Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Critter Walks!

For the past week or so, Casey and I have been helping Critter practice walking. He has been taking one or two skaky steps in that process until today. This is the best video I could get of him walking, but he loses concentration when he sees the camera, so you will have to take my word for it that he has begun to master his balance and movement. We are just so proud!

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Critter's First Birthday Party

Woo-hoo! John Patrick’s first birthday party was a smashing success and he enjoyed himself quite a bit. Luckily, I was able to grab digital photos from two other cameras, so there are lots of great pictures. As this was an exclusive event, all in attendance were furnished with their exclusive VIP passes:


And away we go!

Fred and “Papa” Gene.

Sherrill and Kathy.

Critter had been watching me and Casey very closely while we were setting up and getting ready for the party, and was well aware that something was going on. So, with his confusion and anticipation, he didn’t nap very much. Just the same, he was quite jovial – especially when Daddy danced around the room with him.

The partygoers seemed to enjoy our antics.

Of course, Critter made sure to wander about and say hello to all the folks there.

Gene and Hugo shooting the breeze.

Since we couldn’t afford a pony-ride this year, we opted for a kitty-ride.

Kelli, Paul and Lori in the smoker’s area.

John Patrick saying hi to Grace, our friend who painted his bedroom.

Auntie Sam flew in from California just to see Critter’s big day.

That’s my boy! Always making nice with the pretty girls.

Uncle Paul and John Patrick were nearly inseparable all day.

Time for presents!

“Ooooh! I can’t wait!”

Mommy was in charge of helping with the opening process.

Once he got the hang of it, he started to dig in on his own.

Grace’s daughter Lilly dropped in to help too.

Hey, how did he get into the TV?

To all the folks who gave Critter the loud toys, we thank you.

Swimming in a sea of gifts.

John Patrick loves cars and trucks – just like Abo!

Bongos! Hooray!

Of course, Critter is always happy to drop everything so he can wrestle the cat. So, now that he’s opened his presents, it’s time for cake!

As per Murphy’s Law, when Casey went to pick up the cake, they had forgotten to make it. For a rush job, it still came out pretty nice.

Watch out! She’s got a knife!

“Why is everyone singing?”

“And what do you want me to do with this?”

“Oh! I get it now!”

“Smash it and rub it on my face. Check.”

I’m not sure who had more fun: John Patrick smashing his cake or the partygoers watching it.

He was such a good boy all day.

Even when he got icing in his eyes, he didn’t fuss too much. So, once cake was done and he was cleaned up, it was time for Critter to say his goodbyes and head out to Grandma’s for some down time while Casey and I entertained everyone with cocktails, food and swimming. It was a wonderful party and we thank everyone who was able to attend for helping make John Patrick’s first birthday a memorable event.

We still can hardly believe how big our little man is getting!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Happy Birthday, Critter!

Casey and I can hardly believe that it has been one year! In honor of John Patrick’s birthday, here is a picture of the birthday boy on his birthday. His party will be this Saturday, so I will be posting a bunch more pictures very soon.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Crazy Critter

This video was taken just moments ago: