Look Who's Turning One!

Ahhh... June. The birds are chirping, spiders dancing and oh yes, the celebration of my birth. Could anything be better? Once again, I apologize for the break in my blogging. I've been a busy man getting ready for this little shindig my parents are throwing. Since last we spoke, not only am I crawling, but I've perfected two different versions. Yes, most babies do the knee-knee-knee-yawn thing, but I say that is for amateurs. I'm more of a knee, sweep-the-leg-and-hook-the-heel-and-pull-yourself-along kind of guy. It's complicated.

I've been working on some more words lately too. While Mom and Dad are working hard on words like, dog and duck, sometimes I like to try and surprise them and crush out a than-yoo (thank you), or dis (this) - just to keep them guessing. It's all repeating sounds at this point you know, but who's counting (not me by the way). However, Mom has been trying the ole', "How old are you Thatcher?" routine - and I appeased her for a week or two, but seriously, how many times can I remind her. We will see on the 14th if I feel like giving her a break.

Wish me luck on my big day!

The first few here are from a series of photos Mom took for my birthday party announcement. It's kind of a Wild West Theme (you know Mom). Uncle Joel will be playing some bluegrass/blues with some friends, we are getting a keg (whatever that is) and having a campfire. Wish you could be there!

Not having it


Dad loved this one



Why are you sticking grass in my mouth?



The winner!



Uncle Chris is cool


Erin makes me have fists of joy


I feed myself (and Celty)


13.1 miles Phew! I'm her biggest fan.


Mom and T


This is what we call lunch on the trail.

Aloha

Sorry it has been awhile since I've written.
Hawaii really took it out of me. I'm still recovering.

Cabana Boy



I had to take two ladies out for dinner...each night


Someone has to do it


There was a lot of digging


It's hard to be the Prince


I had a lot of serious business to take care of


I did get to celebrate Easter, Hawaiian Style


I still wore my suit - no shoes!


Happy Easter!


Born with a silver spoon...


Thank You Grandma!

Winter Wonderland!

Thanks Grandpa Jim and Grandma Mary! I heard that you gave my parents a gift certificate to stay at the Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood a few years back. Of course, my parents didn't get it together enough to go until now... translation: they got to take me along too. We went cross country skiing, snow shoeing, sledding and enjoyed our beautiful room. Sadly, I slept in the tub (in the pack-n-play).

I love Mt. Hood!


Dad's goggles almost fit


Room with a view


Cross country skiing - mom was a little scared, I just laughed!



I'll probably always think this is called, "Slow down!"


More my(or Mom's)speed


Wide open spaces!


Warming by the fire


Snowed in...literally!


A well deserved beer, for Dad.

Surfs up!

I love swimming!


Thanks Grandma Mary and Grandpa Jim for hosting!


Pool side and chilin'


James and Dre!


Both Dad and I have sensitive eyes...

I'm 8 months old!

Well, 8 months have flown by. I'm getting big. Real big. It looks like I just might grow into my name someday. For now, I've got a lot of alternatives: Gus, Big T, Gamma Goo, Punks, lil' brother, T. Augustus, Mr. T (or B.A. Barackus) - take your pick. I can't be bothered with all of these names right now though, I've got serious business. I'm about 75% on sitting up these days. My head is the real problem. The second I get steady, the darn thing moves and shifts my center of gravity. My noggin does come in handy though for locomotion. I figured out that if I lay on my stomach and tilt my head far enough to the side, I can get a real good roll going (sometimes 2 in a row). It's so reliable, that I pretty much use this as my main mode of transportation these days. I'm still working on a little number called the rock and creep, but it's not as solid.

You should probably also know that I'm babbling a ton, working on waving goodbye (imitating mom's wild arm motions so that she can say that I'm "advanced"), sleeping in my crib, hating naps, eating solids, taking a music class (my dad bought me a small guitar for Christmas, but right now I just like sucking on the maracas - it's a percussion instrument), holding my own bottle and loving penguins.

But, you are probably just here for the pictures...

Hey there



Peas Please


Watching the game with the guys


State Wins!


I finally like my tummy!


Day at the zoo - I loved the penguins.


Good thing I wasn't driving...


I like to wake up much earlier than Dad does.


Life is good.

The Best Christmas Present Ever....

No, not the boxes or the wrapping paper.

Family!