Quick Visit to Rockwall

The day after the Rangers game in Arlington, we drove over to Rockwall to visit Blake's family. It was a quick trip, but we went swimming while the guys played golf, visited with family and even got to see Blake's Granny. Greyson was only a couple of months old the last time she saw him, so I think she was pretty happy to see him.

Greyson loved playing with Garrett in the pool.

He was so relaxed just watching all the big kids play.

Playing with Garrett's silly glasses!

Talking to Granny.

One last hug from Nana and Papa before heading home.

Texas Rangers Game

On July 11 we took a family trip to a Rangers game in Arlington. It was our third annual trip, but this year we had an extra Rangers fan in tow (last year we went to a game in April because I was nine months pregnant in July!). We were celebrating our third anniversary, Greyson's first baseball game and his birthday. We stayed at the hotel right next to the ballpark so we could walk to the game and not have to deal with parking. This was Greyson's first time in a hotel and aside from looking like we were moving in, it all went well. 

When we bought the tickets a few months ago we were pretty excited to see the Rangers take on the LA Angels. When game day rolled around, they had lost 20 of their last 23 games and had the worst record in baseball, but that didn't stop us! We all put on our Rangers gear and headed to the game for some fun! The game was pretty uneventful (the Angels' Mike Trout hit a home run in the fourth inning - the only extra base hit for either team) and the Rangers lost 3-0, but we still had a great time. Greyson took a short nap at the beginning of the game, but stayed awake until 10pm when we got back to our hotel to watch the awesome post-game fireworks from our room. 

Enjoying some fun in the sun at the hotel pool.

Greyson loved the pool!

I made Greyson his very own Rangers t-shirt.

Lovin' the Spurs display at the game!!

View from our seats. Poor Josh Hamilton got booed every time he came up to bat.

Our "Fan Photo" that I was too cheap to buy. Cute, but not for $19.99 for one 8x10!

Or $39.99 for a digital download?!

Happy Birthday Greyson!!

Greyson turned ONE on July 9! I can't believe how fast this past year has gone by, but we are so excited to  to celebrate this little guy's first birthday! While I was packing a lunch the morning of his birthday, Greyson was playing in the living and immediately walked over and picked up his new toy Happy Birthday cupcake. He was ready to celebrate!

Throughout Greyson's first year, I have been taking monthly pictures to show his growth. I still had the birthday banner from his party and somehow a handful of balloons were still full of helium, so I decided to attempt a mini-photo shoot. Despite the wind, I managed to attach the banner to the fence. When I turned around, Blake was laughing and said, "There goes your balloons." Even without the five balloons that drifted away, I thought I still had a decent set-up...

Greyson, however, was not impressed.

I'll spare you all the outtakes, but this was the best shot.

He just wanted to play on his slide!

Thanks to Nannie for all her help trying to wrangle this kiddo for a picture!

Completed Projects

Blake has been working on a new TV console for my sister and her family who recently replaced their old TV. They wanted it to match some of the furniture they already had and needed space to store all of the movies they have collected with two kids. The pictures don't do it justice, but Blake did an awesome job building and staining it. I think the Moores are enjoying their new TV console!

The Moores enjoying movie night with their new TV stand.

In the time Blake has built a work table for the garage and this TV stand, I have managed to paint a small sign. When I started this project, there were several new houses in our neighborhood and a growing number under construction. We were flooded with solicitors looking to sell us home alarm systems, pest control, sprinkler systems... you name it, they were knocking on our door. In my attempt to be crafty, I created this sign to hang by our front door. I will let you know if it works...

Greyson's First Tooth

Two days shy of his first birthday, Greyson's first tooth finally appeared! He is still getting used to it and likes to feel it with his tongue, but is already trying to use it when he eats and pushes food to the front of his mouth. We've waited so long for his first tooth, but it makes me a little sad to think another milestone has passed for my baby (toddler?!). I'm going to miss those big ol' toothless grins!

You can see his tooth if you look REALLY close (on the bottom).

Toys, Toys, Toys!

We had a great weekend celebrating Greyson's birthday. Once all the family headed back home on Sunday and Greyson was left with just boring ol' Momma and Daddy, he got to work checking out all his new toys!

Greyson exploring his new tunnel.

Greyson and Daddy in the tent.

Blake and I were exhausted from the previous week getting ready for the birthday party and then the busy weekend, so we decided to call it a early night... or attempted to anyway. While Blake was picking up the toys in the yard and putting the splash pad away, Greyson was watching him through the window. I guess he thought Blake was setting it up for him to play, because he was screaming and yelling with excitement. He was so happy when we let him splash around for a few minutes before bath time!

After a quick bath, Greyson settled down for a bottle. He usually has his last bottle around 7pm and goes to bed at 8pm. He must have been as tired as we were because he fell asleep just as he finished his bottle - and slept until the next morning. Birthday parties are exhausting!

The Three Amigos

Greyson had so much fun playing with his cousins, Braylon and Wyatt, while the Butler side of the family was in town for his birthday party. After the party, we opened the backyard splash pad he received as a gift from Aunt Christi, Uncle Brad, Braylon and Wyatt. It was a BIG hit with the Three Amigos!

Aunt Christi caught this big ol' smile!

Christi and I thought a bubble bath would be fun for all the boys after swimming.
It lasted about four minutes before tears were shed.

Greyson immediately posed for this picture once he saw the camera. What a little ham! Or maybe he thought he was getting away with grabbing Papa's sunglasses? 

A pacifier, a sippy cup and a blankie - whatever it takes for the them to sit still for a quick picture!

Greyson's First Birthday Party

We celebrated Greyson's first birthday with a barnyard themed party on July 5 at our neighborhood clubhouse. We cooked burgers and hot dogs with all the trimmings, and of course birthday cake! We were happy to see everyone, and in case we didn't know it already, Greyson is spoiled... I mean, LOVED! He had fun opening presents, getting lots of hugs and kisses and playing with all his new toys. I didn't really have time to take pictures, but here are some from Nannie and Aunt Tanya.     

I really wanted to get a cute tier cake made (sometimes I hate Pintrest!), but couldn't let myself spend that much. We ended up with a HEB bakery cake that I drew up while I waited in line at the deli counter. It turned out OK, but I might have to take up cake decorating before his second birthday comes along (or just avoid Pintrest!).

Greyson is usually a pretty clean eater - even when we let him have a smash cake!

There goes the candle...

...then he dumped the whole cupcake.

Braylon and Wyatt waited patiently...

...while Greyson picked sprinkles off one by one.

Time to open presents!

The famous "Nana Bear"! My mom has started a tradition with all the grandkids by getting them a Build-A-Bear teddy bear for their first birthday... with a voice box in the paw. With the push of a button, we get to hear her sing anytime we want!  :-P 

Greyson and Aunt Amy

Uncle Wayne, Greyson and Aunt Tanya

Greyson and Grandpa

Lilly, Greyson and Hallie