Our little man's first birthday!

The last present of the day from Da Da!

He had a great time with all the people and kids running around the house.
Grandpa Curry wearing one of Asher's presents. Doesn't he look handsome?
Look at all the toys and friends we had over. We had a great time and our little man had a blast.

A little lunch before the party got under way. He loves to wrinkle up his nose and make this face when he has done something good or he is proud of himself. I got him to make the face for me after lunch. The picture doesn't quite capture the whole essence.

At first, he did not quite know what what to do with the cake. He has to test things out and this was something new. After one taste of icing from mom, he decided he liked it quite well. He was quite tired here. It was his nap time and he was a little tired....well, until he had all that sugar. It was an awesome day for us all.

New bathtime trick

Last night during Asher's bath he figured out he could slip and slide in the bathtub while standing. He would stand up and place his feet apart - try to bounce a bit to get his feet to slide sideways underneath him. He thought it was a lot of fun. Of course, I was concerned he was going to do the splits or bust his head open. So, we found the compromise with my arms always within close reach even though he wanted to push them away. I must admit it was pretty funny watching him. However, I rather hope he forgets this little trick for bath time tonight.

Playing with the Ducks

Mely took these today on their daily walk. she found somewhere close to our neighborhood where they have some ducks. Ducks is one of the words he can say these days so I am sure he runs around saying duks, duks, duks....

Asher's Baptism

With his granparents after the Baptism
Kennedy Smeltz, Scott Smeltz and Toni Smeltz are with us. Scott smeltz is Asher's godfather and Toni Smeltz agreed to stand in for Jacqui Chappell who is Asher's godmother. She came down with a horrible stomach thing the night before she was to leave. It wiped her out for two days. We missed her tremendously but Toni - always smiling and happy- was awesome to stand in for Jacqui. And Ms. Kennedy is so beautiful it is not even funny!

Yes, Baptizing an almost 1 year old who is walking everywhere is challenging. He did not want to sit still for long especially after making it through Mass so he had to wonder around a bit - it was that or scream where no one else could hear what the Deacon was saying. He liked the first option most - mom did too.

Jacqui - we missed you and wish you could have been with us. We will see you soon! Love, your godson

Katie & ALeah

I just thought this was a great photo of mother and daughter.

Playing with Da Da in the grass

These were some pictures I snapped of Asher playing with "Da Da" in the grass. He finally belted out a meaningful Da Da this past weekend and has been saying it ever since.
Too sweet!

So, other than Da Da...Asher is saying "Hot" for just about anything in our hands that looks like a cup. he got that because he was always reaching for our hot coffee in the mornings. So, we would let him touch it and tell him "Hot". Uh-Oh - he says it often before he drops something on the ground. (it let's me know that sippy cup is headed for the ground) and "ff" "ff" "ff" for flowers. every time we pass flowers he starts making the F sound. Ok, that doesn't count for a word but he is headed down the right direction.

Papa, Lisa & JJ's visit

My dad and his lovely wife came into town for a visit a few weeks ago along with my brother, James. They had awesome weather while they were here and we really enjoyed having them.

An early birthday present - a toy he can sit on and ride. He is still slightly too young but I expect it won't be too long before he wants to ride it rather than push it.
Hanging out with Papa!
They bought him a couple of early birthday presents while they were here. This dog while it sounds somewhat wounded or something when it barks is something he prefers to pick up and carry around at this point rather than pull it around by the string. Perfect gift though for the new walker. Lisa had so much fun giving him his presents. I don't know who was more excited!

Janet with Aleah & Asher
The pictures below are from our trip out to see Fallingwater - Frank Lloyd Wright's house built for Edgar Kaufman (Kaufman's dept stores) over a waterfall here in PA. It really is a spectacular piece of architecture and it was a beautiful day for the drive. it is about 2 hours from our place. Below you see the river further down the stream.

This one is for Grandpa Curry

I am pretty sure he rushed out right after he confirmed he had a grandson at the hospital and ordered some clothes from his Alma Mater- St. Peter's Prep. (The reason he had to wait to confirm Asher was a grandson is that this is an all boys school in NY - remember, we did not find out the sex)

Beach photos

We saw Dolphins almost every day even though they were a way off from us on the beach. There were a number of pods.

Eating a little sand and then after he ate it - shook his head no to himself - I guess he figured that did not taste too good.
Every day he took about an hour nap on the beach underneath the shade tent Matt put up every day which worked out very well. There was a nice breeze every day which made it quite comfortable in the shade.
His first time checking out the water. He wasn't necissarily too fond of the water most of the trip. THe last day he was a little less fearful about heading straight for the water while walking but he loved playing in the sand, walking on the beach and watching the other kids/people.
Yes, Matt said he would kill me when he is older for this picture. The first day I had a hat on him that had hte strap underneath (thanks Jacqui). It was windy and I did not want his face getting burned. Fortunately, he got to wear other hats the rest of the trip!
These pictures just captured his face and how excited he was when he finally started cruising around like one of those big kids. this was taken the same evening as the video below.

He loved this pasta at the Hilton. He ate a bunch of it.
Playing in the sand. He loved watching hte other kids run and play on the beach as well as chase the birds.
Looking good after a day at the beach!