Gramma and Grandpa Mack's visit.

I know that I've been blogging in fits and starts lately... Sorry about that. But, here are a few photos from when Andrew's parents were here a month ago. We took them to the gorge to look at the bridge. It was a good time. :)



This was taken right after Andrew's parents got here. Luke warmed up to Grandpa pretty quickly!


Luke and Grandpa playing with the new Little People train set that Gramma and Grandpa got Luke for his birthday! I don't know who was more excited about him opening it... me, or Gramma. He had a good time. Again, though, he was quite interested in the box! He has such fun with it! He really enjoys pushing the buttons and making it play the sounds or music. It was definitely a fun gift.



Here are Mum and Dad (Gramma and Grandpa... I know I'm not supposed to keep switching names!) with the bridge behind them.


And here they are on the way down (or was it the way up?) to the overlook.



Gramma and Grandpa and Lukey taking a much needed rest. I don't think Luke needed it (he got carried the whole way!), but he seemed pretty happy. It was a lovely hot day in March and we enjoyed the excursion. I enjoy the fact that it took us about five minutes to get there! Much closer than when we were in Beckley.


This last picture was taken right before Grandpa and Gramma left to go back home to Canada. We miss them so much and are really looking forward to being in Canada in August. We've really enjoyed chatting with them via web cam, though. That was the best idea ever! We had such fun with them on their visit and look forward to when they get to come again. It was mostly relaxing and just hanging out. I really enjoyed the day that they kept Luke so that Andrew and I could go on a bowling date. That was a really good time. We love you Mum and Dad!

Tada!

'Nuff said.

Just cause I like these

I'm posting these just cause I think they're cute. They were taken right before he started walking.

Toy box Shenannigans 2

He seems rather pleased with himself, dontcha think?

Birthday Cake at Grandview

We had planned to have a birthday bash for Lukey on the 28th of March, but everyone in my family was sick. I was pretty disappointed, although admittedly Luke didn't seem to mind. We had a good time on his actual birthday, though so that was fun. Then, we were able to throw together a last minute party for this past weekend so we ran with that. (Sorry Gina that your flooring didn't come in!) We planned it for Grandview park so that it was closer for most people than driving all the way to F-town to our house. Plus, it had lots of space for the older kids to play. The only problem is that it was freezing! Oh my goodness. It was so cold. Luke's nose was red for the rest of the day. But overall I'd say it was a definite success and I'm happy that we were able to do it. Here are a few shots of the day. Josiah took better pictures, but I haven't figured out how to download them properly yet.


The train cake, which I was pretty happy with. Although it nearly caused tears when we had to cancel. Fortunately, it froze pretty well and was a hit, especially with the kids.


He saw the cake and immediately started signing "more." Too cute.


He received his very own "Luke is 1!" train car. I don't think he was impressed.

Here's Daddy, trying to encourage him to have a taste, or at least get a little messy!



Finally delving in.

I don't think he was too impressed either way. He could take it or leave it.


Cutting the cake for everyon else.

"All done!"

We had a good day, despite the cold and wind. I was worried for a while cause it ended up taking four guys to get the fire started for hot dogs. Apparently Josiah is a genius in that department to, cause it finally worked when he showed up! We enjoyed celebrating our little boy... and are glad it's over! I confess that I just now finished unpacking all the stuff from the party. Oops. But, now it's on to life with a one-year-old! Here we come!

A Birthday Present

So, when we got back from the park we gave Lukey a birthday present. What un-fun parents we are--we didn't even wrap it. And he may or may not have been playing with it in the box for weeks. But, it was fun none the less.



This is Luke, not sure what to make of all these shenanigans.

This is the look he had on his face when he first saw the truck out of the box.


"Oh, wow, you can actually move this thing!"



Learning how it works...

Personally, I just love this expression.


Daddy trying to teach him that it actually dumps stuff out. Not so sure he got that lesson.


What is it with kids and always liking the boxes best?

We had a good day together, especially after I started to feel better. I actually ate lunch today! Luke was lots of fun and I'm choosing to believe that he's screaming in his crib right now because he's just so happy.... Or, cause I'm trying to make him go to sleep. One or the other. He can have quite the temper and I think we have our hands full trying to get a grip on that while he's still young. It can be hard being a parent, but we love this little guy so much. In many ways this year has flown by, but I remember parts of it dragging. I have learned a lot and he is forcing me to grow in ways I didn't even know I needed to grow. Thank you God, for my son.

More blogging to come... depending on what my evening looks like. Maybe tomorrow I'll finish off the birthday day celebration. We still have a haircut and first cake to get through!

More Birthday Fun

Andrew and I just took Luke to the park that is close by our house. I'm sad to say that it was the first time we'd been. But I'm quite certain we'll be spending quite a bit of time there this spring/summer. Luke had never been in a swing and he had such a good time.




He had such a look of pure glee on his face! It was SO sweet.





Daddy and Mommy taking turns pushing our one-year-old.



The slide was lots of fun, too!


He loved the merry-go-round, but personally, I wished I hadn't gotten on it with him. I am still quite nauseous and even though Andrew pushed very slowly it didn't feel very good.



Crazy faces!


The long walk back to the car. "Daddy, do we have to go now? Just a few more minutes?" It won't be long until he is voicing those desires in more than a disappointed look and a few whiny cries.

All in all, it was a great first trip to the park. We all had such fun.