Birthday Party

Today we celebrated Grayson's first birthday.  Tristan, Colin and Liam decorated the house with streamers and happy  birthday signs while Grayson took his nap. He was quite surprised and excited when he came down.  I love seeing the awe and joy in his face when he sees something new. We celebrated with Gramma, Papa, Uncle Brendan, Uncle Jonathan, Aunt Jasonea, Sheridan, Waylon and Grandma Shockey. Grayson was not shy when it came time to eat his cake. Unlike his oldest two brothers (who wouldn't eat their cake until they had a fork) Grayson tore right into it and pretty much ate every last piece. After he was all cleaned up Grayson enjoyed an afternoon playing with his cousins and brothers!

Happy First Birthday Grayson!!

We love you!

Happy Birthday Grayson!!

Grayson is one!!

He is a happy, healthy, active, busy boy. After entering the world five weeks early and ending a sleep over the boys were having (which he will never hear the end of) he is now right on track with our other boys for his height and weight. Grayson weighs 21 pounds and is 31 inches tall.

Happy Birthday Grayson!!

Snow Day

This morning at 5:33 I got the great phone call from OPS letting us know there would be no school today. I got up and turned all the boys' alarms off in hopes they would at least sleep until 7:30. Of course today they were up by 7:00.
I am perhaps one of the odd parents but I really like having snow days. They are a welcome surprise to share with my boys. They grow so fast I love having these times.
While other children may have been playing in the snow I took the boys swimming at the CSM pool with Gramma.

On the move again

Grayson turned eleven months last Saturday and to celebrate he has decided to become a walker! He tries to run but his little feet cannot go as fast as his mind wants them to. When ever someone catches him walking he gets a big smile on his face and looks so proud. He has not been very cooperative in allowing me to get a video of him. He sees the camera, drops and crawls as fast as he can to get the camera. I have been able to get a few pictures. He always seems to be carrying something as he travels.

We have been amazed that up until three weeks ago Grayson had nothing to do with the stairs. We have not needed to put up any gates until now. A few weeks ago he just started going up the stairs like he's been doing it for months. He has not figured out how to go back down yet. So with this new skill we installed the gate. Which he was NOT happy about. 

Minnesota 2012

A bit delayed but here is a peek at a book I made of our amazing family trip to Ely Minnesota last summer.

Click here to view this photo book larger

Build your own high-quality photo books at Shutterfly.com.

Santa

Declan is at the perfect age for Santa and the holiday season this year. He is so excited, nervous and eager to see and learn it all. We visited Santa at our church this past Sunday. Here are a few pictures from our night.

Declan patiently waited his turn holding on to Colin's hand the whole time.

 

 I love Liam's look of amazement and wonder as he checks out Santa.

 

 

Declan a bit nervous but hangs on tight as Santa talks to Tristan and Colin.

The four big boys. Declan "saying" please to Santa.

 

All five boys with Santa.

 

Merry Christmas!!!

 

Declan excited to tell me he just saw SANTA!

Belated Halloween

Yes I realize it's three days until Thanksgiving and Halloween is long over but I thought I'd still share.

 

This year we had a hobo, Scooby Doo, 2 ninjas, a cute monster skeleton, and a scary faced ghoul.

 

 

 

Liam waiting for trick-or-treaters

 

 

Sure hope this doesnt' happen to

everyone when they turn 40!

 

 

That's a lot of candles
Happy 40th Birthday Greg!!!