Wyatt's 1st Birthday

For Wyatt's actual birthday we decided to spend it as a family! Wyatt hasn't really seen snow, so we decided to take a drive up to Mt. Hood. It was a Monday, luckily Gretchen had the day off, so we knew it wouldn't be too busy up there. When we got to the mountain it was cold, so we bundled Wyatt up in his warm coat, hat and mittens. We went to one of the snow parks up there where we knew there would be some flat space for him to walk around. About 30 seconds after getting out of the car he did a face plant, which he was not too pleased about. However, he recovered quickly and really loved the snow! I think his favorite part was watching his feet move in the snow. We look forward to taking Wyatt to the mountain more in the future and hopefully even teach him to ski or board!

Zoo Lights

For those of you not from Portland, The Oregon Zoo douses the entire zoo with Christmas Lights, mostly animal displays, complete with motion! It is really very cool! I, Gretchen, have never been in all the 32 years I have lived here. With Andy's Parents in town for Wyatt's birthday, we thought it would be a great thing to do. We lucked out and found a place to park almost immediately. It was a cold night, but we bundled up Wyatt and made sure we all had something warm to drink! We had lots of fun walking around and looking at all the lights. Some of our favorites were the giraffe putting the heart on the tree, the elephants in the amphitheater, and penguins!

Tree Hunting

The same weekend as Wyatt's party we went to the tree farm to pick out our Christmas tree. Even though this is not Wyatt's first Christmas, this is our first experience as a family cutting down a tree. Last year Andy had to make the executive decision alone while Wyatt and I stayed cozy in our apartment. So, with the entire family in tow, we headed up to the tree farm to find the perfect tree. Wyatt had lots of fun romping through the Christmas trees and did a great job helping Mommy and Daddy pick out the perfect tree! I think Wyatt is really going to like helping pick out our future Christmas trees!

It's My Party

2 days before Wyatt's actual 1st birthday we celebrated by having family and a few close friends over. Wyatt wasn't too sure why everyone was there and only realized later, when everyone was staring at him in his high chair, with this "weird" thing everyone calls cake, in front of him. Wyatt was spoiled with lots of fun toys and clothes and even a special toy box made by his Grandpa Erlandsen. Some of Wyatt's favorites include the set of spiky balls from Auntie Darcie, his helicopter from his friend Mason, and his Christmas outfit from Auntie Erin. Wyatt was none too interested in his personalized cupcake. As Mommy guessed, he didn't care too much for getting his hands messy in the frosting and chocolate. However, he had lots of fun "using" a fork to feed his Papa! Mommy also made Wyatt a Birthday crown to wear, which only stayed on long enough to snap a few pictures. Along with not enjoying getting his hands sticky, Wyatt also doesn't enjoy wearing things on his head! All in all, it was a great first birthday party with family and friends and there are lots of wonderful pictures from the day (big thanks to auntie D) to show Wyatt when he gets older. Here are just a few!

Gobble Gobble

Next up, Thanksgiving! This was a special day for Wyatt and Mommy! One year ago on this day Wyatt was due to arrive into this world, which we all know didn't happen:) Instead Mommy was VERY pregnant still and had minimal room for all the yummy food! So this year, she had plenty of room and was able to enjoy all the fixings! We had Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Cook's house. Some family came over to help celebrate and Wyatt even got his first taste of turkey! Wyatt is very thankful for all of the people he has in his life that help take care of him and love him very much!

Happy Halloween

So, I know Halloween was months ago but it was Wyatt's first! We decided that he was still a little too young to get all dressed in costume this year but we did get him a cute orange, black and white outfit to wear on the special day along with a bib to wear at meal time. He also got a little mustache from his nanny Allison that attached to his binky. It was so funny and cute! On Halloween we went over to Wyatt's Grandma and Grandpa Cook's house to help pass out candy and have some fun! Here are a few photos from the day!

Catching Up!

Ok, so we haven't been the best at making new blog entries, but a lot has gone on the last couple of months and we will attempt to catch everyone up in the next few days! Here is an updated picture of Wyatt to tide you over!

Plumper Pumpkin Patch

We had planned to go to the pumpkin patch a couple of weeks ago, but the weather was a little iffy, so we decided to wait another week. We are so glad we did! Last weekend the sun was shining and the whole family was able to go! We got Wyatt all dressed appropriately to visit a farm and away we went. Wyatt got to pet a pony, which he wasn't too sure about! He then got a ride in the wheel barrel from Grandpa C as we headed up to the pumpkins. Then we walked around the patch and picked out the perfect pumpkins and Wyatt even got some that were just his size! We love going to the pumpkin patch each year and we are thrilled that Wyatt loves it too! What a perfect day at the pumpkin patch as a family of three!

Walking!!!

At 9 months and 2 days old our little man decided to take his first real steps! Once that happened he never looked back! Now at 10 months and 2 days old, in Wyatt's opinion, walking is just about the only option. While Momma and Papa weren't quite ready for the walking stage just yet, we just love watching him toddle around the house! He's usually carrying something of ours, never one of his toys, and often it's in his mouth! Our boy knows how to multi task!

Here Comes Trouble!

Near the end of August, before we had gotten our baby gates, Wyatt and I were hanging out in the living room. I was reading a work email and Wyatt decided to go exploring. We often let him do this, with a close eye, to gain some independence and explore his home. Usually he ventures into his room to play with books or his bibs but this time he went the other direction. At first I could hear him crawling around and playing but then it got very, very quiet. As a mother, silence is not always a good thing! I quickly got up and when I rounded the corner, this is what I found. Wyatt had pulled the Kleenex box off the end table and manged, in just a few short seconds, to pull just about every tissue out. This was just the beginning of his love for paper products!

Oregon Air Show

Back in August we had the chance to go to the Oregon Air Show. Gretchen's Aunt Gail works for the Port of Portland and had VIP tickets that she wasn't going to use so she offered them up to us! What a great way to spend a Sunday, at no cost, and get a good show up close! We had 3 tickets and so we invited Auntie Erin to join us! Everyone had a great time walking around looking at the big airplanes and watching the action in the sky, even Wyatt!

Summer Vacation

In August we took our first week-long family trip to Central Oregon. Grandma and Grandpa Cook rented a house in Sunriver and we were able to stay with them for 8 nights. We had a great time biking, going to the pool, visiting Bend, and practicing how to walk! It was a great family get-a-way and we can't wait for the next adventure! Wyatt even enjoyed his own musical adventure! Check out the video of our Little Drummer Boy!

A Day at the Beach!

This summer we were able to escape to the beach and enjoy the sun! Wyatt had his first experience playing in the sand and taking his first dip in the ocean. Next summer we'll be building sand castles!