Matthew's First Birthday Party...

We celebrated Matthew's First Birthday by having a party for him on Sunday, July 12th. In keeping with Matthew's "Lone Ranger" theme, the theme of his nursery, his baby showers, etc, Mike and I chose to finish his first year of life with a "Western Bang"! We wanted to keep it simple...backyard relaxation, good friends, good food, and lots of fun for the kiddos. Looking back, I believe we did just that. It was a great day and most importantly, Matthew had an amazingly wonderful time....He got his first taste of cake! How could it have been bad!

We love you, our sweet baby boy!

Happy 1st Birthday....May all of your wishes come true!

The dreaded "bounce house"~DISCLAIMER...To all of my Ortho. friends, not one supracondylar humerus fracture was sustained!

We practiced safe jumping!

Cooper

Tari and Donna

The "Taco Lady"...Yum!

I love my precious baby boy!

My cousin Michelle's daughter, Valerie Grace

My mama and Nancy

Congratulations to the newly engaged couple....Bill and Annie!!!

Wedding date....July 17th, 2010.

We can't wait for your wedding day!

We love you!

Congratulations to the newly engaged couple...Carrie and Jason!!!

Wedding date...December 31st!

Thank you for taking care of our New Year's Eve plans!

We love you!

Hannah

Hud~Dog

Mattie~Pops

Little Miss Kaylee Girl

Sandbox fun

Megan, Kara, and I

Matthew and Hannah

Madison and Kylie

Tasha and I

My cousing Cathy and I with her daughters Samantha and Natalie

Everyone gathered around to wish Matthew a happy birthday

Matthew's cake

Not quite sure???

Digging in!

Priceless!

Matthew getting washed up after his first cake experience

Jennifer, Matthew, and I

Annie with Danielle and I....and the boys!

Jessica, Maiya, and I

Being silly in the bounce house

So cute!

Matthew and his Grammie

My most favorite pic of the party

Matthew and Grandpa

Opening gifts with daddy

Matthew opening up his MANY gifts

Matthew's First Birthday...

Our new family...

Wow! In celebration of Matthew's first year of life, so many emotions come to mind. Of course, the day of his birth was the most amazing day both Mike and I have ever experienced. Every day since then, has been nothing short of amazing. The year has just flown by and it has been a blessing for us to watch him grow and see him develop into quite a special little person. I remember I could not wait until he could roll over, and then when he could sit up, and then to watch him crawl, and to take his first steps, and wonder what would be his first word???? Words cannot describe the first year. Some days are very challenging, others pure joy, others histerically funny! And, many days, especially in the beginning, are a complete and total blur. This first year has flown by and I can only imagine that each year will fly by even faster. Thank you God, for blessing our family each and every day!

There he is!

Minutes before Matthew's birth

Playdate at Irvine Regional Park...

Matthew and I met my friend Candice and her son Garrison for a play date at Irvine Regional Park. The boys had so much fun running around. Their most favorite things were the ponies and riding the railroad. Matthew also found two more of his favorite things...Trees and cones!

Garrison

Me and my boy!

Riding the Irvine Park Railroad

Matthew's cone obsession continues

Looking at the ponies

Isabella's First Birthday...

Mike, Matthew, and I had a great time celebrating Isabella's very first birthday with her. Isabella is only two days older than Matthew, so it has been very exciting watching them grow.

Matthew and Isabella playing in the pool

Matthew and I keeping cool in the shade

Cute cake!

Isabella looking at her cake