Nolan's 1st Birthday/ 4th of July

Although Nolan's birthday is July 3rd, we couldn't celebrate until the 4th because Don wasn't in Hot Springs. So on the 4th, we celebrated the birth of our nation and the birth of our son!

The day began with a trip in the boat to take Uncle Dave and Cousin Johnathan out on the skis. John was able to get right up on two skis and skied around the lake for a while. When he was tired, Dave got up on one ski (I was highly impressed!) . Nolan and Brennan loved watching them ski on the lake- Brennan even wanted to try it! When we went back to the house, Don wanted to go out on the jet skis. I love the jet skis, but I haven't been on them in two years. It was so much fun to chase Don and Brennan around the lake.

When we returned, we got ready for a huge BBQ. Gram, Elaine, Johnny, Theresa, Wesley, Luke, Rebbecca, Patricia, Calvin, Johnathan, Kimberly, Genna, Shannon, Gigi, Papa, Dave, Teresa, Brett and Sara were all there for the party and BBQ. While Nolan slept, we chowed down on awesome burgers and hot dogs, chatted, and played a rousing game of volleyball. It was so comical to watch everyone go at it and get so competitive over volleyball.

After the game, Nolan woke up and we decided that it would be best to sing to him when he was happy. Nolan had the cutest Blue's Clues cake (complete with musical notes drawn on). He was so enthralled be everyone singing "Happy Birthday" to him. It was so cute- he looked around and smiled at everyone and laughed when it ended! He didn't quite get the blowing out the candles part, so Brennan helped. Nolan was a little timid at first about the cake, but he really got into it when we held it up to him to take a bite. He's just like Brennan; he hates to get his hands dirty!