ 6pm this guy would blow on the conche and run around the resort to light all of the tiki torches..all of the kids would follow him..too cute

horrible attempt to take a picture of us on our balcony

look very closely and you can see Bryan under the tree (white t-shirt and blue shorts)

Rainbow Falls - Hilo Hawaii

snow on the mountain top

Bull Shoals Lake

2011-06-15T21:43:00.000-05:00

June 3-10, 2011

While Mama and Daddy took a vacation to Hawaii, Tori had her own vacation at the lake with Papa G and GiGi. She had a great time only crying one time and no one really knows why but we are assuming her mouth was hurting because she got a new tooth while away (she now has 14).

Here are some of the fun things that she got to do...

Such a nice girl sharing her cookie with Great Grandpa Gup and Great Grandma Rosie

playing the cabinets, took tubbies, hung out w/ neighbor Bryce & colored

took rides on Papa's boat with cousins Ethan & Gabi and Grandparents

And Tori's favorite part of her entire vacation...SWIMMING in the lake with GiGi!!!

A huge thank you to the best GiGi and Papa G in the whole wide world for taking on the sweetest yet craziest 17 month old for an entire week while we enjoyed some adult only time!! Tori can't wait until her next vacation with you all :)

Piggies

2011-06-12T22:18:00.004-05:00

No not the ones on your feet...we have some new piggies in our house...piggy tails in our hair!!

Today Mama decided to try piggy tails in my hair to see how long it is and they are short and curly just like a piggy's tail :)

Spaghetti anyone??

2011-06-12T22:14:00.003-05:00

Summer is here

2011-06-12T22:04:00.002-05:00

It has been pretty hot lately in Kansas City. My neighbor friend Mady and I love playing together and we decided the water playmat was a good idea one hot afternoon!

Lions and Tigers and Bears oh my

2011-06-12T21:26:00.007-05:00

My Bubby and I

not sure what Bubby is doing but I was having a blast!

Memorial Day weekend we went to the Kansas City Zoo for my first time. I loved all of the animals and really loved riding the carousel!

Auntie Randi graduated

2011-06-12T20:25:00.007-05:00

May 22, 2011 my Auntie Randi graduated from high school. Mama, Daddy and I drove to Iowa for the weekend to help her celebrate. I loved seeing my Iowa family (a whole lot of them).

Swinging and hanging out with Papa Rod and Grandma Karen

Tristen, Mama, Auntie Randi holding me and Papa Rod

looking for Uncle Tristen riding his bike

Dinner at the Whitebreast Social Club (Tori's Great Aunt Kim and Uncle Roger own this restaurant/bar in Woodburn IA)

Visited Great Grandma Gaumer and Great Great Grandma McConnell for their birthdays, unfortunately we didn't get any pictures of the grandmas but here are some of me playing with my cousins in the backyard...

Auntie Randi's graduation ceremony was on Sunday afternoon, it was hot but I made it through and was a good girl, it helped that it wasn't as long as the one before (Uncle Jake's) and not at bedtime :)

The entire graduating class of Clarke Community High School 2011

Before we left to head back home we had a party to celebrate Auntie's accomplishments, we didn't get any pictures of the whole family because I was crabby and tired but Papa got some at the school that we will add sometime soon :)

Uncle Jake graduated

2011-05-24T09:11:00.006-05:00

2 weekends ago Uncle Jake graduated from high school - woohoo! We had a party on Saturday for him and then the graduation ceremony was on Monday night at 7pm. Mama decided this was a special event and I got to go on Monday night even though I am normally in bed by 7 or 7:30. I was as good of a girl as I could be :) Here are some of our photos....

Utensils

2011-05-24T09:00:00.004-05:00

I pretty much have mastered the spoon and am working on the fork. I am very independent (bet you haven't heard that before) and need little to no help while eating.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-14T22:14:00.002-05:00

On Mother's Day this year we went to the Royals game. It was hot but it was fun!!

My beautiful GiGi and Mama

Me and my GiGi

gametime start 1:10pm right during my normal naptime didn't stop me

Mama Daddy and Me on Mother's Day - me not so happy about pictures

Playdates

2011-05-14T21:49:00.002-05:00

It has been a little over one year since Mama and I started having regular playdates with some of our favorite friends..I love when I get to see and play with them!

Terrible two's or just being onery...

2011-05-14T21:36:00.003-05:00

we will let you decide...the parents in this house would like to think Little Miss T is just onery at times :)

One evening this is what she decided to do...

sitting in her chair the correct way

crawling in her chair backwards

standing up in chair not even holding on!

hiding in the pillows pouting after Mama made her get down...aren't those the cutest little piggies :)

A Mama First

2011-05-11T21:03:00.003-05:00

Way back when...when I found out I was pregnant with Tori I dreamed of losing all of my baby weight (plus what I was already carrying around) by running. Now, let me tell you a secret about me...I used to cheat when we had to run a mile or two in P.E. class. I know I know..but I am not a runner. I wanted to learn to enjoy it, like Bryan but not that crazy fast running he does.

I had Tori January 12, 2010..I started running February 28, 2011..yes over 1 year after she was born..PATHETIC!

In February I was talking to my dear friend Sarah Cassady about wanting to learn to run and she suggested the Couch to 5K program. Just 9 short weeks to train your body to run a 5K (3.1 miles) consistently. I downloaded my podcasts. Registered for my first 5K - The Susan G Komen Race for the Cure NW Arkansas. And got to work. 10 weeks later we traveled to Rogers AR for the weekend and I ran my first 5K!

April 30, 2011 Saturday I ran 3.1 miles with 2 women that have been there to support me through everything the last 14 years! Official time 39mins 54seconds and I am still alive to tell about it ;)

I am SO proud to say my two best friends, Kristy Osborne and Sarah Cassady, encouraged me and got me through the race. I am ready to keep running and do another one!

Here are some pictures of our race day...

Before the race

Almost to the finish line

My awesome family supporting me!

My first bib and my "in honor of" page