1 YEAR OLD

Just waking up on her special day!

Checking out the action at the park...

Swinging!

Walking!

Watching the kids go the wrong way on the slide.

Birthday dinner with Dad

Our family and the balloon (she won't let these out of her sight these days.)

Her cake, okay maybe we helped a little : )

It is so hard to believe that our little girl turned 1 today. All this week, I have been reflecting on the last year and all of the changes our family has gone through. It has been so much fun watching Lexie grow, change, and learn. I had no idea what all motherhood would entail. A year ago, I would have never imagined this baby girl would consume my whole existence and how I would thrive off her laughs and giggles. It hasn't always been easy, I think the hardest part on me is the few times she has gotten sick. I can not stand seeing her pain or suffering : ( For the most part, Lexie had made our transition into parenting a breeze. She is our little spirted child and just a ball of fun. We can't wait to see what toddler hood and the next year have in store for us.
We spent her special day at the park. It was another sunny day and she just loved eating her lunch while watching the other kiddos run around. After lunch, she got out and practiced her walking, she is now taking 5-6 steps at a time, but still prefers crawling. She enjoyed the swing, the slide, and "talking" to other little people. When Travis got home, we took her out to eat and she had a great time, enjoying even more cake!
Happy Birthday, sweet baby girl, we love you more then words can say!

Lexie's Barnyard Bash

Lexie checking out the awesome farm cake and cupcakes, thanks Aunt Rachel and Aunt Becci!

The cake was so awesome!

Waiting for her guests to arrive.

With Nana Shar and the balloon.

She wasn't that interested in opening presents, she didn't want to miss out on playing with her friends.

Kelly and Zack

Maggie and Brody!

Lexie attempting to push 40lb Grayson on the airplane : )

Nana Shar and Nana B

Waiting for her cake...

Nana, Grandma Neicy, Johonna

Slowly enjoying her sweet cake

She really loved it!

Yum, Yum!

Tyrel with the birthday girl.

Papa, Aunt Becci, and Gammy

We celebrated Lexie's birthday 2 days early, by having a little get together at our house. The theme was "farm friends" in honor of our little girls love of animals. It turned out to be a gorgeous 70 degree day and we had so much fun celebrating her first year of life with friends and family. We had 6 babies in the house, ages 6 months to 16 months, needless to say it was one big play date for Lexie! After she awoke from her afternoon nap, most of the guests had left, she sat and looked around our living room as if to wonder if it was all a dream....too cute!

Preston's 2nd B-day

The little cuties, Lexie & Preston, playing outside.

Swinging on Preston's awesome baby swing!

Preston blowing out the candles

That hat stayed on for about 2 seconds.

Tiff and Preston opening presents.

We feel so blessed to be surrounded by truly awesome neighbors. One of my favorite neighbors is my friend Tiffany. She moved here about this time last year, as I was about ready to pop, and we hit it off right away. Her and her husband have 2 boys Preston (2) and Gavin (2 months.) Since I have been staying home, we have enjoyed going for walks with the kiddos, numerous play dates, and phone calls. It is so nice to have mommy friend close by!
Sunday we went over to celebrate Preston's birthday. It was a blast. Preston is such a sweet kid, he went around and gave a hug to each of his guests. I don't know about you, but I don't think I know any other 2 year old boys who do that.
Lexie was trying to "assist" him with opening presents. We also had to hold her back from inhaling her piece of cake. This gives me reassurance that she will fully enjoy her special day next week!

Bowling League Baby

Lexie's 1st trip to the bowling alley- 3 weeks old

11 months old-hanging out with Papa Brock

Rooting on the guys, again at 11 months

Just about every Monday night since Lexie has been here, Travis packs up his bowling balls and heads to the bowling alley for his league team. Lexie and I occasionally go and support him, she is starting to like the action of the bowling alley more and more (Lord, help me.)
Last year his team did really well and he had one of the highest averages in the league. This year, proves to be even better because his dad is also playing on his team. I think this is good for Travis because it gives him some heated competition (Will is a very good bowler!) Who knows...maybe next year it will be the pros for both of them? The bowling baby needs a college fund : )

Seahawks Game

All the boys before leaving our house early Sunday morning.

Trav, Nate, and Will at the game

Chris and Trav having a good time

Crazy hawk fans.

Travis was so lucky to get his Company's Seahawk tickets for September 14th against the 49ers. He took his dad, Nate, and my brother Chris. It was another amazingly beautiful day in the Seattle area. Even though it was a heartbreaking OT loss, the boys still had a great time. Travis came back with adorable Jerseys for Lexie and I, which made up for the fact that he didn't take us : ) Glad the boys had a great time!

Mutton Bustin' and the Puyallup Fair

Little Ashley kicking butt in Mutton' Bustin'

Chad and Ashley after her win!

The champ and all of her supporters

Travis coaching Lexie on how to Mutton' Bust someday

On Tuesday, September 9th we headed to Puyallup Fair. It was absolutely a gorgeous September fall evening here in the Northwest. Our 1st stop was the Mutton' Bustin' Competition where our cousin Ashley Niemeyer competed and won! For those of you that don't know what Mutton' Bustin' is, it is when kids ages 2-6 get the chance to ride a sheep and they are supposed to try to hold on for at least 6 seconds. Most of these kiddos chicken' out before even getting on and only hang on for a second or two. Well, little Ashley held on for more then the 6 seconds. Check it out for yourself, it is freaking awesome It was so cool to watch!
Next, we headed off to see some of the farm animals. This time Lexie's favorite was the goats. She enjoyed talking to them and having them talk back : )
I think Lexie's favorite part of the fair was also mine, the Wilcox soft serve ice cream. She got to sit back and watch everyone while enjoying her favorite treat. She also was a fan of the corn on the cob.
Travis and I really enjoyed showing her around. We figure, it will be the last year before the adventures of the fair rides start for her. Travis is saving up now. I am sure we will spend some big money in "Silly ville" next year. As for this year, we enjoyed the quiet weekday night, with a little sugar rush thanks to Wilcox soft serve.

After seeing the baby pigs, she called them "cats."

I think the monster dairy cows kind of scared her

Pretty night at the fair.

Labor Day Weekend- Whidbey Island

With Dad on the ferry over to the island.

Mom and Lexie looking out at the water on the ferry.

In her baby jail, waiting as we set up camp.

Yes, we do sometimes over pack : )

On a beach walk on the 1st day there!
Travis, his dad Will, and Lexie.
Our fam
Travis with Lexie and Maggie
At Ft. Casey

We have been lucky to spend the last 4 Labor Day Weekend's at Whidbey Island camping. Travis's Uncle Danny and Aunt Julie own a beautiful piece of land and are so kind to invite us over for fishing, crabbing, camping, and of course eating!
We left on Thursday, and took the ferry. Lexie did great on the drive and enjoyed the ferry. We set up camp and enjoyed the nice weather on Thursday! We took a beach walk and Lexie got to play with her cousin Maggie, who is almost 15 months. Lexie slept pretty good that night in her play-n-pack, thanks to the sound machine playing trickling water sounds. I felt bad because I left it on all night and several people were wondering who left the water running: ) Personally, I am glad she slept well but it made me want to go pee all night.
Friday, the weather was a bit cooler. We went to Ft. Casey and explored the old bunkers and canyons. Travis went crabbing. We went in to town with the girls and looked around the unique shops. Lexie was starting to get really crabby and seemed over-tired.
We ended up leaving Saturday morning because the baby was having a hard time, she wasn't taking naps and seemed to be having a really hard time teething. We were both sad to leave so early, but we realize with kiddos it is sometimes hit or miss. Hopefully next year we will get to stay for the whole weekend!