Temple Pictures

Kari and Ben were sealed in the LA Temple on August 15, 2008 for time and all eternity.

Afterwards, we had to wander around and do loads of photos, before heading to the luncheon at the restaurant down the street. Kari decided on a Chinese theme, since Ben's father is Chinese. So, she asked me to dress Alec in his pajamas from Paul's Chinese cousins-she originally mentioned him being a 'Buddha' because of his belly...so I casually mentioned a sheet cake from the local grocery store being a lot easier than a 10 layer cake and the matter was dropped. He did look awfully cute:

Here he is learning to make a 'pop!' sound with a rose petal and my cousin Chad:

On the steps of the LA Temple:

Softball

Thursday night, Paul and I finally got talked into playing softball with Kari & Ben's YSA friends. It was Paul's first time ever playing and he did a great job hitting and fielding, so we're hoping to have more opportunities to play with my family later.

Alec and Daddy cuddling before the game

Alec wanting his mommy. He loved cheering for players 'at bat', but tired of it eventually

Alec's First Birthday Party!

After it's week-long postponement, we were able to celebrate Alec's birthday at the park. It turned out to be a beautiful day and everyone gave Alec loads of attention so he was happy as could be. Since 'Finding Nemo' is the only movie he can watch for about 15 minutes before deciding to get into something, we themed his party around it. I was so excited to make his cake (which is funny, since I don't really enjoy eating cake). Friday afternoon I baked, shaped and frosted while Alec happily ate the cut-off bits:











Saturday, it was party time! My cousin Ross and his fiancee Jordan were the first to give Alec some cuddles, they were good sports and wore party hats with Alec and even blew bubbles for him:













Paul did a wonderful job barbecuing burgers for everyone while they all took turns lavishing attention on the birthday boy. Aunt Linda held him and allowed him to eat...whatever he could grab. Then he got some cuddles from his Auntie Kari and her fiance Ben:















We tried to light his birthday candle, but the wind blew the match out before we could even light it...not like he would have known to blow it out, but he enjoyed pulling it off the cake and sucking the icing off. Everyone sang to him and he cheered by clapping for them:














Since we were at the park, his Uncle Derek took him sliding and it made Alec so happy! After they were finished and I was taking some pictures Alec began to bang on Derek's leg to remind him they needed to go down the slide again! Afterwards he opened his presents-he loved the wrapping paper and the noisy toys his Uncle Ross, Aunt Jordan, Great-Aunt Linda & Great-Uncle Daniel specially picked out for him:

















My cousin Colin's fiancee Sarah held him and I liked this picture, the way he's checking her face (possibly trying to pick her nose-he doesn't pick his own, but enjoys others'). Then his Auntie Kelsey took him sliding, on some bouncy toys and walking.

















Alec's friend Caleb is two months younger, but is about the same size and they had a good time poking each other, once they were done examining Alec's new toys. All in all a fun and successful first birthday party!

Christmas Tree Hunting

Last night Mom and Dad invited us out to dinner and then to help them pick out their Christmas tree. John and Kelsey, and Kari and Ben were also able to come. Alec didn't enjoy being out in the cold to look at trees, but he sure enjoyed mashed potatoes and looking at trees indoors with his grandpa. Guess he's a Vegas baby so far...

Happy 'Beaver-Toothed' Halloween!

Alec enjoyed his first Halloween as a beaver, and all the attention his cute costume brought him. He loves being in his car, so we all took turns pushing him around the house. His first tooth pushed through as well, so it was a busy night! We tried getting pictures of it, but he wasn't having it! (It was his bottom, left incisor).



We held a pumpkin carving party for the family and it was a lot of fun. Kelsey and I spent the day bonding over baking 'tombstone' cupcakes, 'mummy' hot dogs, etc. My parents came, Christopher (my brother) and his wife, Joleen, Kari (my sister) and her boyfriend Ben, Kelsey and John and my cousin Colin and his fiancee, Sarah. Between the large amounts of trick-or-treaters, we all carved pumpkins, decorated sweets and passed Alec around for cuddles.

Sarah, Colin, Kelsey, John and Kari all busy decorating the haunted house and some sugar cookies.