Let's get this party started.

Kaden threw his first birthday party for his 1st birthday. He had lots of friends come over, and luckily our landlords let us use the first floor. We had all the games taking place downstairs, while the adults hung out upstairs. Our theme was Brown Bear, based on Kaden's favorite book, "Brown Bear." We snacked on teddy grahams, straw/ras'bearries', and gummy bears. We played: pin the nose on the bear, honey honey bear, gummy bear sled races, gummy bear cupcake decorating, and brown bear birthday cake! Lots of fun, and lots of mess. But we survived our first children's birthday! Thanks everyone for coming and making his party so fun-- He loved his trucks/cars, blocks, and teddy bear!

(P.S. thanks Amy for the pictures!)

Waiting for the festivities to begin. :)

Storytime: Brown Bear.

Enjoying his favorite book.

Having fun.

Posing with Mary.

Pin the nose on the...bear.

Kaden almost won. :)

Honey, Honey, Bear (aka Duck Duck Goose).

Gummy bear sled races: Awesome!

I love their expressions as their sled comes in.

The Brown Bear Cake take II

First taste of chocolate cake--not too impressed.

Everyone wanted to help Kaden with the presents.

Presents with Dad.

Our little big one year old!

O.N.E.

Wow. Is he really? Yep. Yesterday was Kaden's twelve month birthday--as in the boy is now ONE. Hard to believe and definitely mixed emotions as my baby has somehow transformed into a--(gasp)--toddler. Kaden loves:

• HOT DOGS!--the boy lives for them...and strawberries, and cheese.
• Dada--can almost say it. As soon as Matt comes home Kaden only wants his Dad and gives him big hugs and grins. Love it.
• Jesus--Kaden says a form of 'Jesus' and loves to point to our picture of Him.
• Phones--everything is a phone to Kaden. He holds all toys and items up to his ear and talks.
• Bacon--had his first taste yesterday and wants to drink bacon grease instead of milk. :)
• Trucks/Cars--must be a boy thing.
• Walking--little steadier at this, but still a ways to go.
• Books--We must read 20+ books a day.
• Talking while eating--almost a hum. Pro at this.
• Weaned--completely weaned. More on that to come.

We made the most of his birthday trying to cover some of Kaden's favorites:

Birthday breakfast.

Of course it wouldn't be a birthday without Breakfast in bed! Or crib.

Love at first taste: bacon.

Birthday balloons."I'm ready! Let the festivities begin!"
A balloon and lunch with Dad!

Petsmart.

We saw dogs getting a haircut and even got to pet one! He also enjoyed the birds and fish.

Chuck E. Cheese

Since his last visit he has gotten so good in the tunnels! Fearless and loves chasing all of the bigger kids.

Grace and Abby let him tag along on rides--the roller coaster ride here.

Tunnels at Chuck E Cheese.

The 'Brown Bear' Birthday Cake.

Demolition. Kaden's first taste of sugar and I think he

may have gone into a sugar coma afterwards...

Presents! Although, the paper was pretty interesting.

More fun with paper and presents.

So much fun.

Exhausted. Birthdays are hard work. :)

Yay for one year olds!

I've never claimed of having a singing voice. Don't judge.

Sliced Bread & Tickle Fights.

Walking is the best thing since sliced bread, according to Kaden. Well, maybe not as good as some food (cheese or hot dogs) but it's REALLY good. He takes 5 or so steps then falls, 5 or so steps then falls and loves it. He's also good at tickle fights, if you've seen Elf. Loves to trample on Dad. No wonder we had a hard time paying attention to Conference.

Showing off his sweatsuit.

Playing cards.

Sitting in his little nook.

Tickle Fight Champ.

Kaden hard at work: playing.

The Month of Kaden

This time last year was also the month of Kaden, as we were expecting his arrival. Who am I kidding? Every month is now the month of Kaden! :) We have been so blessed having him in our lives. He brings so much joy, love, and excitement into our home and we are excited (and a little sad) to celebrate is 1st birthday in the next few weeks!

First thing we do in the morning: Go for a drive.

He's a natural; look at him navigating that turn.

This is what we do. ALL DAY.

11 Months!

My boy is 11 months old! He gets more active every day!

• WALKING!--Kaden took his first unsupported steps this past week! :) (still working on mastering his newly acquired skill).
• CLIMBER--climbs to the top of everything in sight--boxes, chairs, tables, toys...
• Chatter box.
• Proud owner of a new car (Yard sales are amazing!).
• Addicted to stairs.
• Loves to 'talk' on the phone.
• Pulls out all our tupperware 3-5 times a day and plays in 'his'cupboard.
• Has 5 teeth with a 6th on the way.
• Races for the podium at church. I think he has a lot to say...
• Curls in the back of his hair! :) So cute.

Professional Walker & Climber!

Chillin' in the babe magnet :).

My new car! (Looks just like Matt!)

Our little mountaineer.

Still climbing...

Made it to the top!

Mouth full of teeth

The cupboard of choice.

Concentrating at the phone (He even has the head-tilt down!).

11 Months and Handsome as can be.

We love our Kaden boy!

Kaden fun.

Wow. It feels like we've been up to a lot lately. Here are some pics to prove it:

Park. Kaden loves to play on the swings. Not as big of a fan of the slide yet, but definitely the swings. The park is only a few minutes' walk from our house.

Lots of fun and a big smile for the camera

Fun with Dad.

Beach. We spent Labor Day at the beach--Kaden loves running his hands in the sand. He also made a friend and no matter what we were doing he would crawl over to 'Sammy.'

Kaden found everything hilarious and would throw his head up laughing! :)

Kaden's new friend.

East Coast.

NYC. Kaden had his first trip into the city! It was awesome! We toured an aircraft carrier and had great food and people watched. He also got to see lots of dogs.

Kaden loving the view up high

Some of the planes
More planes

NYC pizza. He had a hard time concentrating with all of the noise and people.

Chuck E. Cheese. Kaden had his first birthday party and it happened to be at Chuck E. Cheese. He LOVED playing in the tunnel and chasing his friends, Abby and Gracie. Not to mention I loved Skeet ball! :)

Charging at full speed!

Face says it all: FUN

Driving with Gracie.

Random.Kaden's new talent: finding the hole in his nose.

Trying on his Halloween outfit :)