Camping with Connor

Connor went camping for the first time last weekend. I'm always a little nervous for new things like this. So many new factors thrown in all at once and so many things that could make it a not very fun weekend. You would think after 13 months I would stop being surprised that Connor is such a good baby, no matter what situation he's in. But once again, I came home surprised at how good he was. My biggest worry was sleeping. We only have a small two person backpacking tent that fits two sleeping pads and bags down and that's it. It was a little cramped but Connor slept as well as if he was home in his crib, despite the fact that it rained all night long. All in all, it was a great trip. We went for a hike the next morning and then drove home through the blue ridge mountains, so pretty.

(I have to point out the cute hat Grandma Jean made him)

Oatlands Plantation

We went to the Oatlands Plantations this weekend. It's this beautiful house and garden just 40 minutes away. Who knew? I can say that Connor definitely likes to wiggle. We took a tour of the house, and although Connor was very good, I think it drove him crazy to be held that long and not be able to get down and crawl around and explore. It was an interesting, but very long, 45 minute tour.

The Oatlands Mansion

happy boy

exploring the gardens

squirrel watching

our little family

i love trees...

so handsome

To the swings!

Connor really likes it when we go to the swings






He also played in the grass for the first time, also very exciting

Happy Birthday Connor!!!

My little boy is one year old! Chad and Marci were nice enough to let us celebrate Connor's birthday at their house. It was pretty simple. We had some great dutch oven and then Connor enjoyed his cake and the rest of us had cupcakes. I've got Marci to thank for these fun photos!

He had quite the little fan club there

The eating of the cake...It wouldn't be our little boy if he didn't study it out first

but that didn't last long.

I think it's safe to say that he

really

really

liked it!

What else is Connor up to? He's definitely growing. He went from this

to this.

He babbles and growls a lot. He flips through books all day long. That's all we need to take to church to keep him happy all three hours. I'm not really sure I can say he has a favorite food. He eats everything we give him (except the spinach leaf with balsamic vinegar Jared gave him tonight). All fruit, bbq chicken, chili, salmon, cottage cheese, you name it he likes it. He's walking with us or behind things but not ready to go solo yet. Despite what my dad thinks he does smile and laugh a lot, although he still takes a while to warm up to stangers. He doesn't cry, he just stares them down. Peek-a-boo is his favorite game and he loves loves loves to be turned upside down.

Peach Juice

Connor figured out today that peach juice makes an excellent hair styling product.

Also of note...

Connor is 11 months old. Crazy, crazy crazy. We did an 11 month photo shoot today. Here are some of my favorites.

Swimming!

Grandma and Grandpa Bench gave Connor swimming lessons for Christmas and they started today. He loved it! He wasn't scared at all, just ya know, nice and calm, how he always is.


he was pretty excited to get started


the first plunge


kick, kick, kick


catch the fish




all done!