Birthday Morning...

One Year Old!!

Wow, Oakley is one! I didn't think that the time would fly this fast! For his birthday we traveled down to Oak City to celebrate. We had a great time with family and many pictures to document the day.

The day started off with a Happy Birthday song and a birthday outfit.  Oakley was kind of puzzled about what was going on and took some coaxing to rip apart the tissue paper.

We then had a delicious breakfast of Cinnamon French Toast Sticks. (We love them)

We then hopped in the car and began the long trek to Grandma's. Once there, I began making the cake and Dan took the birthday boy to his Grandma's in Delta. 

My idea for the cake came from a magazine. I thought it looked easy. So many things went wrong from forgotten ingredients, decorator tips, not knowing to flour the pan fist... Well four hours later, I had this.

I was happy how it turned out, considering my mistakes. (Oakley might just have a rectangle cake next year...)

My parents were generous and hosted a barbeque birthday party for Mr. Gordon O. We had both sets of grandparents as well as some uncles and an aunt over to celebrate with us. Oakley loved the food and all of the attention.

 

Oakley had a great time opening his gifts and playing with them.I think he would have been happy for just one new toy.

We all sang happy birthday to him. We have been practicing our blowing skills at home, but when the moment came to blow the candle out, Oakley was just trying to figure out what was going on and why there was a candle in the cake.

We gave him the head of the bear and just let him dig in. Oh he was in HEAVEN!!

Happy Birthday my little Gordon Oakley!!!

This is What I Do...

A couple of glimpses of what Oakley enjoys doing during the day...

Building forts with Dad

If it's too, hot to go outside, we play with water inside.

Playing jets with Dad

Car rides-sometimes they get boring

Read books, lots of books

Yes, this is how I came across his book after he was in his room.

Don't forget the naps!

 Playing Bejeweled on the IPad

Creating masterpieces

Asking for and posing for pictures

Playing with anything he can find

My Little Helper

Oakley has been such a big help lately. He is always following me around the apartment. Sometimes he is more hindrance than help, but I remind myself that he is trying to help me out. I take heart in know that I am being an example of service and cleanliness (however small that may be).

These are all of the little treasures that Oakley brought to me. He can find anything hidden and otherwise!

Yesterday, he grabbed the broom and started walking around the kitchen with it. Thanks for sweeping, Buddy!

Oakley found the toilet paper, and thought to use it to cover the floor.

He has also been into wiping the walls and floors with towels he finds. (I have yet to capture these moments.)

Lately, Oakley has been pretending to eat from cups and bowls. He will go at it for minutes at a time!

Oh Just Having a "Snack"

Oakley has been pretending to eat a lot lately. Here is just a snapshot of what I see.

The More We Get Together...

Saturday, I had the opportunity to catch up with some of my roommates. I have got to say, I had the best roommates EVER!!
We met up at City Creek Center. Most of us had never been there. It was entertaining to watch the kids play in the fountains. I loved watching the fountains. They were choreographed to music.
There are so many shops. Most out of my price range, but we did find our way to the Disney store and browsed around a bit.

I sure enjoyed our visit. It has been too long since I last saw these girls!

For you, Daniel

Daniel loves this photo and has been telling me that I need to post it for all to enjoy!

The Big 2-3

I can't believe I am having another birthday already! It was been an absolutely wonderful year. forgive me for reminiscing.

This year I...
*Gave birth to my son, Gordon Oakley. He has been such a joy in my life!
*Tried balancing classes with being a new mom, housework, and time with Dan.
* Celebrated many of Oakley's "Firsts"
*Kept hoping those last couple pounds would disappear before I gave up on it.
*Celebrated Daniel's graduation.
*Moved to Oak City, were I spent 4 months teaching in Delta.
*Made a long distance relationship work. Easy because I have a wonderful husband.
*Moved back to Logan, received an academic achievement award, and graduated.
*Had various things to mourn and celebrate!

It has been a busy year!!!

I was in Oak City/Delta this year for my birthday. Since my niece Jordan, was in town, we celebrated both of our birthdays. She will be 7 this year and is such a cute! It was fun being the "Birthday Girls" with her.

 Liam thought that I needed help blowing out my candle.

mmmm...ice cream cake roll!

 Thanks Bev, and Mom for the yummy cakes!

Delicious banana cream cake

Daniel spoiled me again. I have always wanted to pick up archery.

 (No, it's not because of hunger games. I haven't even read them!)

I Love how pink my bow is!

 First time shooting, and check out that grouping!!!

Independence Day!

I LOVE this holiday. It is so warm and sunny and a great day to relax with friends and family. 

The day started early at 6:00am with cannon blasts from the park. Then it was to Delta's main street for the parade for the 9:30 fly over. Oakley want to be down playing while we waited for it to start.

But then he decided that it was close to nap time (which it was).

 So Daniel took him for a walk while we waited for the start of the parade.

I Love seeing all of the flags held up so proud. Our flag is special and symbolizes the freedoms which men before us fought to gain.

 My absolute favorite part of the parade is the veterans' float. I have a deep respect for these men.

 Oakley didn't know what to think about the gunfire.

 As many know, Oak City had a major fire that began last week. The entire town was evacuated to Delta. Many people were so generous in providing food and offering a bed for the Oak Citians. My dad is the Mayor of Oak City, and wanted a way to thank the people of Delta as well as the many firefighters working to put the fire out.

 This is Oakley's basic face during the parade. I don't think he was too thrilled...

 But we got a smile from him once in a while!

 I love seeing the dresses that the royalty choose and the old farm equipment, but it wouldn't be a Delta parade without some derby cars!

 After the parade we headed over to the park for meeting up with friends and a good lunch! My family was lucky enough to find a spot of shade to sit in.

 By brother, Tyrell, and his family were in Utah for the week. The cousins loved playing together.

 It was a warm day, so we put on a sprinkler and filled up the pool for the kids.

 Oakley didn't like the sprinkler so much and came to join the adults.

 After a delicious dinner of grilled hamburgers, Daniel, Jarom, Tyrell, Kristi, and I went to the Demolition Derby in Delta. We love us some good crashes!

 Unfortunately for us, there weren't many entries this year. Drivers were also more on the cautious side of there driving... But there was at least two good hits!

The next day, my grandma and aunt came to visit us. We had to get them all caught up on Riki's family since they are out in New York for the summer. (We miss you!)

 Daniel and Jordan figured out how to play "Go Fish" using Rummicube tiles.

 Oakley was pretty good about playing and loved having new toys to explore.

 Oakley got a lot of splash time at Grandma Kunz's house.

 Saturday, we did our own firework display. We did it while it was still light so Oakley could enjoy it.

 He had no idea what to think.

 He had a concerned face the majority of the time.

 But, towards the end we finally got an "oooo" from him!

I hope everyone had as good a 4th as we did!