Brocker's 1st birthday

We celebrated Brock's 1st birthday today. Since it has been a very long week, we decided that a small family party would be the best option. We invited Nana, II, Lukie, Riley, Karla, Dan, Val & Dan. The morning started out with a blow out - literally. Tony, II and I were downstairs in the kitchen and all of a sudden a naked Vaughn yells from upstairs that Brock pooped in the tub. I ran up stairs to find Nana wiping off the birthday boy. I ended up washing him in the shower while Nana scooped up poop and flushed it down the toilet. Vaughn and I then went to Target to get a cake for Brock. I am usually more on top of ordering the cake, but didn't have time this week. We ended up getting a chocolate sheet cake and bought candles for the top. Vaughn picked it out and insisted on putting the candles on himself. It could have set the whole house on fire - someone asked if the candles represented the #of months old he is. I ended up ordering pizza for dinner and then we opened his presents. At 1 , you don't really need much. Tony and I gave him a giant Tigger the tiger stuffed animal, a soft bert and ernie ball and an elmo bubble machine. He was also given college fund money. When it came time for the cake, Brock showed he had nice table manners. He was so clean about the whole thing at 1st. He also had his 1st cow's milk today. He sucked it down more than the cake. Tony thought it was because he was super thirsty from the frosting. Vaughn and Luke enjoyed the cake too. They were busy screaming around the house getting chased by Brock and me, jumping in the jumpy castle, and singing happy birthday while Lukie played the guitar. Brock has a funny way of looking at us funny - a little pissed off and a little annoyed. :)

By the way - the day before - his real birthday - Tony kept up the playing hooky tradition and took the boys to Edinbourgh indoor park. Apparently, it is a giant McDonalds climbing playground. Vaughn lucked out too - he got to go to McDonalds while Tony and he waited for Brock to wake up from his nap. Vaughn also "camped" in the porch with II. He is completely into camping right now.

Fun times on the lake

Tony, the boys & I have really enjoyed our time on the lake this summer. Here are some pictures of swimming fun at boy scout island. Unfortunately, it was super buggy that day. Brock enjoys being in his "cage" watching boats of the "tuna" boat. He is pretty stable and has sea legs. Another thing I have learned is both of the boys are addicted to raspberries.

Brocker's 1st hair cut

Since it was a beautiful day, we decided to get the boy's haircut. :) Brock did not move at all! He was a pro. They even were able to use the clippers around his ears. He looks like a little toddler now. :( Vaughn too loves to get his haircut. I don't know if it is the movies or suckers at kids hair that makes them sit so still.

And were off!

The best word to describe Brock theses days is "determined". He is determined to get into every cabinet, over every person while wrestling, and determined to climb up our stairs. One might say - "didn't you baby proof the house a long time ago with Vaughn" - actually no - he didn't move. Now, we are blessed with a mover and shaker. Last weekend, I went up to the top of the stairs to get Brock at least a dozen times. We had been planning on putting the second gate at the bottom of the stairs, but now I am scared. If we did, he would stand and shake it and cry until we opened it. In any case, I guess we just have to be careful he doesn't get wild ideas of climbing through the stairs or getting to the top and shaking the gate until it releases and he falls down the stairs. He has already gotten to the top and stood to shake the gate (see picture evidence). This week he starts to climb the stairs, gets 1/2 way and looks for us - then he sees us coming and books it up the stairs. I guess I will lose weight with the exercise! :)

Summer Fun!

I took these pictures a few weeks ago. We had been out on the boat at the island swimming. Tony has a pontoon boat or "tuna" boat as Vaughn calls it and it is great for swimming.

Carver County Fair!

It is hard believe that it is already time for the Carver County Fair. Last year, I was pregnant with Brock and this year he is already in 18 month clothes! We started our outing by eating of course. Mini Doughnuts for mom, a banana strawberry smoothie for Vaughn, cheerios for Brock, and Brat for Dad. Vaughn had a great time going in the bounce castle, the truck ride, slide, and dizzy dragon ride. Rachel, Cade and Jim joined up with us for the alligator show and demolition derby. Tony, Jim and the boys were excited to go. Even baby Brock was jumping up and down. It was loud. Louder than we all thought and dirtier than I thought (we were in the front row and the mud went through the gate)- we were only good for 1 battle. I guess it was $8 x4 adults down the drain. Other notable notes - Vaughn went on a pony ride ( Cade didn't he thought it was too smelly)and we got a cariature (spelling?) done (Vaughn, Mommy, & Brock). The day at the fair was a total of 6 hours and I don't know where the time has gone.