Bryse's 1st Birthday

I can't believe that Bryse is one year old already! This year flew by! He's such a sweet boy and is always smiling. He seems so much older than he really is because he wants to keep up with Delaney.

Since we always go overboard when it comes to birthday celebrations it should come as no surprise that we had such a wonderful party for his birthday!! It started out as just a fire truck themed party so I went to the fire station to get his picture taken in the fire truck to have at the party. Of course the firemen were so nice and suggested coming to his birthday party. Who could say no to that!! So what was supposed to be a just a swim party turned into a swim party with a fire truck demonstration. It was so neat! The firemen didn't do a lot at first so most people went back inside to swim but then they had the rookie put on the full gear and show how everything worked and then they let the kids shoot water out of the fire hose! What an amazing 1st birthday present!!

Everyone had a great time swimming and the food was delicious! Thanks to everyone who made this amazing birthday party such an unforgettable one! Bryse LOVED his birthday cake and of course as with any other 1 year old was not too interested in opening gifts.....but Delaney sure was!! She still thinks all of those presents are hers! How am I ever going to top this birthday party? Poor Delaney....I'm really going to have to think of something good for her birthday!!

the birthday boy!

the fire truck!

family photo

bryse with the water hose

birthday cake...chocolate with strawberries! mmmmm

yummy!!

daddy and bryse in the pool

hanging out in the spa

present time!

new toy!

in the fire truck at the fire station

the helmet was so heavy I had to hold it on him!

What we've been up to lately

ok, so I don't even know where to begin. I'm so behind on my blog so here is a a bunch of photos of all the things we've been up to lately

Bill Robertson's 30th birthday party..what a fun night out. Happy Birthday Bill, I'll be joining the 30 year old crew very soon!

Here's Delaney petting a horse named Tango that is boarded around the corner from our house. She LOVED seeing the horses and always talks about them when we drive by.

Delaney showing off her jewels

Bryse and his balloon that he got from Buffalo Wild Wings (this picture was taken on the day of that crazy storm with the tornadoes).

Jacque's 29th birthday dinner. It was at the Mystery Dinner Theater in Downtown Riverside. It was so much fun trying to figure out who dunnit!

Stroller Strides Moms Nite Out (First at Yard House and the at the Brandin Iron)

one COLD night at another one of my brother's races

look at those cute cheeks!

Brrrrr!

my nephews and Delaney watching the race

The following video may scare the living daylights out of you....i know it scared me to watch it in person. After my brother races they do figure 8's and my brother has nerves of steel! Whenever you see a close call, it's my No Fear brother almost crashing!!

Jennifer's Bachelorette day at Glen Ivy then onto the Plaza....welcome to the family Jennifer. You are an amzing girl and I'm gld to call you my cousin!

We are so blessed to have so many wonderful people (and babysitters!) in our lives. If we're not living life to the fullest then we just aren't living!!

I have a TON more pictures that are still on my camera that i will eventually put in my computer to share more very soon

conserve energy

First of all, I'm soo behind on my blog and I promise I will update soon.

Secondly, Alicia's husband Brian works for the city of Riverside and she was telling me all of the things that they tell everyone to do to conserve energy. I'm sure that we know all of these things but just in case here are some tips:

1. set your thermostat at 78 degrees
2. do not run major appliances between the hours of 12 noon and 8 pm
3. turn off lights when you leave a room
4. keep all window coverings closed

number 4 made the hugest difference at my house. We have a ton of windows and the blinds are ALWAYS open. so we closed every single blind, drape and window shade and my house is SOOOOOOOO much cooler!! it especially helps upstairs!