1 Year Check Up

Today was Landon's 1 year check up. Due to scheduling conflicts, I had to do this one by myself. Everything went better than expected. Landon handled the shots well, which was both good for him and mommy. He is right on track and doing well. So far, so good. We had already switched him to a sippy cup and whole milk. The doctors gave us the ok to switch his car seat to forward facing. I guess we'll do that this weekend, along with his 1 year pictures! Here are his measurements from today:

Weight: 23 lb 1.7 oz (55%)

Height: 31 1/2 in (92%)

Head Circumference: 18 3/4 in (85%)

Pretty much...he's a tall, skinny kid with a big head!

For Rent

It's not us...but our neighbors! Our next door neighbors, The Nelsons, recently found out their new orders. They are a Coast Guard family and, like most military families, they move ever few years. We knew that they would be leaving us, but we thought it would be late spring or early summer. I have been anxiously awaiting the news of their new location, I just had no idea it would mean they would leave in a few weeks!!!

Anyone want to be our neighbors????

We have been in our townhouse for a little over a year. In that time we have become great friends with the Nelsons. We are constantly back and forth at each other's home (babysitting, food, chit-chat). We not only have become close to Martina and Jonathan, but also their children. Emmalyn is their 4 year old and Brody is 8 months. Emmalyn is my special girl and I was so excited to watch the boys become friends, especially now that Brody is catching up with Landon. Who's Landon gonna play with now? He's going to be the only little one on the block!

Susquehanna Friends

" Brody man"
My little helper
So, in about 2 weeks, the Nelsons will be headed to Peoria, IL. We actually won't be able to see them off since we will be in Minnesota the weekend they leave. That actually might be a better way to say goodbye! I'm dreading that day. It will be weird to come back home and not have Martina hang out the door to ask how our trip went. It will definitely take some getting used to. Our stretch of homes on Susquehanna just won't be the same!

We will miss you Nelson Family!

The Real Deal

Today was Landon's "real" birthday! Andrew and I took the day off from work to celebrate with him. It actually was nice, not only spend some time with Landon, but to get things in order after this past weekend. We spent the morning cleaning and organizing. After Landon's nap, we headed to Chick-fil-A for lunch. Yummy! After lunch we walked around the mall and played in the children's play area. Landon loves to crawl around and play!


After playing, we had to finish some errands and then prepared Landon's birthday dinner. We had our neighbors over again to help celebrate. Landon even go another birthday cake!

This weekend was alot of fun and we really enjoyed our time together today. We can't believe our little boy is already ONE (actually as I post this, he has a few more hours)! He has been such a joy and blessing in our lives. We adore everything about him and can't wait for all the new experiences that are yet to come!

Sunday in DC

Sunday was a lazy day. My parents didn't have to leave until late Sunday night, so we went into DC to see a few monuments that are new to the area. The first was the World War II Memorial. You really can't see it in this picture. It is located opposite the Lincoln Memorial and is circular shaped. You can see part in the right part of this picture. While my parents searched for my grandfather in the WWII registry, Landon and Daddy posed for a picture. We couldn't find him in the registry, so dad has to re-register him. Next stop was the Korean War Memorial. This is one that I hadn't seen yet. It was really neat. The statues are life like soldiers coming out of the trees.

After DC, we visited with some family friends and then had to take the grandparents to the airport. It was so nice to have them here. Luckily, we'll see them in two weeks in Minnesota! Thanks for coming!

Birthday Boy

Today we celebrated Landon's 1st birthday with family and friends. Mom and I started out at a craft fair that I have been trying to go to since we moved to VA. Two years ago we missed the fair and last year Andrew and I were able to get to the fair, but soon had to leave since I started going into labor! Mom and I had a nice time together and managed to find things to spend out money on! While we were shopping, Landon, Daddy, and Papa Frosty hung out at the house straightening up and making sure we had everything we needed for the party.

(The family before the party started)

Not only were my parents at the party, but Grandma and Grandpa Peck, Aunt Mindy, Connie, Garry, and Erin came to celebrate. Our next door neighbors also joined in on the fun!

(Landon, Emmalyn, Brody)

I couldn't decide on the "theme" for Landon's birthday until this week! I was searching for cake ideas on line and came across a monkey cake on Better Homes & Gardens. I loved it and new it would be easy to make. After I decided on the cake I needed to get some decorations. I couldn't find exactly what I had in mind (that's what I get for deciding on a theme the week of) but mom and I came across some Curious George decorations and it worked well! Daddy and Papa Frosty cooked burgers, brats, and hotdogs on the grill. We sang Happy Birthday and ate cake. I made two cakes. One was an "adult" cake that was made from scratch and then the monkey cake for Landon. They were both yummy! After cake, Landon opened his presents. He received many wonderful gifts.

(The monkey cake)

(Singing Happy Birthday)

(More cake, please...) Landon had to try out a few of his toys before the night ended. Grandma & Papa Frosty gave Landon a Little Tikes Car. We looked for the traditional red and yellow car, but couldn't find it. This was the next best one. It's pretty much the same except for the colors and it has a cup holder (holding daddy's beer) and the horn plays songs! Grandma and Grandpa Peck gave Landon the Radio Flyer Inch worm. It's a little big for him now, but he still loved sitting on it and pushing it around!

Needless to say Landon was exhausted at the end of the night. Our guests left and Landon was asleep on the couch!

Happy Birthday Landon!

We love you!

10 miler

This morning I had a 10 mile run, so we thought this was a perfect time to try the new bike trailer and camera. We got up at 7 am and got ready for the run. I'm sure Andrew would have rather slept in but he got out of bed for me! The weather has been great this week, especially in the morning. It's actually pretty cool outside, which is always nice when you have a long run to complete.

Landon sat on the counter while I put his new converse shoes on!

Landon patiently waited while Andrew and I went back and forth getting everything we would need. With kids, getting out of the house is never a quick and easy task!
Landon had his milk (whole milk), a bagel to eat, baby, and toys to play with. He was all set to go!

The run went actually well, at least for Landon and I. Landon ate, read a book, and napped. I felt better on this run than last weeks 9 mi. run. I'm sure it helped to have some company, last week was all by myself! Andrew had a harder time. The bike is not great and isn't meant for hills, which you can't avoid in our area. I think the 2nd bike might be purchased sooner than we planned. Next week I go down to 7 mi on Sunday. That will be nice since my parents will be in town and we're celebrating Landon's birthday!

Up, and Runnin'

Get ready for some updates! We finally purchased a new camera. We had some errands to run and with Landon's birthday a week away, we figured we should buy one. I am so relieved that I now can update the blog. Landon is getting so big and walking (assisted, that is!). He's waving hi/bye, and patting his mouth, "indian style"! I want to get all this on video to share with everyone and now I can. We decided to go with the camera below from Bestbuy (sorry Kevin...we needed in a rush). It's an Olympus. My brother recommended a Canon and I know the Sony's are well recommended too. The only thing with those, is that they came standard in blue (Canon) and pink(Sony), and I thought we should go for a more gender neutral camera. If had been just me, the blue or the pink would have been fine. Now we just need to get a micro SD card, we only have standard SD cards, and we'll be ready to update the blog! A few weeks ago, Andrew and I bought this bike. Our intention was to purchase a cheap bike, so that Andrew could accompany me on my long runs. For those of you how weren't aware, I'm training for a marathon in December (Jacksonville Marathon). I haven't signed up yet because I wanted to make sure the training goes well. Last time I started training, I got injured, plus I found out I was pregnant. So, if things go well be the end of October, I officially sign up! Keep your fingers crossed. Anyways, since I have no one here to train with, Andrew said that he would bike (since he doesn't run) when I have my long runs. The bike is nothing special but it will do the job! We bought it at good ole Walmart for $89
So, if Andrew is biking and I'm running, where is Landon, you ask? In the bike trailer below! We bought this today at Target for $49. We originally bought another from Walmart for $89 by the same company, and then we found this one...a better deal. Now Landon can come with us! We eventually want to buy a another (nicer) bike and bike rack, so the whole family can ride. I want to start taking a family bike rides along the George Washington Parkway (it runs along the Potomac River, from Alexandria into DC)! But, this all costs money, so one step at a time! We'll try this for awhile (one bike and trailer) and see how it goes!

Happy running and biking to all!

(or whatever activity you participate in)

Hurricane...in Ohio?

After Ike made its way through Texas, he decided to do some more damage in Ohio. I recently received these pictures from my cousin, Erin, documenting the damage that occurred at her family's house. A tree in their backyard fell over on their roof! Much of the area was without power for awhile. I pray that repairs go smoothly since they leave for Disney in a week!

These two little ones were out of a backyard for awhile. Here's the tree that fell on the house!
Backyard not looking so good..at least the playsets are still in tack!
I'm sure this picture doesn't do justice to the damage that was caused by the tree.
They won't be in need of fire wood, come winter time!
Erin, I hope this unexpected "headache" goes away soon. I know you, Seth, and the girls will really enjoy a nice vacation! Love ya!

On TV

Saturday was College Game Day in Gainesville and Danny made it on TV! Thanks to Brian and Debbie we have these pictures of their TV with Danny and his friend. Needless to say, I think Danny is enjoying his time at UF (at least the weekends)!

PS...Sorry it's been awhile since I last posted (for those of you who keep up). Our camera broke, so it may be awhile for some more!

Bye Bye

Uncle Brian and Aunt Debbie left today. We were so glad they came to visit. We had a great time and hope you two did too! We can't wait to see you and the rest of the fam in about a month! Love ya!