Visiting the Orchard

Fall has officially fallen upon us, and it has been absolutely gorgeous. The breathtaking colors in the trees, the crisp clean feel in the air, and we have had some beautiful weather, days meant to be spent in a beautiful orchard.

We had a stretch there where it rained almost an entire week, and I told Matt I'd love to go to our local Boyd's Orchard the first day it was pretty again, and we did! However, everyone had the same idea I had, so it was a little bit packed, but we still had fun, especially Case man. He absolutely loved it.

Boyd's orchard is so wonderful, it has a quaint, charming store where you can buy freshly picked apples, and charming country decor.  It has all sorts of pumpkins and gourds out front (perfect for a photo shoot :) and it has an adorable playground, hay stacked high for little ones to climb, hay rides, beautiful orchards, and Case's favorite ... the petting zoo.

When it was time to leave the animals, Case let us know (quite clearly I might add ;) that he did NOT want to leave his new friends!

Well, we had so much fun at the orchard, I brought Case back the following week during the day. I was hoping the crowd would be no where to be found, and I was right. We had a very leisurely visit, and Case had another fun day running around the petting zoo visiting all of his friends.

We've actually been back a third time now, I think they're going to know our names before too long! :)

Big Boy Shoes

We had our first trip to the big boy shoe store!

As we know, Nanny (aka Matt's Mom) came down early for Case's birthday weekend, and we met her at Stride Rite when she came into town. Her and Poppy (aka Matt's Step-Dad) wanted to buy Case his very first pair of Big Boy Shoes! (So very exciting!) :)

Of course Nanny brought her big fancy camera (Yay!) so here are the pictures...

Big, Big Boy.

Had to share the picture of Case in his Big Boy Car seat! He can sit forward now, and see where Mommy is going!

Happy Birthday Little Man!

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday Dear Case,

Happy Birthday to you!

Case's first year has been unbelievably wonderful. From the very first moments of holding him in our arms at the hospital, and now on his first birthday. Case has made us smile every single day, and we have enjoyed watching him grow and learn. The first year has so many milestones, and we did it! Matt and I have also grown, we have learned so much about each other and about parenting. We couldn't be happier. :)

Well, the day finally rolled around, Case's Party Day! We had his party on Saturday, September 19, 2009. Just a few days before his official birthday on the 22nd. We celebrated with family and a few friends. Matt's Mom (aka Nanny) came down the night before to spend time with us, and helped me get ready for the party (I don't know what I would have done without her that day!) Although planning a first birthday party wore me out...what with the cleaning the entire week before, and making sure everything was ready and decorated on the day, it was perfect.

We had balloons and streamers, presents were piled up almost to the ceiling, and I think everyone had a really good time. We cooked out, we were in and out of the house, visiting, playing corn hole and relaxing in the front yard. We all sat in one room and watched our little man play with all of new toys, there was paper flying and smiles all around, just like I had imagined and hoped for. :)

However, the most exciting part (of course) was the cake! It was decorated with a football, and had "Happy 1st Birthday Case!" written across it. After just a little help, Case dug right in, and probably ate TOO much cake! He loved it though, and the pictures and video clips are absolutely priceless.

We were so happy to be able to celebrate with our family and friends. Such wonderful memories were made that day!

Oh and Mr. Case slept very well that night, and so did his Mommy and Daddy. :)

Happy Birthday Case, we love you!