abilene

It's West Texas. Dry. Hot, even this time of the year. Windy and dusty ole' West Texas. We lived it for several years. Then Kass graduated and we moved from it. Did I mention the bazillion stickers? Everywhere you turn around. The bottom of your shoes. Your jeans. In your little one's feet because you missed picking one up off the floor.

We traveled out West last weekend to Abilene. Kass had a hunting trip planned and Kaden and I were spending quality time with Aimee and Caleb. It was so nice to see, once again, that things don't always have to be so rushed, as in the big D. It's a simpler time there, I felt. And it was great! That's what I loved so much about Lubbock. Simplicity.

Because the boys are on different nap schedules, it was a bit of a challenge to plan an outing. Every morning was a given. The boys played their little hearts out in their pjs.

Friday afternoon, we ventured out to the HEB. Did a little grocery shopping. The boys got to ride in the 2 seater grocery cart. Caleb enjoyed torturing Kaden with his sippy cup 'cause I forgot Kaden's in the car.

After lunch on Saturday, Kass and I took Kaden to the park that's right across from their house. The boys had fun. Swinging. Dodging stickers. Climbing trees. Don't panic. Kass climbed up first, then I handed him Kaden for the shot. Just being boys...

And later that afternoon, all 6 of us went to The Jump Around. Cool place. Filled with tons of different bounce houses. And a special section with mini bounce houses and other gadgets for kiddos 3 years and under to play with. Pretty sure if we had one here, we would frequent it a couple times a week.

Saturday evening, we enjoyed chicken and venison fajitas. The venison from Kass' hunt. It was yummy! And after that, it was lights out for most. And back to the big D Sunday morning.

lovey, lovey

We got a whole week of Grandma to ourselves the week after Kaden's big party. And we all loved it. Quality time with Grandma is priceless. Especially when you don't get to see her very often. She taught Kaden so much. She says he's a fast learner. I think it had a little to do with a good teacher too. Lovey, lovey. Probably the cutest thing he learned, ever. Just say lovey, lovey and he'll rest his sweet little head on your shoulder. Melts my heart every time. He now knows the hand motions to Patty Cake and the Itsy Bitsy Spider. And loves to give high fives. Wish I would have thought to teach him these things. But it's oh so sweet that Grandma was the one.

We visited the play area in the mall, not once, but twice that week.

Rode the carousel at the mall...

And since Grandma wanted all the time she could get with Kaden, all to herself, I got a lot of things checked off my list. Including shopping, for myself, by myself. Grand, I tell you! If I had been a little smarter, I would have done all of my Christmas shopping then too. It was a fun, productive week. We all hope she gets to come back again. Sooner, rather than later...

the truck. the dirt. the construction tape.

The cake. That was my favorite part of Kaden's 1st birthday party. The way it turned out. The way Kaden enjoyed playing in it. The way it tasted. See for yourself.

I wanted his 1st birthday party to be perfect. And it was nothing less. Our home was full of family. Friends. Lots of kiddos. Tons of gifts for the birthday boy. The construction theme comes from what Kaden loves best. Trucks. Tearing things apart. And then trying to put them back together.

This lil' stinker is grinning from ear to ear because we are singing "Happy Birthday" to him. He loves the fact that all eyes are on him. The center of attention! Yes. I cried. There's just something about 50 of your closest peeps singing "Happy Birthday" to your little boy.

mmm...this tastes pretty good...

Maybe I can get more if I just stick my whole face in it?!?!

awe man...do I have to be done already...

Yes. He enjoyed it. So did his hair. His ears. And well, the rest of his little body.

Luckily, we got some family pictures before the party started. Some with silly faces. Others serious.

With Nana and Papa. My parents.

And a couple of 4 generations pictures. Below are Kass, Kaden, Grandma (Kass' mom) and Great Mema.

This 4th generation picture was taken after the party. Can you tell? Everyone looks worn out. Below are Kass, Kaden, Great Grandma Copelin and Grandpa (Kass' Dad).

I am so thankful and pleased for the way the party turned out. It has taken me a while to recover from all the planning. All the running around to try and find just the right things. All the sleepless nights of just laying in bed thinking about it. And how it would turn out. Glad that only happens once a year. Thank you to all of the family and friends for your love and support during Kaden's first year. And thank you GOD for blessing me with a supportive, understanding, helpful and loving husband to help care for our lil' blessing from you.

Happy 1st Birthday to Our Little Texan!

Wow! It's so hard to believe that our little bundle of joy...

...became this sweet little boy over the last year! Time flies.

Kaden and I started the day by visiting Starbucks. I grabbed a much needed caffeine boost to be able to keep up with him all day ('cause we were doin' whatever he wanted) and a slice of pumpkin bread to share with the birthday boy. After that, we met his friends at the mall to play and to indulge in birthday cupcakes. That put us home with the little guy needing a nap. But having nothing to do with it. Since, it was his birthday, he got away with it. We tried again later and out he went. Just like a light. Daddy got home early. A very nice surprise. That's when Kaden opened his gift from Mama and Daddy.

Yep, it's a Mack truck. Complete with trailer. Battery operated. He loves it!

We went out for dinner. No place really special. Chilis. But none the less, it meant I didn't have to make anything. The waiter brought the birthday boy a little bowl of ice cream. As you can see...he thought it was pretty tasty.

That's all I have from the BIG day. I'm exhausted. Kaden was exhausted. And Daddy is tired too. Early bedtimes around here tonight. We have lots left to get ready for the party on Saturday.

my lil' lion

Kaden was such a trooper for his first Halloween. With the big ole' lion suit I made him wear. All that stuff around his face. And 80 degree weather. He was the lovin' all the attention! By far, the cutest lil' lion I've ever seen!

Probably my most favorite thing was watching him walk around. He did great! Even with those huge paws... Enjoy the videos Kass got of him. I absolutely love, love, love the tail dragging behind.