Happy 1st Birthday Nolan!

For Nolan's first birthday we decided to spend the weekend away at the cabin just enjoying family and taking advantage of the cooler weather. Nolan thoroughly enjoyed himself as he always does at the cabin. We played around the house, opened birthday gifts, went to Talaqapaque (an art gallery/shopping center) and took Nolan to the creek for the first time.
Doesn't this face say it all - what a little personality Mr. Nolan has developed over this first year of life. What makes this face even better is the one that shortly follows it....
One minute he's fussy and the next minute he's happy. Probably a pretty true statement about most babies, but Nolan can turn it on and turn it off at the drop of a hat. This next picture may be my favorite from his birthday weekend. He's screaming at the top of his lungs and pretending like it's singing. He loves to make noise and many times is suprised by the sounds he can produce.

Here are just a few shots of Nolan enjoying himself over the weekend:

(Climbing under tables...already enjoys the feeling of a "fort:)

(Trying to get to the phone...no matter where we are he can always find the phone)

(Playing in the yard)

(Blowing spit-bubbles as he makes his "car" sound)

On Saturday we headed into town (Sedona) to go walk around Talaqapaque. Aunt Erin and Grandma met us there and we had a nice afternoon meandering the shops, taking pictues and enjoying the artwork.

(Nolan going in for a Kiss with his Tia E)

(Playing Nolan's Favorite game of "1-2-3 Weeee")

Then back to the cabin for lunch, naps and some time laying around the yard and the deck. I just love that the weather was so nice - even nice enough to wear a sweatshirt and jeans most of the time. Nolan helped Grandma do some yard work and enjoyed playing in the grass.

Next it was time for cake and presents. He loved his first couple of birthday presents - an adorable green frog from Momma K and Pappa T as well as his first pair for Crocs and a super-cool pop-up book from Tia E.

(He loves to open presents and the tissue paper is still his favorite part)

(Not quite sure what "cake" is yet...soon to be one of his favorite foods!)

(Headed to bath-time after all the cake was spread everywhere. This is his infamous "Jessica Simpson" pose...with a little naked bottom:))

Sunday morning we woke up feeling rested and ready to take Sullivan to the creek before heading home. Nolan hasn't ever taken a trip down to the water yet, so we decided that his 1st birthday weekend was the right time to do this.

It couldn't have gone any better. He was just the right mix of cautious and excited and made sure to not run across the rocks and jump in the water (like Sullivan does!).

(Taking in the water and all the new sights)

(Picking up rocks to throw in the water)

(Putting his hands and feet in the frigid water for the first time)

(Drying off on the deck with brother)

I can't believe it's been an entire year. Obviously, he has changed so much and grown into such a big boy (not that he was ever really small:) ). While every new day is filled with new challenges (good and bad), it's impossible not to love him more and more. He continues to amaze me in his abilities and milestones, and also with his tender heart and loving nature. He is definitely a gentle soul (except for his current propensity for head-butting) and the biggest blessing in our lives. We are changed forever...changed for the better because of him!