Parkers Birthday Party!

Parker had a GREAT first birthday party! Thank you to everyone who was able to make it and for the lovely gifts! Parker (and Noelle) have already gotten a lot enjoyment from them! 

This is Parker's birthday cake, made for him by his Aunt Kim (Cheri's Sister-in-law)! She also made an adorable little Dalmatian cake just for Parker (see below). Thanks again Kim for all your hard work! It looked awesome and it tasted delicious too!

We had a fire truck theme for the party and were so blessed to have 4 of Olathe's finest firemen to join us! They let all the kids check out the fire truck and even sit in it! Above is Parker on the fire truck and below is a photo of him with the firemen... the one holding Parker is his Uncle Jon (Rodney's brother).

Here's Parker with his own little cake... he was unfortunately not so excited about it because only moments before this photo was taken, he decided to take the fire truck theme to another level by putting out the fire on his birthday candle! OUCH! Sorry Buddy!

After some snuggling and calming from Mommy, we decided to give it another try and he did take a few bites of the YUMMY cake! It was a long day full of excitement and fun, but all good things must come to an end, so the the party came to a close with a much needed nap for this sweet little birthday boy. 

Later that day, after being rejuvenated by naps, we caught big sister pushing the birthday boy on one of his new birthday toys. What an awesome sister! Good times & great memories!

Parker's 1st Birthday!

Yesterday was Parker's First Birthday! We started the day by getting one year photos done. He did a great job and the pictures turned out wonderful! We had McDonald's for lunch and then celebrated that evening with cake and ice cream! 

He was not quite sure what to think of the cake at first...

but after getting a taste, he started to get into it a bit more...

after a while, he was on sugar overload...

and was completely satisfied. He's thinking being one is pretty cool!  

Then came time for Mom & Dad to clean up the mess!!! 

First Birthday party is tomorrow... more fun and more mess is on the way! It's so fun to be ONE!

Can You Believe I'm Turning One!?!

Ok, so the expression on my face in this photo actually represents more of how my Mommy feels about me turning one. Bittersweet she says... bitter because of what she's saying goodbye to, my first year and the many firsts that went along with it. Having to let go of such precious things, I guess I'm becoming more independent and she's not sure she's ready for that. She says it seems like I was just born yesterday and she hasn't been able to cherish each moment as she would've liked to. But, it's also sweet she says because she gets to say hello to what's ahead... my second year and many more firsts to come as well. New discoveries, new adventures. Sweet because that's what I am a sweet boy who loves to snuggle, loves to smile, yet is completely 100% ALL BOY! 

Thanksgiving Weekend Fun

Our weekend after Thanksgiving was a fun-filled, relaxing time of picking out and cutting down a Christmas tree, putting up the Christmas decorations and of course a lot of playing!

Our family tradition since we've been married is to go to a tree farm the day after Thanksgiving to get a real tree. This is the 3rd year we've gone to Cedar Valley Farms and cut down our own! 

The kids enjoyed playing with the lights as Rodney was putting them on the tree.
Here's Parker having a good ol' time playing with the jingle bells! 
Our first snow of the season was on Sunday after Thanksgiving... on Monday we celebrated the first day of December by going out and playing in what was left. It was Noelle's first experience playing in the snow... I'm not sure she knew quite what to think... she stood next to it for a long time just "tickling" it as she called it, wanted to take her mittens off even though it was quite chilly. 

After a little time and some coaxing from Mommy she finally decided to take a risk and walk through it! Then she wanted me to wipe off her boots! :)

Noelle's PJ Parade

Here's Noelle wearing the latest outfit from her trend setting wardrobe... she really wanted to wear her Tinkerbell sleeveless nightgown when it was going to be 17 degrees, Daddy made her wear her long sleeved jammies underneath. Doesn't she look so cute!? She's getting more opinionated and creative when picking out what to wear lately! We're having so much fun!

September Favorite Photos

Some days are just like this...

Yes, I know... but, I like my paci in upside down

The Johnson Boys

Get in line girls...

We love to swing!

Pumpkin Patch

Last Saturday we visited the KC Pumpkin Patch... we had a really good time!! My friend Nichole and her husband Jason went along for the fun! It was great to see them and spend time together. We haven't seen them since Parker was born. 

Noelle posing for a photo with all the pumpkins. She had a great time looking at them all and helping pick a few out to take home. She loved the hayride we took out to the actual patch. She also got to see some animals and ride tricycles.

There were photo-ops galore so we managed to pose for a family photo, as did The Young's

Noelle enjoying a ride in the wagon with the pumpkins