Flying High!

On our way back from Dallas we had a short layover in St. Louis. We didn't get off the plane but we did have a few minutes to stretch our legs. That led us to the cockpit where we met Captain Eric. He invited us in and showed EJ all the cool stuff. He let EJ push the buttons that make noise which he LOVED (of course)!! Captain Eric has three kids so he knew exactly what EJ would like. He was very generous with his time and we had fun!!

Texas Birthday

We just returned from Texas where I taught a mini-term (one week course) and EJ had a birthday party at the Shelton's house. Kaye and Rick threw a great party as you can see by the pictures.

We got to finally meet Megan! This was a highlight since we have been praying for her journey to her parents for a long time. She is such a sweet little girl!!

It was great spending time with Isaiah and his mom, Mary. Isaiah and EJ had fun opening presents, playing in the baby pool and feeding the fish in the pond. Thankfully, Patty kept EJ from actually going in the pond which he tried to do numerous times.

The birthday theme was Elmo and you can see EJ and Courtney with the life-sized Elmo. EJ loved his Elmo cake (Kaye is presenting it with Grandma Bobbie) and he had quite the time eating it! Courtney and Patty gave EJ the darling hat and bib!

You can also see EJ with Katy and he then he ended his super-fun day with a big giggle fest and hugs with Rick. They were great hosts to us during the week!

Thanks to everyone who made EJ's first birthday so special!!

Happy Birthday EJ!!!

EJ's First Birthday festivities continued on our way home from California. Yesterday we had cupcakes with my parents at the Denver airport during our two-hour layover. Then today, his official birthday, we had lunch at Pizza Hut and dinner with the Plas family. It was great to see Sammi again and we even got them together for a picture. EJ loved the decorations and I got a good arm workout hoisting him up to touch them. Sammi was so sweet to bring her grandma to the party too. Thanks Nana Kay for playing with EJ!!

So many of you have sent sweet messages to EJ. Thank you for thinking of him and celebrating his first year!

Let the Partying Begin!

EJ turns 1 on Aug 13th and he had his first party here in California. Grandma Carol threw a great party for him as you can see by the pictures. He played chase with Uncle Andy and Kellie while Eric manned the BBQ. After dinner he opened presents and thoroughly enjoyed his ice cream cake.

Thanks Grandma Carol!!!

Weekend at the Beach

This weekend was fun on the beach! Kellie and I rented boogie boards and worked our hardest to "ride" the waves. It took Eric and Andy helping us in the water to help us catch the good waves.

Amazingly, we have been able to get EJ to take his naps on the beach so we could enjoy the beach longer. I'll cherish the time I had with him sleeping on my chest while I watched the waves roll in. It doesn't get much better than that!

Beach Fun!

EJ loves the beach. He does really well in the water but LOVES the sand. He plays in it and doesn't mind having it on every inch of his body...including in his mouth. Surely his colon is getting cleaned with all the sand he's eaten this week!! He's made lots of little friends on the beach, especially three year-old girls!

Last night we went to the pier with Grandma, Andy and Kellie. As you can see the sunset was gorgeous! Then Eric and Chris met up with us and EJ had a fun reunion with Chris! He loved playing with his hat and rubbing his hands on his head! We sure miss living close to him and Terri.

We have a couple more days of fun on the beach. It's going by fast!

Baywatch!

EJ looks like a member of Baywatch with his run along the beach. Too bad the show isn't on in the U.S. anymore. He would've been cast for sure!

Uncle Andy!

Uncle Andy met us at the airport and we headed straight to our all-time favorite burger place. We couldn't wait to introduce EJ to In-N-Out Burger. He loved the fries but only when Uncle Andy gave them to him.

When we got to the condo, Andy got right to work on EJ's birthday present. Uncle Andy is such a good basketball coach he had EJ shooting hoops within 5 minutes! It was pretty amazing to see EJ listen to Andy and learn. He was really coordinated with the ball and most of all he loves it. Watch out baseball...you've got some competition now! :-)

After the fun basketball "game" the guys went golfing and I showed EJ the ocean for the first time. I can't wait to take him to the beach this week!!! More photos to come.

Overhead "Luggage"

We made it through 2 flights with a nearly one year-old to get to California yesterday. As you can see he made himself right at home on the airplane. A new definition of overhead luggage!

Mom & Karen

Last week we had a fun visit with Mom and Karen. My mom helped with EJ so I was able to finish a big school project I mentioned in an earlier post. Thanks Mom!