Andy's First Birthday Party!

We had Andy's first birthday party on Sunday July 19th. The weather cooperated for a backyard BBQ.

Joining us in the festivities were Grandma and Grandpa Emmons, Grandma Sue and Grandpa Dave, Uncle John, Aunt Stacy, Walter and Steven, Uncle Doug and Uncle Jim, Aunt Heather, Uncle Cory, Grant, Gavin and Renae, friends Lisa and Jerry and at the end, neighbors Sue, Mike and Molly.

Andy had cake for the very first time and for the special day, we let him eat it with his fingers. He was ambivalent about eating the cake and instead just liked smearing it all over!

After getting cleaned up and clothes changed, we opened so many wonderful presents! Aunt Heather gave Andy a bubble machine that we hooked for the kids to see. 4000 bubbles a minute!

Thanks to all for sharing in Andy's special day!

First time in the baby pool

Uncle Jim helped blow up the baby pool Saturday night. Andy enjoyed playing in it without water that evening.

Then on Sunday we added the water and put Andy in his swim trunks for the first time. It took only a few seconds for him to warm up to the pool - he was splashing in no time!

Winding down the long 4th of July weekend

We hope everyone had a pleasant 4th of July holiday! We decided not to travel anywhere and instead enjoy the long weekend at home. On Friday, Chris and I, by taking turns outside, were able to accomplish quite a bit of yardwork. We also took Andy for his 1-year photos at JCPenney. I think they came out cute, but we'll see once we get them in a few weeks.


Saturday morning we went to Brookfield's 4th of July parade, which I loved. So small-town cute. Afterwards, we decided to have a Daddy-Andy day so Mommy could get a break. So Chris took Andy to John and Stacy's in Wisconsin (about a 1.5 hour drive away) for the afternoon and I went shopping and watched 1776 on DVD! All three of us had a good time. And, Andy looked adorable in his red, white and blue outfit that Grandma Sue got for him, complete with "Baby's 1st 4th of July" bib! Unfortunately, we didn't think to take any photos on the 4th. :(


Pretty low-key on Sunday - we went out to breakfast at a yummy little neighborhood pancake house. Then ran some errands, including a stop at Home Depot and Target. Afternoon was just spent at home and Chris went into office around 6pm to prepare for his travels this coming week.

I'm posting two photos that my friend Lisa took on June 20th - I love this close-up of Andy. The clarity of Lisa's camera (same model that Jim has incidently), inspired us to purchase a new camera! We bought it off ebay and should arrive anyday now.