Chuck E. Cheese's Newest Fan

Today Macklan meet the legendary Chuck E. Cheese for the 1st time. I wanted C.E.C. to hold Macklan so I could take a picture, however Macklan had a different plan which included Mommy. He didn't cry, but he held on to my shirt and glared at Chuck E. Cheese. There were a few rides and games that were appropriate for Macklan's age, and boy did he love them! His favorite had to be driving the red car with, you guessed it, C.E.C. as the passenger. Macklan rode this twice and cried both times when I got him out of the car. He loves steering wheels and quickly learned that he could also stand up behind the wheel. I think Macklan is a fan of this place!

Before leaving the mall, Macklan and big cousin Briley enjoyed their traditional ride on the carousel which started when Macklan was only five months old (notice how much he has grown).

Smiler

Nana and Pappy got Macklan this awesome Molto Smiler ride-on car for his birthday. It has a handle, so that I am able to push Macklan when we go for walks until he is able to ride alone. He absolutely loves turning the steering wheel and pushing the three musical buttons (which sound like an icecream truck as we walk up and down the street). When I'm pushing him, he completely "chills out". It must be very relaxing and enjoyable!

Thanks Nana and Pappy for a great gift! We love it.

Sunday Drive

On Sunday morning July 27th, Scott was buckling Macklan into his car seat as I ran through the list of things we would need for church just as I do every Sunday...Bibles, quiet toys, books, sippy cup, Cheerios, and candy for Scott. So far this had been a typical Sunday morning, until it came time for the drive. Earlier that morning, I made it a priority to install Macklan's car seat in the forward-facing position. Being one year-old and weighing at least 20 lbs., he could now face forward! I was excited to see his reaction to this big change. As we pulled out of the driveway, Macklan's face said it all. His eyes were wide and bright, he was laughing, and he was looking straight out the front windshield soaking in the "new" views. He was experiencing a whole new world. He was experiencing an all new Sunday drive.

Bittersweet Birthday

Are birthdays meant to be bittersweet? Well, this one sure was for me. On Friday, July 25th Macklan turned ONE! I couldn't help but feel extremely excited about his big day, but at the same time I had to hold back tears as I thought about his first year of his life drawing to a close. One thing I discovered when Macklan was only a few months old was that he was captivated by the Baby Einstein DVDs. So when it came time to decide on a party theme, I purchased the Baby Einstein 1st Birthday party collection. I ordered everything from plates and napkins to tablecloths, banners, balloons, and even a special party hat for the guest of honor! A local bakery made the adorable cake featuring the Baby Einstein caterpillar. The celebration was to take place outdoors that evening at our home, but due to rainy day weather Scott and I decided to move the location to our church fellowship building. The guest list consisted of about forty-five family members and close friends, so everyone would've been packed in like sardines inside our house. All of Macklan's family and friends attended the party, and he received many great gifts and even some money to put in his savings account! Once I saw the excitement in his eyes and thought about the amazing 1st year we had shared, the "bitter" disappeared and all that was left was "sweet"!