Birthday Party

Tuesday evening we had Lukas' 1st Birthday Party!  We grilled some hamburgers, hot dogs, and brats with all sorts of sides, topping off the menu with some chocolate and vanilla cupcakes.  I thought it turned out really well.  It was so nice to have such wonderful family and friends to. come over and help us celebrate.  Thank you all for coming!

Lukas did a great job at the party.  He loved having other little kids around to play with and test out all of his new toys.  He tasted a little bit of his cake, but wasn't real sure about it.  Like most little kid birthday parties, the boxes and bags that the toys came in were about as interesting as the toys to Lukas.  The little man was worn out by the end of the night, and we had to wake him up on Wednesday so he wouldn't sleep all day.  He loved seeing all of his toys and started playing right away.  Overall he had a GREAT birthday and I hope you enjoy the pictures! (WARNING:  there are a lot)

Birthday Boy!!!

I have caught myself many times this past week thinking back to a year ago.  I remember how I was just waiting and waiting to see when the little man would arrive.  (I was getting very impatient)  The day came and Erin and I couldn't wait to meet him.  It was such an amazing experience to go through.  I feel so blessed that things went so smoothly (and quickly) for his arrival.  I can still picture the first moment my eyes met his and the smiles that filled our faces.  He was so small and innocent.  Now, in the blink of an eye, I am chasing a little boy around my house as he runs wobbly walks and laughs from one room to another.  Those smiles are still filling our faces and now he gives us a smile in return.  Lukas is 1 year old today, and we can't wait to CELEBRATE!!!!

Things about Lukas this month:

• Points to food he wants
• Wearing 12 month clothes
• Likes to play in the water
• Loves to push buttons (especially elevators)
• Eating more food with his fingers
• Likes to be tickled
• Laughs when he is being chased
• Getting more interested in books
• Walking around the house more and more each day!

 Looking back:

Our 12 month photos:

More from the past month:

Watching fireworks with Aunt Beth

My Boys

Watching Daddy Mow

Happy Birthday Lukas!!!!!

Omaha

This past week/weekend we made our last big family vacation of the summer.  We took a trip to Omaha, Nebraska to visit Christy and Mitch.  We went there in December to do our Christmas shopping, but we were in the middle of a snow storm the whole time so we didn't get to see much of the city.  This trip we were able to get out, enjoy the nice weather and see the sites!  I was so glad we got to go to the Omaha Zoo.  I was amazed at how big it was and all the different animals we got to see.  Lukas loved watching the animals, but wasn't too sure about getting up close to the glass.  He didn't understand that they couldn't get out.  I would have to say that our favorite was the gorillas.  They would come right up to the glass and the little ones were swinging on the branches.  Lukas liked to watch all of the movement.  He did great through the trip and got some good bonding time with his aunt!

 The cutest "Corn Husker" I have ever seen!

Enjoying the children's area at the mall.

Ready to go see the animals

Not real sure about petting the goats

Lukas referred to all of the animals as "babies".  Not sure where that came from :)

 Playing tag on the couch....Lukas loved it!

We did a "pre b-day celebration" for Lukas since Christy and Mitch won't be able to make it back mid week.  Lukas was not real sure of the cupcake at first, but it didn't take him long to figure it out.

 Thank you guys for the GREAT trip and hospitality!

Happy 4th of July

June has come and gone and now the 4th of July is gone with it.  I always enjoy celebrating this holiday and enjoy all of the family time that comes with it.  We went up to the lake on Saturday and were able to spend sometime with Erin's family and a lot of his cousins that we haven't gotten to talk to in awhile.  The lake was busy with boats everywhere, but we enjoyed hanging out and catching up.  We did get a chance Monday morning to shoot some fireworks off over at my mom and dad's.  We were anxious to see how the little boys did with all the noise, but it didn't seem to bad.  They liked watching the parachutes fall and the flying pigs.  Monday evening we stayed here at our house and had some friends over for more food and fireworks.  I have to say our neighborhood was VERY impressive!  We had a great night show surrounding us on the driveway. 

Loghan and Lukas enjoying the water

The guys throwing fireworks

Look at these little music makers

Cade and Lukas checking out Juco

The guys playing some ladder ball.  I think Amanda and I were the overall Champions of the night :)

 

I hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th of July!