Build-A-Bear

Our family's first birthday tradition is going to Build-A-Bear. When Coleman was one we picked out his monkey Berkman since Coleman's nickname was Monkey. On Spence's first birthday, we chose a bear and named it Fuzzby, and Coleman picked out a dinosaur and called him Puso the Computer Player. Yesterday, we took our final first birthday trip to Build-A-Bear.

I think I'll accessorize my bear!

Choose your favorite, boys!

Spence chose a monkey, Coleman got a camo bear, and Allie picked a pink and yellow bear

We love our new animals!

Before bed, I took this group picture of all the Build-A-Bears
Berkman, Puso, Clone Trooper Army Bear, Coleman, Fuzzby, Climb Tree Monkey, Spence (hidden), Allie, and Ava Bear (Ava stands for Allie Vaughan's Animal)

One

Pictures from Allie's birthday

Eating my birthday cupcake

It sure is yummy!

Look! A present!

It's a pretty pink dress from my babysitter Kelly!

Allie's actual birthday was pretty uneventful. I didn't realize the week before when I scheduled our babysitter to come stay with the kids for a few hours on Thursday that that was Allie's birthday! I felt a little bad, but I figured since Allie's just one she wouldn't know the difference. Then I got caught! A friend came by to drop off a present and Gale called to wish Allie a happy birthday. While I was out I bought the cupcake mix to alleviate my guilt. And I bought Allie those adorable jamjams she has on in the picture. I think she forgave me!

Celebrating With Paul David and Judson

On Monday, June 14th, Candice, Paul David, and Judson came over for a birthday play date. Candice made the cutest, and most delicious, cake! The boys all had a great time, but Allie was a little under the weather. Therefore, no smiles in the pictures.

The birthday buddies' cake!

Sing "Happy Birthday" to Judson...

...and Allie!

The boys love the foam fingers

Group picture! I'm not sure how much longer the older guys will go for this.

And you know I love a good "then" and "now" comparison! Check out these sweethearts!

The first time we laid eyes on each other - June 30, 2009

Celebrating our first birthdays - June 14, 2010
Judson says, "Hey baby, want some corn?" He's still working on his pick-up lines.

Family Day

Today was a wonderful family day! We started bright and early with our photo shoot. It was only 8:30, but H-O-T!!! Aside from the heat, we had a great time. We'll get the CD with all the pictures on Wednesday.

After the photo shoot, we rewarded the boys (and ourselves) with doughnuts, then headed to church. We dedicated Allie. We stood before the church and recognized that Allie is a gift from God. He's given her to us to raise, and we promise to raise her in a Christian home and teach her about Jesus. The pastor told about how Hannah prayed for a child, then dedicated him back to the Lord when she had a baby. They played a slideshow of pictures of Allie, then said a prayer for our family. It was really sweet! It is something that we've done with each of our children and is so meaningful to us. I'm glad both of our parents were able to be there with us!

Our family with Daniel Lopez

After Allie's nap, it was party time! I didn't know if she would really care about her presents, but she did! The girl loves dolls! The boys chose Hello Kitty plates and napkins, so I made a Hello Kitty cake.


Grandma and Grandpa gave her a doll stroller, stuffed bunny, and two crocheted bibs. Nana and Poppa gave her a Baby Alive. Coleman and Spence gave her a little Cabbage Patch baby. Daddy and I gave her some big girl sippy cups. (On her birthday we'll take the kids to Build-A-Bear.)

Birthday Princess!

She loves the doll the boys gave her, but Spence keeps trying to take it away!

Good presents everyone!

Happy Birthday to you!

Eating birthday cake