Connor's Birthday Parties

Yes...he had not one, but THREE birthday parties. To celebrate his birthday, we had two cookouts in NC and also a party in PA. Connor was an absolute charmer and in the best spirits for a one year old. Parties can be very overwhelming, but he took it in stride.

We had friends over to our house on Saturday June 6th for a cookout on a 100 degree day, which led to more of an indoor party. Connor's friends included Philip and Kate, Scarlett, Elise, and Matthew. Baby Carson didn't make it due to the weather, but we'll see him again soon! Connor loved playing with the icing on his cupcake, and had to be hosed down! He was a good sport opening presents and got some cool gifts from his friends! We got him a water table for the backyard which seems to be a hit, and bubbles were a big theme! Connor loves to be outside and we are looking forward to moving into a new house in a couple of weeks with a much bigger yard (over 2 acres for Connor to explore).






We introduced some of our family to a backyard game we play with our friends- Cornhole- and it was a big hit. I never imagined my two grandpas would be playing cornhole in the backyard until it got dark!

The next day we had a cookout at Grandma Shirley and Grandpa Bobby's (Connor's home away from home during the week). Connor's cousins Jeremy, Parker and Kayleigh kept him company. Grandpa Bobby was so excited to show Connor his very own Toddler 4-wheeler! Connor was happy to jump right on and take a ride. He figured it out right away, and now every morning when we drop him off, its the first toy he goes for!

The following weekend we traveled up to PA to celebrate June birthdays. Scott's parents (who also came down to visit us the prior weekend) hosted a birthday celebration to celebrate Connor's first birthday, Pat's 60th birthday, Marla's friday the 13th birthday and Mandy's upcoming 30th birthday. Too much fun to miss, so Aunt Mandy flew in from Hawaii as a birthday surprise for her parents. Only Scott and I knew ahead of time...and it took a few white lies to keep it a secret...especially with Pat's conspiracy theory suspicions when he couldn't reach Mandy on her cell phone the night before. Even though it rained, a great time was had by all, in fact, the rain added to the memories. Connor and the older kids ran around in the rain chasing each other, having a ball! The weather cleared up a little later for a campfire to end the day.





All in all, Connor's birthday celebrations were a big hit and we continue to be blessed by the love and generosity of our family and friends. We are confident that the love that surrounds our family will continue to bless us and contribute to the strength and values of our lives.

"There's no vocabulary For love within a family, love that's lived in But not looked at, love within the light of which All else is seen, the love within which All other love finds speech. This love is silent." T S Eliot

Happy First Birthday Connor!

Dear Connor- Happy Birthday my love! This past year has been a wonderful blessing and you have made our life so happy and full. Its hard to remember life when you weren't a part of it. I hope you have enjoyed all your adventures and are looking forward to what comes next. There are so many more surprises to come as you get older!

You were so cute at Chuck E Cheese, watching all the other kids running around and then playing games with us. You are so brave and loved all the little rides, including the clock swing ride. Cedar Point Power Tower- watch out here you come...only a few more inches to grow (ok, like 20 more inches, depending on how tall you are tomorow at the doctors)!

We love you so much and love the life we have together.

Love, Mommy and Daddy
June 5, 2008

Latest and Greatest

This has been at exciting month for our family...and busy! Earlier in the month we took a trip to Gatlinburg, TN and Grandma Mary and Aunt Melissa joined us for the road trip. We stayed at a resort called Mountain Loft which was just off the main entertainment area. It was certainly off season which made it more enjoyable...as well as a visitor pass that got us into most of the tourist attractions for free! The highlight was the Ripley's Aquarium- a gorgeous aquarium with attractions for all ages. Connor enjoyed it although I'm not sure he really understood it. We like trying to get him out and about for new adventures and he just likes commotion and people watching. Some other attractions we checked out were the Skylift and the Ober Gatlinberg Tram. Scott, Melissa and I went out one night and let Grandma babysit and we went in a mirror maze (more fun than it sounds), 3-D blacklight puttputt golf, Ripleys Wax museum, Ripleys Haunted Adventure (more fun than you'd think)and an Illusion Museum. Melissa and I also got quick massages in the water massage booths (always wanted to try it- sortof weird, but enjoyable). We had some great meals- the Apple Barn was our favorite with apple fritters and apple juleps. The Best Italian Cafe also had awesome food and atmosphere, although Connor was not on his best behavior that night. Even at his worst, everyone, including the waitresses, still thought he was cute! One little smile from this little redheaded boy and women melt.



















Two weekends ago, we finally broke down and took Connor for his first real haircut at Great Clips. I was nervous about trying to cut it myself, since a little trim over the ears had not turned out so well. Connor was such a big boy and even sat by himself for the first few minutes. He just watched and wondered what all the commotion was about. I tried to watch closely so next time I can try myself...maybe:)









We have suspected for some time that Connor will love adventures, like roller coasters! At Duke's Family Fun Day, a beautiful sunny Saturday, Connor got to ride his first carnival ride! He sat beside his dad like he was king of the world and smiled the entire time and waved at me as he circled around! We can't wait until he is big enough for other rides and amusement parks. He sure takes after his daddy!



On May 28th, our friends Brian and Hilary Burt became parents to a beautiful baby boy, Carson Thomas Burt. born at 1:57 am and weighed in at 6 lb 15 oz. I got to be there with a few other friends to support Hilary and Brian in the late night, waiting for her C-section. She expected to have a C-section, as her little one was breech and determined to stay that way, and went into labor two days before her scheduled C-section. Despite that, everything went smoothly and Carson entered the world to meet all his new friends! Congratulations to the new parents!