One year pics

Birthday Party

Saturday, Evan woke up from his morning nap to a houseful of family.  He had a blast!  He played outside with his cousins, opened presents, ate cake, and played with a bunch of new toys and lots of family.  He was so much fun and never fussed.  

This is usually the picture people want to see of a first birthday, so here you go!

Evan got a mower from Papa and Mimi, which he loved!  He likes to turn the key to start it.  He seriously got so many great toys and clothes.  We are so blessed to have such a great family that loves to spend time together!

Aunt Sheri swung Lily and Evan in the hammock!  They laid there this still for five minutes at least!  Too cute.  Sheri painted Evan this little stool with his name on it with farm animals... a lot like the one she made for me when I was a baby (and I still have it!)

Evan Ray, mommy, Papa (Lloyd Ray), Mimi and Grandpa Wilbur (Ray) - 4 generations.

Evan's birthday cake.  My mom and I worked on it several hours on Friday.  Not perfect, but cute, and very tasty.

Happy Birthday Evan!

Ryan and I were just thinking it feels like yesterday when we were heading home from the hospital with Evan for the first time.  So new, so scared to be responsible for this tiny person.  Here we are a year later and loving it!  

Evan, you have been such a blessing to your dad and I.  We say all the time we can't imagine life without you.  We pray you grow to be a man after God's heart, wise, strong, and kind.  

Early Birthday

On Saturday Grandpa and Nonnie delivered Evan's first birthday present.  Grandpa, Ryan and Evan assembled it together.  Evan loved it!  What a great gift.  Thank you Grandpa and Nonnie.  He likes it now, but he will enjoy it even more when he's a little older.  I seriously think he may master saying "tractor" before "mommy".  I will have to deal with it.  ;o)

Wallerin'

I just don't think there is a better word to describe one of Evan's new favorite things to do.  Often it involves being tossed onto the pillows, but he's just as happy throwing himself around on the furniture.  And he gets the biggest kick out of it! 

11 months old

Evan is 11 months old!  I can hardly believe it's almost been a year.  What an incredible journey!   It's pure joy to watch him grow and change and discover the world around him.  I am awed by the tremendous responsibility of being a parent, the one to show him who God is and to help him know Christ.   I pray God will give me the wisdom and grace to be a godly mom.

Busy baby

I haven't posted in awhile for a couple of reasons: 1. Evan is constantly on the move, so it's hard to take pictures, and 2. Evan is constantly on the move and requires my full attention!  :o)  Last week Ryan was out of town all week for work.  I got to enjoy tons of time with Evan and we had a great week.  I even picked up sushi one night for myself since Ryan refuses to eat it!  

Here are some of his 9 month pictures that we just got back and thought I would share them with you!  I thought they turned out pretty cute.

First Haircut

Today I broke down and finally took Evan for a haircut.  He sat very still when the clippers were buzzing over his ears.  I was impressed with his behavior, and I think he was quite proud of himself too.

Check out the view from the side and his "Lock Up Your Daughters" shirt!

Straight across the back... big boy.

Family Vacation

We had a great week in Park City, Utah with my family.  My parents took us all to ski, relax and enjoy some time together.  It's such a neat mountain town there and just beautiful with all the snow and trees (sorry no pictures of that).   We skied Park City, Deer Valley, and The Canyons and all voted that Deer Valley was our favorite!  Great snow, great food, great service.

One night Ryan and I went out to dinner with my sisters Amanda and Marsha while Papa and Mimi kept Evan.  What a treat!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve has always been a special time for me growing up.  We went to my Grandy's house with my aunts, uncles, and cousins for dinner (featuring Granddad's homemade macaroni and cheese!).  Many times Santa actually stopped by to deliver gifts for us himself!  We would all line up at their back window to watch for Rudolf's glowing nose.  

Grandy made Evan his own blanket for his first Christmas.  Ryan and I got these really neat bronzed hand and footprints that will be keepsakes for us of Evan at 3 months old.  Evan got a neat interactive toy from Aunt Sheri and a sweater set and monkey from Ashley and Tyler.