Carter's Party

Sunday night we celebrated Carter's first birthday with Brad's family.

He didn't exactly get the hang of opening up presents, but what one-year-old does anyway?

In my family it is tradition to have an angel food cake for the first birthday. I put too much cake batter in the pan while making it, and it overflowed and well, didn't turn out. So, since it was Sunday, and I had limited ingredients . . . Carter ended up with a no-bake cookie cake. I know it's impressive.

Carter barely even ate any. Oh well . . . it's just sugar anyway . . .

Happy Birthday Carter!

Exactly a year ago, at 12:01 in the morning Carter joined our family. We've sure loved having this ball of energy in our lives!

Before Brad left for work this morning we let Carter open his present from Grandma Cheney. Here he is enjoying the blocks she gave him:

We gave him this couch that folds out and you can drive cars on it. Ashlyn enjoyed the couch and blocks just as much as Carter!

If I was to describe Carter in one word it would have to be determined. It is pretty difficult to sidetrack him when he has his mind set on something. He'll figure out a way to get what he wants and let us know if we aren't making him happy!

A few interesting facts about Carter:

Carter has about 5 words - Daddy, Momma, No, Ball, and Mine (this one is very recent)

Carter loves balls

Carter's best buddy is definitely Ashlyn

Carter loves to eat and will still put almost anything in his mouth

Carter's favorite color is blue (the only reason we know this is because Ashlyn told us, so it must be true)

We love you sweet boy! Happy Birthday!!!

Ashlyn Started Preschool

We're doing a little preschool co-op for Ashlyn this year. It is with three other neighbor girls. It started on Tuesday and Ashlyn was so, so, so excited to go!

It is going to be every Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 3 in the afternoon. This week it was at Sammy's house, but next week it is going to be at our house.

These pictures are from Tuesday and they make me laugh. I think we've hit the posing stage.

I know this picture is horrible quality, but it just cracks me up! What's with the leg?

Here's her today just before riding her scooter over to preschool:

She saw a large praying mantis on the bush. Can you see it?

So we moved away from the bush, but she was still worried.

Sometimes I miss my baby girl who didn't even want to leave mommy's arms! Life sure flies by . . . .

Carter is Walking!

A little over a week ago Carter decided that he was ready to walk and he has been on the move ever since!

I can't believe he's almost one!

Half Marathon Completed!

For a little over 4 months now I have been running with two friends from my ward, Jen and Diana. We started training with the goal of running a half marathon - something that only Jen had done before. Actually before this year, I had never run further than 5 miles at one time! Part of our training included running the Orem Fest 5K in June and the Provo Freedom Festival 10K in July.

Well, Saturday Jen and I finished the Park City Half Marathon in 2 hours and 16 minutes! It was a beautiful race with very little incline and lots of scenic, shady trail. The last two miles were torturous for me, but Jen stuck by me the whole way and we even sprinted the last few yards.

It feels great to have achieved a goal and I am looking forward to more great races!

I know this isn't the most flattering picture, but hey, I'd just run 13 miles!

It made me so happy to have my family there to support me - even if my kids wouldn't look at the camera! Bryon, Kari and my mom were there too!

So, who wants in for next year?

Ashlyn is 3!

Today our precious Ashlyn turned three years old! She wasn't feeling very well, but we still enjoyed swimming and shopping and eating together. We love you angel!

Smile

Each time I asked Ashlyn to smile she gave me a 'special' face:

This one is my favorite. What is going on?!