Korn Spotting

We were eating lunch at Jason's Deli when Casey saw someone that looked like the lead guitarist from Korn (James 'Munky' Shaffer). Turned out it really was him. Casey was pretty excited since he's always liked that band. We got a picture with him and talked about our kids. Nice guy.

But I'm not going to start listening to their music. It's awful.

Indiana's First Birthday Party

Indy's birthday was Wednesday, and other than having the day off work to spend with him, which was kinda special in itself, we didn't do anything much that day, other than sing him Happy Birthday several times, which he really liked. Because the real party was going to be Saturday afternoon, and what a great day for a party! The weather was perfect, sunny and 75 degrees. If only all days in Texas were like that! We had the party in the park. It was a great day. We had lots of friends and family come to celebrate. Aunt Aubrey and Uncle Dustin brought Indy a really fun gift: A radio flyer wagon! He looks a little hesitant right now, but I'm sure he'll love it. A couple of the older kiddos climbed right in, so we know that there are good times ahead for that red wagon.

Dad brought his smoker, and we had grilled hot dogs and burgers. They taste so much better cooked over a real flame. It was a really fun group that came: Christy Odgen, her kiddos Campbell and Duncan, and her mom, LuAnna, Karis and Riley Waldrum, the Goodens (Michael and Darrah) brought their sweet newborn girl, Nella.
Cute boys. Jayden Odgen, Felix Gooden and his cousin, Oscar.
And Erin Gooden and little Jasper, and the Diehls and Tom Walker and the Marables are there somewhere in the background too. I was so glad so many could come celebrate with us.
We didn't to the big production smash-cake thing...that's a waste of good cake! But Indy did certainly did get his birthday cupcake.
He loved it, of course.
And we also got to see this little guy take his official first steps! It was awesome. Go Jack! He's a month older than Indiana, so maybe we'll be seeing Indy's first steps soon.
I was so glad Nana Cindy could come too.
We had sunglasses as party favors. Perfect for a day in sun. Happy Birthday, Indiana!

Indiana, you are one!

Happy Birthday to you, Sweetness. I love you more and more, every day. You are funny and sweet and loving and sometimes pesky. You love to ride on Daddy's shoulders. And splash and splash in the bath. And read books, especially when you turn the pages.

Today, you turned one. You threw your sippy cup on the floor about 18 times and fed crackers to the dogs. You laughed when Charlie licked your fingers. I would do anything to hear your laugh, to see your smiles, to kiss your curly hair. I love that you are so quick to smile. You've captured the heart of so many strangers with that toothless grin. Today, you ran faster than I've ever seen pushing your toy walker. And you took good naps and ate lots of malt-o-meal with your Mamie. You walked with holding onto only one of my hands for the first time. And I discovered while feeding you yogurt that you're cutting your bottom two teeth. You're such a happy baby that we hadn't even noticed that your gums might be sore.
Every day, I watch you learn more. You learned not only how to climb into the coffee table, but also out. It was a two-step process. Today, I saw you throw a ball forward for the first time. But you still love to drop things. Especially your sippy cup.

I'm so glad I get to be your mom. I promise I will always love you and always take care of you.

And I will pick up your sippy cup. Silly billy.

Herb Garden!

Both Casey and I had been talking about planting an herb garden in an unused plot behind our house, and today we finally did it. I'm kinda amazed that we got the whole thing done in a day, from planning, preparing the soil, buying plants, to planting and irrigating. Casey even set up an automatic timer to water it.

We planted lots of basil, cilantro, lavender, rosemary, dill, thyme, oregano and mint, plus a few peppers, okra and strawberry plants for fun.

It's the first garden that either Casey or I have ever planted...so we might be redoing the whole thing next year, but it's a good start, and will definitely be something nicer to look at in that spot. :)

More March Fun (a little late!)

The last two weekend have been eventful. First, we went out to Hico, Tx to stay in a B&B with my parents. Not much to do in Hico but hang out, which was perfect.

Indiana enjoyed crawling around the old rock house, and sampled dirt for the first time.

He went back for seconds. *Sigh*

There was a fair amount of rocking chair sitting.

And trying on grandpa Jack's boots of course. Such a big boy.

Then, last weekend, Casey went out of town again. Casey did his first long triathlon since the Long Course Championship in Germany. I didn't get to go...because it wouldn't be a good place for a baby, too much time in the sun, but Dad went with him and they had a good time in Galveston.

Indy went to his first Easter egg hunt, and wasn't going for it.

"Who's this fuzz-face?"

"I WILL not pose for any more pictures! I want a nap, NOW." I think this picture is hysterical. So much expression on that little face. Love him.