Everett's Birthday Weekend

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned it before, but I love birthdays. They're just fun and exciting and you have that one day to celebrate you. So I've been excited about Everett's birthday for quite some time. Just trying to decide what to do. I wanted his first birthday to be special. And I think it turned out to be extra special. My parents let us know a week before that they were surprising us and coming up to celebrate Everett's birthday. I was beyond ecstatic! We had a pretty fun time while they were here. Never a dull moment! During their visit we had a lot of firsts. We were able to try a new local restaurant, went to the Idaho Falls Zoo, went to the Madison County Fair, drove up Kelly Canyon, looked for huckleberries, and of course celebrated Everett's 1st birthday!

Our festivities began by being able to visit the Idaho Falls Zoo. I've seen signs and heard about it, but for the 2 1/2 years we've been here we've never actually seen it! I'm use to big zoos and this was quite small. Which in all honesty was pretty nice. It was just the right length to keep us all entertained and Everett happy. Everett was able to experience his first petting zoo. We were all interested to see how he'd react and he did really well. We'd give him food to feed them and he'd stick out his hand and let them eat out of it. I was waiting for him to start crying, but to my amazement, not a peep. He'd just stare and pet them.

After the petting zoo we watched a little show about animals around the world. Everett would laugh and clap when everyone else would. But what kept him most entertained was his new best friend. Grandpa went and got him a new stuffed monkey which Everett fell in love with. He was so excited his face lit right up when he saw it. Even now he still sleeps with it.

The zoo wore us all out. We had planned to go to the rodeo that night, but ended up crashing. The next morning was Everett's special day! We were able to celebrate with a little family party. Todd's brother, Troy, came and also our Aunt Shirlene and Uncle Claude. Everett played with everyone's phones. We ate hamburgers and some delicious salads. Opened presents and ate cake! He got some new clothes, toys, and car-seat. The car-seat was actually a present he got to test out early. We first put it in facing backwards (technically he's not quite big enough), but the next day he got to try it facing forward. He smiled from ear to ear and started pointing out the front window. He thoroughly enjoys being able to see everyone and everything now.

When it came time to sing Happy Birthday all Everett wanted was the candle. Once it was blown out he just kinda stared at the cupcake. He'd pick it up and poke at, but once he put some in his mouth he devoured it! He'd put pieces in look up and go "mmm...". At least he enjoyed his strawberry cupcakes!

After Everett's birthday party we headed on up to Rexburg for the Madison County Fair. I think we all had high hopes and were let down a little. We walked around for a little bit tasting fair food. Everett was able to try some doughnuts while the rest of us munched on some candied almonds. I was set out for a funnel cake, but to my disappointment there was none. The event of the night was a little concert. We sat and listened to jokes, but decided to head out a little early. Dad surprised us and took us to G's Dairy for some ice cream. Everett had a hayday being able to try everyone's. I'm pretty sure he was still on a little sugar high from the doughnuts!

Sunday was our last full day with the Grandparents. So we decided to pack a picnic and head up to Kelly Canyon to search for huckleberries. Just a little side note we found out this trip was not as well planned as we thought. Todd and I had never been to Kelly Canyon so we weren't quite sure where it was or what to expect. Once we got into the canyon we set out for the huckleberries. We were driving for a little bit when we all started asking each other what they even looked like. No one knew! We finally found a spot to stop and get out. We ended up finding a few little berries, but not enough to do anything with them. We've heard now that we went a little late. The best time to pick is the first of August. So now we know for next year! After searching and enjoying the scenery we went and found a spot to eat our lunch. The rest of the afternoon we drove through the Targhee National Forest enjoying the sites.

Monday came and my parents had to start their trip back down to Salt Lake for the airport. It was once again hard to say goodbye. We had so much fun. It always makes me wish we lived a little closer to family. Everett especially loved having Grammy and Grandpa here. He was spoiled with toys and sweets and lots of love.

1 Year Old

Everett is a year old today! I can't believe how fast time flies. I probably sound like a broken record, but it's true. He's gone from this little baby:

to this little boy:

He's gotten so big and has accomplished so much in a year. It amazes me how fast kids pick up on things. This little more will mimic anything. Here are some of the things he has done this past month:

Is now an avid walker. He loves to walk and is so proud of himself.
He'll pick up a cell phone and immediately put it up to his ear and start saying "hi". Well in his words hi! It's more like he yells in the phone which is probably something he got from his mother if you ask his dad!:)
Knows exactly where keys go. He'll stand at our front door, or my filing cabinets, and try to stick the keys in the slot.
When you ask him to close something like the front door, or dishwasher, he closes it.

This past year has been amazing. Despite times where I've felt completely inadequate to be a mother, Everett always finds a way to give me that reassurance. Usually just from his cute little smile my negative thoughts can change to positive. We love this little guy more than I could ever explain. Heavenly Father has truly blessed Todd and I with letting us have him in our lives.

Getting the Hang of it

Last Friday night Todd and I were hangin out when we were caught by surprise. Everett let go of the computer chair and walked. By walk, I mean he took like 5 or 6 steps. Which at the time was more than he has ever tried doing. He hadn't showed any interest in walking. He'd take a step or two here or there, but didn't want anything to do with it. Until last Friday.

The past week he has really gotten the hang of walking. When he first started he looked like a little drunk man. He'd keep his hands up in the air to keep his balance. When he'd get real excited he'd get faster and faster and then fall. After a few days he started realizing how to slow down and stop to get his balance. Now he's able to walk further and further. It's been pretty fun watching him and seeing his excitement!

Playing Catch Up

The past few weeks have been a little crazy around our household. Things are finally calmed down are we're settling back in. During the weekend of July 24th we were able to go to the St. Anthony Pioneer Day Parade. I was pretty excited. The last time we went it was just me and Todd. The parade was pretty cool, but I was excited to take Everett and see how he'd react. Much to my dismay he didn't really care. I should have know that! I thought he'd react to the firetrucks and the loud noises, but nothing. He just watched. That weekend were also able to hang out with our good friends the Bates. They had a wedding to attend so we were lucky enough to have them stay with us and hang out.

Unfortunately the 24th wasn't just filled with fun and laughter. On the 22nd of July we found out that Todd's Grandpa Kile was given only a few days to live. After contemplating for awhile we decided we'd try to move into our new place and then head out to Denver in hopes of being able to see him one last time. Sadly though he passed away on the 24th. We finished moving and cleaning and on the 27th we headed out to Denver to be with family and friends and attend Grandpa Kile's funeral.

Despite the reason for our visit we had a really good time being able to see family and friends and remembering Todd's Grandpa. On Wednesday, the 28th, and Thursday, the 29th, we attended the viewing and funeral. They had a really nice service and a little luncheon where able to visit with Todd's extended family. The rest of those days were spent catching up and hanging out at the Wilson's home. When we first got to Todd's parents Everett found his new favorite toy. A baby swing. He got in it and was able to get it to move back and forth. He was lovin it.

On Friday the family gathered up and went to the Science Museum in Denver. Everett was a mess when we first got there. I'd never seen him act like that before. I knew he was tired but he would not stop screaming for the life of me. I found a little corner and was trying to get him to calm down, but much to my avail nothing worked. Finally after about 10 minutes of frustration I had this prompting to take his shoes off. The minute the second shoe came off he laid his head down on my shoulder and fell asleep. I guess he really did not like those shoes! After waking up he really enjoyed the museum.

At one exhibit we were in they had a little landing that had a button you could push to learn more information. Those buttons were at the right height for Everett. When Todd would stroll up he'd just start pushing.

Outside the museum they had a little splash park sort of thing to run through. So after walking through all the kids got ready to go out and cool down. When we first got our there Everett would just stare. I tried taking him so we'd just get splashed a little. He'd stand there but didn't show much emotion. When Grandma Wilson got out there she took Everett right into the water. When they were first going she was hitting it just right so they really wouldn't get wet. Well after a little bit a huge burst of water came up and got the. Everett was not too pleased!!

He loves water and loves taking baths,but for some reason he did not like that. He would much rather be a bystander on the side.

Saturday morning we had a girls morning. We went and saw Charlie St. Cloud and left all the kids with the boys. After we headed back and got ready for Jace's baby blessing and Todd's birthday dinner. Todd's 27th birthday was on the 28th, but with everything else we decided to wait and celebrate that Saturday. He's mom made him his favorite lasagna and chocolate cake. We sang, ate, and had a good time.

(everett and josh trying to figure out how to get up the stairs)


singing happy birthday


blowing out the candles.

After a week of fun we made our way back to Idaho. This time to Rigby rather than Rexburg. We're now in our new place and have pretty everything up and put away. Everett is loving the extra space to crawl around in. We're slowly getting use to it here and are pretty happy with the decision we made to move. After packing, moving, unpacking, traveling, and more unpacking, we finally have the time settle in and make this our new home for the next few years:)