Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving was great this year - we spent it with family and friends. Brenner are turkey, turnips, sweet potato pie, German style dressing, fruit, and pickles. I am not for sure how pickles are Thanksgiving related - but we ate them nonetheless! We are so thankful for our family and friends that make life very special.
We met up with our friends Itati and Jerry. Many of you know Itati is the reason Matt and Jo are married so it is always a treat to see her. And Jerry just always happens to be there too - just kidding Jerry - we love you too!

We had Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma Val's house, but Grammy and PawPaw Vo joined us. We are thankful and happy that our families get along so well!

The infamous PawPaw H. - he does exists! BHP loved PawPaw chasing him around the house. We had to run off pie, you see......

Jo's grandpa had Jo's dad build a duck lake on some his property in the 1980s. We have bought 28 acres which includes the duck lake - Brenner will have plenty of room to hunt and fish - things his Papa also loved growing up. Gramps would be proud (and is - we know he is watching over us)!

Lewis and Clark with Sacajawea - oh no - wait that is Grammy, BHP, and PawPaw Vo. Notice the beavers have been at work. Sit lightly, Grammy.

A visit to Grandma's house wouldn't be complete without some fun with Cousin Krystee - we can't decide which one is the bigger goofball!

Play time

We have been very busy and haven't had a chance to update the blog! Brenner is growing everyday. He weighed 19 lbs 10 oz and was 28.5 inches long at his one year checkup. He was an old pro with the shots. Brenner can say several words now including momma (mama), Papa (puh), Emi (me), Grandma (maa), Krystee (key), ball (ba), and car (ca).
Matt calls these his Romanian gymnast pants!

Cutie pie - so calm (as I type this he is screaming behind me)!

Getting on the pony Grandpa Bob got him for his birthday - he loves riding it!

BHP's magnetic board in the playroom - still a bit young for it but he loves the colors. Mama and Papa like to spell out words.....yes - easily entertained!

The serious walk - he does things on his own terms.

Brenner's first birthday bash!

We celebrated BHP's first birthday on Sunday (one day early but hey it was the weekend!) at our house. It was a wonderful day with family and friends. We can hardly believe that a whole year has passed and our little boy has grown so much. It seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. BHP had a great time - so many toys - it is nuts. For those of you reading this -seriously no more stuffed animals :) He had a big day - thank you to everyone for making it a special one!
Pre-bash - Momma got him to go down for a nap using Grandma Val's standby - singing Jacob's Ladder.

Brenner playing with Charlee and Remi.

Brenner's birthday buddy! Aunt Lynnie and BHP share a birthday. He is helping unwrap her birthday gift.

Fun with Grammy Vo!

Hey Grandpa Bob - thanks for all the toys!!!! Bob brought a van load of toys and Brenner loved them all. It was fun watching them together.

A Radio Flyer wagon from Aunt Susie and Uncle Vince - wow - he LOVES it! But it is rather noisy rolling down our road. Brenner go "ahahahah" when riding in it at the vibration makes his voice funny!

Opening presents with Papa.

Post bash - one worn out little boy!

Let him eat cake!

Momma made a carrot cake with cream cheese icing for Papa's 35th birthday and Brenner's first birthday! (It is Papa's favorite). It was so hilarious - Brenner ate the entire cupcake - making little mess. Either he takes after his Papa (he's a little piggy) or Momma (he's a neat freak). Check out the play by play.

Hmmm...what is that - I have never seen one of those before. I never get the contra ban food - momma is mean that way - or at least that is what Grandma tells me :)

Well it is coming closer - let's reach out and grab it.

Why is momma clapping -she usually is trying to get me to use a fork.....and why are there twenty people watching me do this?

Wow - this is pretty good. I am not sure about the top part with gooey stuff. I will just set that aside for now.

That is a big cup cake - I need to help my one hand out with the other...this is a lot of work!

But I can still shove with one hand. That gooey top thing is still there...

Better have momma try it first. Aren't I a good boy for sharing?

Yeah - all done. My tray is dirty but I am pretty much clean! Can I have another?

Papa's boy

Brenner actually fell asleep while Papa changed his diaper. This NEVER happens - BHP hates having his diaper changed - he must have been really tired!
Riding on the 4-wheeler with Papa - had to make a quick stop at the persimmon tree.

Goof balls - not for sure what Papa and BHP are doing here!

Brenner helping Papa sweep up the Emi hairs - I mean "sprinkles of love"!