Birthday Bash

So our family that came to his doggy party, will probably sue me for putting this picture on the blog, but it captures the essence of the party so well! :) Hot dogs (& brats), puppy chow, & sugar cookie bones, were enjoyed by all!

I would have liked a before and after picture with his cake, but didn't have a chance to get the "before"...

A couple of other pictures from the day. Andrew snuggling with his sock monkey, made by Gram. And our friend Alex, showing what you can do with THREE dog noses! :)

Snips, snails and puppy dog tails

Since Julie is pulling the lion's share of the celebration preparations this weekend, I thought it would only be right if I documented all the hard work that is going behind the scenes of such a seemingly smooth operation! Here is a picture of her ingenious-devised puppy cake, a testament to her spark and spunk, and everlasting love!

For those of you just tuning in at home, we're here in KC with Andrew Shaun Monahan. Andrew turns one on Sunday, for him not a day too soon. I sat down with Andrew this afternoon, to see just what being one year old means in this Obama-mama day and age.

Mike: Andrew, what makes this birthday different from your other birthdays?

Andrew: Ba-da-baAAH!

Mike: Andrew, a lot of folks have commented on your smaller frame compared to your brother. Do you see that being an issue for you during this next year, and are you planning any changes to your strategy of peaceful cohabitation?

Andrew: Ah-da-HA-BAH-MMMMmmmmm-pbstststbtt

Mike: Ha-ha, good one. One last question, Andrew. What do you think we can expect to see more of from you in this coming year?

Andrew:

Well, I guess that's all folks. That was Andrew Shaun Monahan, on the eve of his first birthday.

First Day of School

Today was Henry's third week of school. He actually goes once a week (Thursdays) from 9:00-1:30...which gives me some precious time with Andrew--who has never had me to himself...ever! (Although I'm not sure running errands is his idea of quality time.) PLUS, Henry comes home and takes a nap, which gives me even more time to get things done! But, the best part is that Henry LOVES it. The first week he told me that his favorite part was eating his sandwich, grapes, & pretzels--which worried me a bit since he brought home an entire sandwich with just one bite (& if that was his "favorite?")...BUT today he told & showed me how he was jumping & laughing during school. Then he told me that "Mrs. Nabor [his teacher] said, 'no jumping.'" Oh well. :) He said it was "really funny."

And here are some pictures from our camping trip...I had a hard time narrowing down the options!

Three thirsty boys

His FIRST roasting experience. He can even do it with his eyes closed! Note: Do NOT try this at home (with bare feet dangling in the fire & propped up on the metal grate). :)

Our campsite with mansion tent. :)

Our little rock eater--I mean cute little camper boy!

Henry & his friend Kristoffer (who was our inspiration for going camping)!

Labor Day Camping Fun

Here are some highlights:

-Meeting our "neighbors" almost immediately because we were trying to set up our "new-mansion-tent" for the first time in the dark with only three hands & one set of eyes. (I was holding a crying Andrew & trying to watch Henry in the dark).

-Getting the tent up & Henry saying, "Hooray! Is this our tent?"

-Andrew eating lots and lots of rocks.

-Swimming right off of our campsite.

-Steaks, salad, & wine for our anniversary dinner.

-Visiting with our friends the Svensons who encouraged us to go on the trip! (Kristoffer & Henry are friends from gymnastics last yr.)

-Andrew sleeping through the night on Sat. night! (Sun. was a different story--let's just say we packed up before anyone could see who had the crying baby CAMPING...)

-Henry playing with Kirsten (the "girl next door") & their dogs (except the pit bull).

-Looking up at the stars as we slept in our tent! (We didn't put the fly on...) Although, even with our star chart, Mike and I couldn't identify many constellations! Here's a pic of our mansion-tent:

The Svenson's were going to go again last weekend, but we opted out. I think Andrew needs to walk a little better (he's better EVERY day) AND sleep through the night consistently before we venture out again. Plus, I think we're staying close to home for a while now!

Oh yeah, we also learned two lessons in love this weekend:

1. True love is when Kirsten can come over, put a hand on Henry's shoulder, and without speaking get him to follow her under the clothesline to her campsite.

2. True love is when Sara Svenson (age 4) gives Henry someone ELSE's toy school bus to take with us as we were leaving the Svenson's campsite simply because Henry "wanted" it. What a good friend!