Whew!

We hosted Skyler's group birthday party with the parents and kids from our birthing class yesterday.  It was quite a hit!  Everyone had a great time and it lasted almost 5 hours!  Some highlights:  Grandpa pulled Skyler around in the wagon, quite possibly the best cupcake cake ever, lots of kids eating and playing.  I smoked a turkey, people brought side dishes, and there were beverages for kids and adults alike.

The theme was "The very hungry caterpillar".

Isn't this kick ass?

Me holding Skyler while he watches the action.

Skyler walking.

Skyler opening a present.

Easton and Skyler.

Look what I can do!

Mr. Naughty!!

Skyler is obsessed with the kitchen.  Pots and pans specifically.  He has now figured out how to remove the lid from a pot, and replace it correctly.  So clever.  Also, the bare floor vacuum never ceases to entertain.

Look what I can do!

 
Yesterday, he started walking on his own!  Anywhere from 5-10 steps at a time.  I'll get some video today, we were way too excited to grab a camera.

My new hammock.  The old one was starting to fall apart.  And it was the wrong color combo.

A walk to see the goats.

It cleared up yesterday afternoon allowing us to go for a walk.  Skyler was tired, but not enough to fall asleep.  He rode in his stroller with his soothie (pacifier) and when we got to the north canal we saw these guys again.

One goat.

Two goats.

Hi goats!

We're coming to see you, Skyler.

Look at all the goats!

I point at you goats!

He was quite entertained by them.  One of the goats even climbed up on the fence to eat a Russian olive branch.  Poor Maizey dog, she really wanted to chase them!  She was nice enough to sit while Skyler observed. 

The canals around here are full, I just wish my garden was planted so I could use the water.  It's supposed to be nice for the next few days, maybe Sunday we'll get something planted.  Our potatoes we planted 3 weeks ago still aren't out of the ground.  I hope it's not a re-plant year.

I love this window!

Skyler is fascinated by looking out his window. He turbo crawls to it first thing in the morning. Now he's discovered the planes going over and points to them.

Growing so fast!

I turned Skyler's car seat from rear facing to front facing in my truck yesterday. His legs are too long and he was uncomfortable. We almost made it a year. He really likes looking out the front now. On the way back from the grocery he was laughing and screaming with delight at all the different sights.

Looking out the front window.

Yesterday I cleaned every window in the house.  Inside and out.  Skyler was gracious enough to have a nap for 90% of the time it took.  I finished in his room after he woke up and we had some afternoon entertainment! 

The city was sealing cracks with their new machine.  First, a truck with an air compressor has an operator that blows all the cracks clean.  Then, the crew with the sealing machine manually seals the cracks.  It's almost painful to watch.  You figure each guy is making $20+ an hour plus the cost of the equipment and fuel.  Well over $100 per hour to seal cracks.  The best part was the cars would drive right through the hot sealant!  Nothing like a quick undercoating for the wheel wells!  Skyler was so excited to watch though, he stood there the entire time looking out the window.  It was a nice diversion for a Monday afternoon.  It's raining here again today.  Probably because I washed windows...

What is it?

I can see a garbage truck and something else!

So entertaining!

The man on the airgun didn't even have hearing protection!

I see you!

Finished result.  Looks messy!

It took them from 1:00 to 4:00 to do our street, probably less than a quarter mile.

This was this morning, can you see it?

What a beautiful sight to start the day with!

Post birthday wrap up.

My sister hosted a nice brunch for our mom yesterday.  Skyler was the star, eating, making messes, chasing the museum cat.  (her cat isn't for petting or holding, just looking)  The cat hated the attention!  Skyler's pets are black and white.  The cats at my parents are black and white.  My sister's cat is orange.  This had to be investigated!

WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!!!??

Hi kitty!

Come here kitty!

I see you kitty!

Happy birthday Mom!

A picture of my sister's museum clean kitchen.

Skyler helping open a present.

I love tearing paper!

Grandpa even brought Skyler a baloon!

We also cleaned up the yard and house all weekend.  I'll still be cleaning all week. We're hosting a birth group birthday party this coming weekend.  And the following weekend is Skyler's 1st birthday!  I can't believe it's been a year!

April 15th. Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Today is my mom's birthday.  I'm really lucky to have such a great mom.  When I was little, I remember other kids moms not being home when they got home from school.  Or not fixing them lunch for the day.  Or not even cooking dinner for the family.  My mom did all that and more.  She taught me how to cook and garden.  I'm pretty sure she's responsible for my John Deere obsession.  I remember my first visit to Welch implement in York, Nebraska to pick out a toy John Deere 4430.  (I still have that toy.)  I also like to think that her great parenting has enabled me to be a better parent to Skyler. 

We're going to my sister Karen's house for Sunday birthday brunch this morning.  Skyler will be able to play on the playground and climb Karen's stairs. 

Happy Birthday Mom, we love you!!