Happy first birthday!

Today is Carter's birthday, he is officially 1 year old!
I cannot believe that he is a year and now is entering his toddler years, but he is still my baby boy.
This past year was a very difficult year for our family but I will tell you that I could not have survived it without my darling baby boy. He has this gift that when you hold him, all is well, he can take away all of the frustrations that I would be having and make everything good again. I love this little guy, I can't imagine my life without him.
What a peaceful little baby he is. He has an amazing spirit about him and brings so much joy and happiness into our home.
What a gift he is! I love you Mr. Cartay! Happy birthday!
Sorry for all of the pictures, I just couldn't cut them down!

His birthday.

1 month

2 months

4 months

6 months

7 months

8 months

9 months

10 months

11 months

12 months, the birthday boy!

I love his face! He doesn't know what to do with it!

Having fun with his cake plate! I turned around and his cake was gone!

Santa Claus came to town

Santa Claus came to visit our library so we had to make sure the kids got to tell them what they wanted for Christmas. My friend Jodie lent me Carter's santa suit, a little small, but well worth the picture!

Happy Number 5!

Wow, I can't believe that my baby boy is 5! It is crazy to think about him being 5. He is the coolest kid and I feel blessed to have him in my life. Everyday I feel like the luckiest mom. He is such an amazing boy and surprises me everyday by the things he does and says. I am amazed by his energy and love for life. I love watching him learn new things and grow into such an amazing boy. He is an excellent example to everyone around him and just makes people feel happy, what a gift!

He has been waiting for his birthday but now that he is 5, he is nervous about starting school. I think he thought he would start the day after his birthday, so I am trying to teach him that he still has another 9 months and by then he will almost be 6. We drove by the school, so that he won't be so scared, hopefully!
It makes me sad to think this is my last year with him home, even though somedays I can't wait! I will miss not having him home all of the time.

Brady's birthday.

Brady's first birthday

Brady almost 2 years old, building the shed to get ready for Leilani to join our family.

Thanksgiving 2007, almost 3.

Thanksgiving 2008, almost 4.

August 2009.

Brady, you are a great kid and I love being your mom. What an amazing 5 years it has been.
I love you 10 olives!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

The Polar Express

The theme for Brady's party this year was The Polar Express. The invitations were tickets to come to the party and all of the kids wore pajama's and even some moms, I just wish I would have taken pictures of them! They sure were cute!
The party was a lot of fun and want to give big thanks to the mom's that were there to help! You are all wonderful! Thank you to Rorie for the cupcakes and directions for the cake, it was a lot of fun to make.

Pretty much a basic party, a little craft, storytime (had to read the book!), dinner (train shaped sandwiches and hot chocolate), cake and presents. Before the kids left their tickets were punched "S C" and they got to take home a bell. It was a fun night and Brady loved having his friends come over, thank you for all that were able to come.

Vacuuming

Obviously, as my recent posts these were taken a few months ago. Brady decided he wanted to learn how to vacuum and let me tell you, I was more than willing to teach him! He still loves to help me and I am still very grateful for his willingness.

A little Fall fun

Obviously I am working my way back through my missed months of blogging. Before Halloween we took a trip north to Staheli Farms. They have slides, rope swing (sorry no pics of this, even though I have a ton!), corn maze, tractor rides (no pics of this either), redneck trampoling, petting zoo and of course the pumpkin patch.
We had so much fun. We drove up there and picked up Ponka and Grandpa. It was a beautiful day in the southwest and a great day. We had so much fun and will probably make this an annual ritual.
Enjoy the pics, even though they are a little outdated. Maybe I will get to Thanksgiving before Christmas!

Redneck trampoline

Carter enjoying a little nap with our pumpkin. We searched long and hard for that thing!

A little family pic, I love the scenery, isn't it beautiful?

Brady guiding us through the corn maze. He had the map and he told us where to go, exactly what he loves to do!

Bryce with Brady and Leilani.

Maile with Brady and Leilani (Carter was with Ponka, sleeping)

A little tire swing! Bryce did all the work and the kids loved it! Ponka kept "getting" them as they pass her.

My favorite, Brady in the corn.

Leilani lovin' the corn too.

Enjoying the slide, both of them did, one of their favorites.

Sittin' and clappin'

The weekend of Thanksgiving Carter found a new skill, clapping. The only way to share this cute trick is by video. Unfortunately I don't have a good camera to video, so here it is via my cell phone.

He is growing up so fast, about a month away and he will be 1 year old! Yesterday I discovered a tooth, finally! I couldn't believe it, I thought for sure he would make it to 12 months without a tooth, but there is one coming in.

What a joy this little guy is in my life. He brings me such peace and comfort to my crazy life and don't you just want to kiss him back?? Too cute he is!