Here Comes Santa Claus

Apple Jacks Orchard

Our desktop computer is finally fixed so I can once again upload pictures! Yeah!

A few weeks ago, Richard, Christian and I went to Apple Jacks Orchard in Delano, MN. We met some friends from my work and their families. We went on a hay ride through the orchard. We looked at chickens, ponies and goats. We sipped hot apple cider. We played on hay bales. We played with pumpkins and did lots and lots of running around. We bought apples and pumpkins.

Labor Day in Green Bay

Helping Ema water plants

First trip to Bay Beach! Christian wasn't sure about the helicopters at first but ended up loving them.

The Merry-Go-Round was his favorite ride. He rode this stationary elephant on his first trip and a rooster that moved up and down on his second ride.

walking

The Park, Logger, and Home

Christian Turns One!

Christian rang in his first year with two parties. The first with Richard's parents, Josh and Nikki (their kids), and Richard's parent's friends. Christian received a red wagon from Grandma and Grandpa. This has quickly become his favorite mode of transportation. He points to it every time we walk through the garage. He wants to just sit in it!

The second party (where all these images are from) was with my parents, my granny (from Tennessee), my granny's sister, and my granny's good friend, Mary. Also Christian's Godparents and my best friend: Molly and Ryan. Our wonderful friends Michelle and Chris. (Check out Michelle sporting her new fanny pack: a belated honeymoon gift from me). Many of our neighbors showed up, especially once the 4 Square court lines were drawn.

Christian loved his cake. He dove in pretty quickly, smearing it all over the face. He received so many wonderful presents: clothes, books, toys, music, and a swimming pool. He wore a different new outfit and pair of pajamas every day last week. He loves all the blinking lights and loud noises of his new toys. Christian sits patiently as I read the first three pages of any book and then he wants a new story. (He takes after Richard with the lack of attention span). But he will sit for a half hour just looking at the books, "reading" out loud to himself. He has learned to dance to music - he bounces when you ask him to dance.

Here are some pictures from this special celebration. My beautiful son turned one! I can hardly believe it.

Most of these pictures are courtesy of Molly Sutton Kiefer.

PS: Christian took 3 steps by himself today!!