Harry Potter Party

So, maybe I'm a little embarrassed to blog about this-- My Harry Potter Party! Yeah, I know. I'm a huge nerd. But it's my birthday, so lay off. I had my family over to celebrate my 22nd and have a little HP fun. We had a feast to rival the Great Hall and even drank Butterbeer (which is kinda gross, by the way). After we played HP trivia and the loser (mom) had to be the first to try the jellybeans. I'm pretty sure she ate a centipede flavored one. Then we ate a special cake that Tiff brought me and watched HP6. Oh, what fun. I just might have to do it again next year...

This is how you look after eating a skunk spray jelly bean.

Do I dare? I shouldn't have, because it was booger flavored.

Hello, Spring!

We are so excited for Spring at the Gardner house! Easton's new favorite thing is to play outside and go for walks (sans stroller!) We hope that the weather isn't just teasing us. We're ready for the warm days!! It's pretty much the same old story around here. Easton's personality has exploded even more in the last month and he leaves me wondering how he can fit such a big personality in such a tiny body. He keeps adding new words to his vocabulary (outside, dog, all done, thank you). He's quite a clever little guy. I've been watching a new baby at my house. Easton is completely in love with her. He gasps with excitement when he sees her and likes to blow her kisses. He seems to understand how tiny and special she is. Perhaps it's a sign that he's ready for a new brother or sister....someday.



A monumental occassion-- First Girl Scout Cookie!

Getting his first "real" haircut from Cousin Brook.

Post-haircut look. What a babe!

Excited to wear his brand new suit to church!

Easton loves to read his books. His favorite part is turning the pages and sometimes he even reads them outloud to himself.

Busy, busy boy

I can't believe it's already been a month since Easton's birthday! He's changed so much in the last few weeks, that I don't know if I can remember everything he's learned! Here goes:

-New teeth have FINALLY arrived. He's 13 months old and only had two teeth until this week. He's got two little nubs poking out on top that I know are going to make his smile simply irresistible.

-Off he goes! My little dude doesn't crawl anymore. He's walking all over the place. I can only be grateful that he's not running *yet*.

-His vocabulary is climbing up, up, up! The list includes Mama, Dada, nana (banana), na-nigh (nuh-night), Bahbah (bye, bye), sheeze (cheese), hi, nono, yeah, s'at (what's that). And he recognizes the words/phrases milk, have a bite, I'm gonna get you, come here, don't touch, see you later, dance, hug, kisses, and the list goes on and on....He's one smart cookie.

-He learned this silly little way of blowing kisses. Mostly he just put his finger in his mouth and makes a kissy sound, but he sure thinks he's blowing you a kiss. I'll get a video of it soon before it evolves into a real blown kiss.

-He climbs stairs. All the stairs. If Kade and I aren't paying real close attention, we often find him upstairs playing in his room as if it's none of our business.

Today he and I are both stuck at home with colds. Kade is out of town umpiring, and we miss him lots and lots. We hope you all have a great Valentines Day!

Easton's Year in Photos

Dear E,
Today you are one year old. Mommy was really strong about it until she put you to bed. Then I held you and just cried, because I just doesn't know where this year has gone. I do know that this has been the happiest and mot rewarding year I have ever lived. Also, it's been the fastest. You amaze me each and every day. I've never met a child with so much personality in such a little body. I think you knew how sad this day made me, because you decided to give me a kiss for the very first time. That made me cry too, but those were happy tears. I don't know what I ever smiled about, laughed at, or loved so much before you were born. One year ago, I held you in my arms for the first time, and I was sure that there would never be room in my heart for any more love than I felt at that moment. Now I know that I was wrong. My heart has made room for 365 days worth of more love. That's a lot, Big E. One day you'll understand, but until then, make sure you give me lots more of those kisses and extra snuggles when you're growing an extra lot. I love you, E. Thank you for the most blissfully happy year any mommy has ever had.

E's Extravaganza

We had a lot of fun last night at E's big birthday bash. Thanks to all who came. My favorite part was when Easton shared his cake with me and got frosting all over my face. He had so much fun with all of his family and friends. I think his favorite part was the huge cake that he got all to himself (no surprise there). This morning he has been very busy breaking in all his new toys and videos. Thanks AGAIN to all of you who helped me make his party a success and helping to calm me down when I started to get a little overly-stressed about the shindig. Here are some photos from last night and one other of E at home doing what he does best----getting into trouble. I think I should get a big pat on the back for already having these posted...even if I am only doing it so that I can take a break from my homework.

Holidays

Here's what we've been up to:

Easton:
-Easton got his first hair cut this week and looks very handsome now. No more mullett!
-Easton is no longer using bottles. YAY! Big boy!!-
-Easton is taking a few more steps but still not really walking. Any day now...
-Easton can crawl up the stairs now. Uh oh.
-Easton has a knack for finding trouble where ever he goes....
-Easton will be one on Tuesday. I was due on this day one year ago! Sad!

Kade and Nikki:
-Nikki starts school on Monday. She has 12 credits and feels like she's probably crazy.
-Yesterday was the 4 year anniversary of our first date. Weird!!!
-Kade starts umpiring next month (over Valentines weekend) and he already has a full schedule. He's nuts too.
-We will soon be off to Vegas again for a little R&R

The fam:
We had a great Christmas and New Year together. Easton liked to get his new toys and unwrap presents once he realized that they weren't a "No, no" anymore. We all spoiled each other and had lots of great food with our families. Then it was off to Salt Lake for a nice break with Kade's family. We did lots of shopping and playing. We hope that you all had a great holiday season like we did! Easton says ddkkdk kdkdkdjjjjjjjjjjj ttttttssssssssssss which means Hello and I love you in Eastonese...I think.


After his first hair cut

Before his first hair cut

My clever little man found an open bottle of baby powder and did his damage. It sure made for a cute picture though.

Opening presents with mama's help

Very happy about his new Spiderman plate

Trying to figure out who that funny man with the beard is

Finding trouble in the form of the towel drawer