Ben's First Birthday

Last weekend Matthew, Molly and I made a trip to Arkansas to celebrate my nephew's first birthday. Richard was traveling and unable to go, so we represented for him! We stayed at Kara's house the first night and Matthew loved every minute of it! He loves spending the night there because he gets to sleep in the top bunk with Nate. Molly and I enjoy our private little bunkhouse...it is perfect! Once again, Matthew got to go on a tractor ride, ride bikes, play in the sandbox, and hike around their house. It is so nice there because there's always so much to do and boys can just be boys! As for the girls, we got to catch up and enjoy running a few errands while Uncle Tim entertained the kids! Molly had fun chasing Ben around and checking out all of his toys. Just wait until next year...she and Ben will want to be doing all of the fun things the big boys get to do (she will just get to do it while wearing pink!).

On Saturday we celebrated Ben's first birthday at Nana and Papa Doc's house. I was so excited because we got to see so much of our family. We had extra time with Mar-Mar and Uncle Jim, since they stayed at Nana and Papa Doc's. They are so wonderful with our kids and love them as if they were their own! At the party we got to see my precious grandparents, Aunt Donna and Uncle Russ, my cousins Stephanie, Brooks, and Sarah Beth, and their sweet boy, Cole. We also had a little belated first birthday celebration for him! I was sad Melissa and her boys weren't able to come, but was glad to see Cindy. Molly just loved her! The kids were thrilled to see Nana and Papa Doc, as always. Matthew really liked Nana's new ride...the walker! Poor Nana...she has a hurt foot and is having to use a walker for a few weeks. However, Matthew thought it was pretty cool and enjoyed playing with it. We even got some pictures of Nana and Memaw and their matching walkers. The kids all had fun at the birthday party jumping in the bounce house, riding on the ride toys, and shooting some hoops! Ben was such a cutie and showed us all how fast he can ride his Lightning McQueen! He sure did love that cake and I have pictures to prove it! Thanks to the Oosterhous' for their hospitality and to Nana and Papa Doc - we had a great time!

The Birthday Boy!

Did I mention that the kids weren't the only ones that had fun on the ride-on toys?

Brooks and Cole

Sweet Cole and his Mommy!

I think he liked the cake too!

Stephanie, Kara, Cindy and Molly

Mary, Ben and Molly

Uncle Russ, Memaw and Nana

Memaw and Papa

Triple Threat...

I forgot to mention...the kids went swimming in the COLD pool!

Uncle Russ, Aunt Donna, Papa, and Uncle Tim