Allison's First Birthday

I took a look at the blog recently and realized I have some catching up to do.

I figured I would start with August :)

We had Allison's First Birthday bash on August 30th down at our Lake.  The kids had a blast in the bounce houses, playing ball, hitting the pinata and enjoying the outdoors.  Allie walked around exploring and checking on everyone.  Thanks to everyone who was able to come and celebrate with us and Thank you to everyone who thought of our little lady and sent her birthday wishes and gifts. She is truly surrounded by so much love from family and friends.  Here are a few hightlights:

The decorations :)

Showing Aunt Jessie the Pictures 

Reading a story 

Hanging with Pop Pop 

Exploring 

Playing with Balloons 

Saying hi to friends 

Dancing 

Hugging

Hanging with Mimi

Stealing Jayna's toys

Meeting cousin Norah 

Watching

Allie and Opa 

Getting ready to sing

Happy Birthday to You! 

Not so sure about this big ol pile of sugar

Yum Yum

Delicious

Yay for cake!

Daddy stealing a kiss

Allie Sharing with Daddy

Allie getting a wash down in the river 

Mommy and Allison

Where did the last year go!?!?!?!?

We Have This Walking Thing Down

Sometimes her feet move faster than the rest of her body...but boy is it cute!

Rocking 'around

We have a baby on all fours rocking!! How can this be??  Looks like it's time to buy the baby gates and get ready for some fun!  It's only a matter of time now...

Mommy The Professional

Now I am the boys Professional photographer ;) We did a little photoshoot this morning since John just turned 4 and Shane just turned 2. I have to say, it was my most challenging photo session yet. They don't want to listen to mommy who ALWAYS has the camera pointed at them.

Here is a little blue eyed boy who stole my heart back in 2006 and refuses to give it back.


And then to my shock another little blue eyed boy came and stole it some more. It's a good thing its big enough for all the blue eyed boys in my life :)

And those dimples... there is not one person that can pass this child without commenting on those big pits in his cheeks.

I'm partial, and think they are pretty dang amazing.

These two boys make me smile.

And bring me so much joy.

And make me giggle. You know, he is FOUR now??? Why isn't he as surprised as I am??

Four and Two.. when did that happen?

And how do they keep getting cuter and cuter?

Because I know I can't resist those smiles!

And their silly giggles (I can hear it now because I know what this little lad was doing during this picture... jumping up doing a belly flop on the hard ground and laughing about it).

I love my boys more then words can say.

More then I could ever express.

And they love each other too... see!!! (sometimes!)

And I love seeing that!

Happy 18 months Shane

My sweet baby boy. You melt my heart on a daily basis with those little dimples and wrinkled little nose. You bring our family so much joy. Your our little bully though, constantly in the mood to wrestle and fight and rough house. Such a little boy!


You love brushing your teeth and going pee pee on the potty. I never thought it would happen this quickly, as I just got John potty trained right after 3yrs old. But I guess seeing what your big brother does inspires you to do the same. You run around the house pulling off your diaper screaming "pee pee" in excitement. Those big dimples shinning through. You get so excited once you pee on the potty, you start clapping your hands and Mommy, Daddy and Johnny join in on your excitement. You are just too cute for words!!

You are such a serious soul sometimes, and speak a lot through your eyes and eyebrows. Its such a unique and amazing character trait. It reminds me a lot of your father when you do it. Your daddy is your pride and joy and you hate being separated from him.

Your my little ham. Always looking to weasel your way outside to play and mow mow with Daddy. Your vocabulary has taken off in the last few months and you are constantly saying new words. Your favorites being all the animal sounds. I love when you scream out mommeeee. It melts me.

You love to sit on anyone's lap and read a book. And you HAVE to sit on the said person's lap...always. You get yourself situated in and then the reading can begin. You love to read the same books over and over again, and act out so many different animal sounds.

The summer is just flying by and time is not standing still long enough for you to slow down. You are on the go from the time you get up til the time you lay down. You bring us so much joy that words can not describe. You definitely keep us on our toes!

Happy 1/2 Birthday Buddy! It just amazes me that you are one and a half already! I love you more then all the stars in the sky!!


18 month stats to come at the end of the month!

Shane at 17 Months

If there is a table, Shane will climb it. Or anything else he can get himself onto.
If there is a puddle, Shane will jump in it. Or swish his hands around in it with a big grin.
If there is a cat, Shane will Meow. The cutest little meow I ever did see.

If there is a swing, Shane will will grunt and say "uppps" until you put him in it.
If there is a bug, Shane will smoosh it.
If there is bath water, Shane will drink it. Gag!
If there is a ball, Shane will throw it. Even if your not expecting it.

If there is sand, Shane will be covered in it.
If there is food, Shane will be begging for it.
If there is a deer, Shane will "click" his tongue to call it.
If there is a motorcycle passing by, Shane will say "Dada".

If there are empty shoes Shane will wear them. No matter who they belong to.
If there is bag laying around, Shane will empty it.
If there are bubbles floating, Shane will pop them.
If you name the sounds of a cat, duck, dinosaur, bear, dog, or monkey... Shane will say "meow", "wack", "raaar", "grrr", "arf", or "oh oh ah ah".

If you wave and say bye, Shane will wave and say bye too with his little hand squeezing open and closed.


This little boy brings me so much joy. His communication and vocabulary has sprouted. He loves saying hi and bye and calling all of our names. His laughter is so contagious yet so evil at times. I love when he gets so excited he starts running. It is the cutest little run with his little booty shaking back and forth. He loves spending any time outdoors, and does not like to be told what to do (but who really does these days).

Happy 17 months Shaneshine...