Spiffy Bears

Between Grandma and Pop Elkins and my friend Alexis, Bears should be all set on fancy outfits for quite some time.  He decided that he really wanted to wear his "green one" a little while back and then go out and inspect our neighbor's trailer, dog bones, and basketball.  All activities that are best done while looking one's best.

He wore his purple fancy outfit to his birthday party but I foolishly didn't bring my camera.  He ended up stripping down to just his diaper in short order anyway.  No doubt because he realized that the only appropriate suit for the occasion was his birthday suit.  Very wise, Bears.

Feeding the fishes across the street.

Getting bit by those blasted fishes because he couldn't feed them fast enough.

Looking mischievous.  I'm sure that disaster ensued shortly after this was taken...fortunately, my memory only goes back about 5 minutes these days so I have no traumatic recollections of what must have happened.

Every time he sees this image, he says it's "Papa"

He does not like the idea of Papa with an arrow through his head.

Here's a video for Grandma and Pop Elkins of Bears opening his birthday present from them.

Bears' Second (first) Birthday Party!!

Since he already had a big birthday bash out in texas, I feel it's not entirely correct to call this his first birthday party. The SLC party was thrown by Grandma Cupcake and it was pretty amazing from the tasty food to the perfect decor. Ryan made a huge, ridiculously fancy cake, Bears got to run around and cause all sorts of trouble, and everyone got him a whole bunch of presents. It was a smashing success.

Happy Birthday Bears!!

Ryan decided to work from home today so that he could hang out with Bears for his birthday.  During his lunch break, he wanted to take the birthday boy to the park.

 Bears discovered some sort of propeller that was attached near the base of the slides.  He worked his heart out for quite a while trying to propel the playground through the air but it was to no avail.  Clearly it was faulty equipment but he didn't let it put a damper on his mood.

He was very nonchalant while Ryan spun him around in this strange device.

They did some swinging...

...and then Ryan decided to pretend to throw Bears at me.  You can tell he's up to no good just by looking at his smile that made it in the picture.

On the way back, he rode on Daddy's shoulders like a big boy.  No hands!

Grandma Videos:

Bears Goes to Texas *Updated*

We headed out to Texas last week to visit Ryan's parents.  Luckily, Locke's cousins were in town as well so we got to hang out with them for part of the trip.  You can see Jake in the pic below.  He's such a cute little chunk. Ryan's mom decided to throw Bears a fancy bear-themed party while we were there, complete with bear invitations, bear cake/table/plates/cups, and of course a giant bear piñata.  I'm terrible about remembering to take pictures so I'll have to do an update later showing all the cool stuff that was there.  We spent 9 days out there and I have to admit that it was pretty dreamy to have a break from cleaning, laundry, cooking, and all the other stuff I'm supposed to do regularly but rarely get around to.  We were definitely spoiled out there.  We pretty much just chilled the entire time while Ryan's parents did everything for us.  Ahh it was amazing.  They were great hosts.

Bears loved playing with his cake. I decided that since it was his birthday, he should get as big of a piece as anyone. This was actually the first time I had trusted him with anything other than dry food and luckily, my trust was not betrayed.  He did a brilliant job.  He almost got an entire tablespoon of cake in his mouth.

Okay, Grandma Elkins sent over some pictures that give a better idea of the actual party.  Here he is opening his presents and, more importantly, here I am pulling up my pants.  I can assure you that there would have been quite a scandal had I not been so vigilant about doing just that.  Those blasted pants are always falling down.  Luckily, since then I've become a bit more savvy and have employed the use of a belt.

Bear piñata!

Custom balloons

Bears whacked it open with just one try!  Well, almost.

The only candy he was allowed to have out of his piñata.  It was a big time hit.

haha this picture makes me laugh

...blowing out his candle/getting lit on fire