The Big First Birthday Bash!!!!

On Sunday the 20th, we had everyone over for Hollis' first birthday party!!!  We had a house full of family and friends here to celebrate with us.  Mom and I made 4 different soups, and we had PBandJ for the kiddos.  The theme for the cake was pumpkin, and Hollis had a smash cake in the shape of a number one with pumpkins on it.  We ate first and then opened presents.  We gave our gift to Hollis earlier that morning, we had to put it together.  We got him a house for the playroom!  He got lots and lots of gifts...everything from Thomas the Train, movies, and trucks.  He was spoiled rotten of course :)  After gifts I stripped him down for the big event...CAKE!  So far he has been my eater, so I knew he would have absolutely NO problem digging into that cake, and he didn't.  He was too cute, he used his hands at first, but then he said to heck with that and just went for it with his face.  It was a wonderful celebration for a very sweet and special little boy.  He couldn't be more loved.  I have to say I was so very proud of his big brother too, he sat back on Pop Pop's lap and let his brother have all the glory and gifts and never made a peep, and didn't complain about Hollis getting all the gifts.  For being 2 I think that is pretty great!  He is such a good big brother.  Hollis had a wonderful day, a little overwhelming I think, but wonderful all the same.  He is one loved little boy...by MANY :)

The Official Big Day!

First thing we sang Happy Birthday to him before he even got out of his crib, it's a tradition we started on Clayton's first birthday, we great them first thing with the Happy Birthday Song.  For the official birthday, we met Gi Gi for lunch at Hacienda!!!  The birthday boy had lots of ladies at the restaurant completely smitten by him, he is definitely going to be a ladies man!  They brought him a balloon, and even sang Happy Birthday to him!  I thought he might get scared by a bunch of people he didn't know surrounding him singing and shaking maracas, but he loved it!  Clayton even got to shake a maraca!  He also got birthday calls from Aunt Heil and a special happy birthday song from his brother Clayton.  It was a great day :)

My Sweet Hollis...

Dear Hollis,

What a year this has been!  You are such an amazing little guy, we couldn't be more blessed.  You already have your own personality...you are sweet, shy, loving, reserved, cautious, you have a smile that is beyond beautiful (I would challenge anyone not to smile when they see yours), a laugh that fills the room, and I can tell you are going to be a kind and gentle soul.  My heart just bursts with love every time I see you.  You have been such an amazing addition to our family, we just wouldn't be complete without you.  You love to play and just giggle and smile every time your brother enters a room.  Your facial expressions are beyond cute!  You exude happiness and love.  I cannot tell you how lucky I feel that God chose me to be your Mommy.  I look forward to watching you grow and learn everyday, and will be there every step of the way.  I am and always will be your number one fan! 
Love you always and forever, to the moon and back Sweet Hollis Man!!!

Mommy

Hollis' First Pair of Sneakers...Sooooo Cute!

Hollis got his first pair of sneakers and man are they cute!!!!!  Of course you put anything on Hollis and it turns instantly cute if you ask me :)  I ended up getting him a pair of Pedipeds.  We have gone with this brand ever since we had to take Clayton to a Pediatric Orthopedist.  He recommended them and they are super cute!  Of course, Hollis would rather eat them than wear them!

Boo At The Zoo! 2011

This year we went to Boo At the Zoo the weekend of Halloween.  We went with the Stucki's again and Pop Pop, Lisa, Gi Gi, Uncle B, and Amy joined us as well.  Clayton was way more into the Trick or Treat part this year!  It was a little chilly, so we had to bundle up, but it was a great time!  Hollis just sat back, ate his treats, and took it all in.  Next year he will be running full speed ahead with Clayton I'm sure!