South America

Hello just wanted to say hello from Argentina.  We spent a couple of days in Argentina and now we are in El Calafate checking out Glaciers in Patagonia.  Pictures are soon to come...what a great time we are all having.  The best part?  Being with each other 24/7!

Brandon gets a dog!

So, for a continuation of Brandon's birthday week of fun, I took Brandon to pick out his very own dog....at FAO Swartz. He checked out every kind of dog, he bit their noses and he finally picked out "DOG"

Brandon loves this dog, if you ask him where dog is, he will go and get him and give the dog a nip on the nose. It's awesome!

Just arriving at FAO Swartz and checking out all the options!

Here is a potential dog. Brandon had to check it out to see...

Still looking...how about this one, I can push it?

Or this BIG one?

Or maybe a big ole bear, instead?

While deciding, we checked out the other animals at FAO Swartz

Brandon decided that he wanted a dog, afterall. He's outta here...

And the verdict is...

Before heading home, we stopped by the toys and of course, balls!

Later that night, Brandon welcomed "Dog" home.

And that night before going to bed, he gave dog a kiss/nip on the nose

Happy Birthday, Brandon!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Brandon,
Happy Birthday to you!

Brandon started off the day with a super happy smile and attitude - almost like he knew that...

...today is Brandon's 1st Birthday! He had a play date in the park and it was a beautiful day! We had some snacks for the adults and for the kiddos, too. We had balls and a tunnel and that kept them (and other kids in the park) entertained. The children were so cute to watch. I was busy setting things up so Brandon wandered all about all by himself. Since he has been walking, it's funny to see where he goes. He was hungry too, so he found things to eat at the picnic table. I think he had his fill of the adult crackers that I had out for the cheese and salami as he ignored all the children snacks.

Earlier in the morning, we picked up 20 blue, green and yellow helium balloons. Too bad that within 10 minutes of being in the park, they worked their way off the stroller handle and flew off...every one of them. All we had left were two Mylar balloons!

During the craziness of setting up I looked up to make sure Brandon was wandering somewhere close by and I couldn't resist snapping a few shots as he sat there watching the crowd.

Mom playing with Brandon after setting things up!

The Monster named Parker! He has a great growl that he used at the picnic to try and scare the kids! It worked on Brandon!

The Food

The Candles

The Cake




The friends

Brandon socializing with his crew

The Favors:
Balls (of course!) and a pumpkin with stickers to decorate it and Halloween tattoos!

When I was cleaning up after the playdate, I turned and saw him crawling through the tunnel, I wasn't quick enough to snap a picture while he was in it, but got him as he was barreling towards me.

On our way home, our good friend, Margo, helped us wheel the stuff home and Maya wished Brandon a happy birthday!

Waiting for food, he sat in the johnny jump up. He hasn't been in there for a long time. He liked it for a little bit but then he really wanted to eat. Then I fed him and he was starved since he hadn't eaten any real food all afternoon at the park. He actually finished an entire serving of spaghetti rings...never happened before!

Really wanting that bath and trying to climb in...

Loving his bath.

Post Bath

Opening Presents

Opening up gifts from the Killoughs - and modeling the awesome shoes - little big for now so we'll tuck them away until they fit!

What an awesome day. Brandon had a wonderful time and he was happy...and that is the most important thing!

Happy Birthday, Brandon! We love you!