Fun in the Sun (times 2)!

Tyler had his first "real" swimming pool experience. He is such a water baby - loves baths and loves splashing around in the baby pool we've got. We went to Bret & Michelle's place in Conroe on Saturday - Rodney's parents and Aunt Nancy came too and we grilled steaks. Earlier that day, Bret & Michelle's neighbor (which happens to be Rodney's grandma's cousin) had mentioned that we are welcome to swim in her pool. Well we had brought Tyler's swim trunks to Conroe anyway because Michelle had mentioned there was a neighborhood pool near the house. Rather than going to the neighborhood pool, we went to the neighbor's pool. It was a beautiful pool! Tyler LOVED it! I think his favorite part was watching the water flow over the rocks on the side of the pool. We had a nice visit with everyone, GREAT food (thanks, Bret & Michelle!) and much fun.

Sunday was another exciting day for Tyler. We went over to Jake & Sara's house that afternoon and Sara, Rodney, Tyler and I went to the pool in their subdivision. It was also really nice - much newer and kid-friendly than the one in our neighborhood... By the way - in case you don't already know, Jake & Sara are having a BOY! Yes, a boy. Most everyone (even the Chinese calendar) guessed a girl... We are super excited for Tyler to have a little boy cousin to play ball with when they get old enough!

So anyway, it was a fun filled, action-packed weekend for the Hicks family. We were so tuckered out Sunday night!


Me, Tyler, & Aunt Michelle

Me & Granny pushing Tyler back & forth in his floatie

Tyler was very intrigued by the waterfalls

Playing around

Memorial Day Weekend

Katie and Trey flew home from Virginia Friday night for a visit. We packed up the family for the weekend and headed down to East Bernard. Tyler was so shy when he saw Aunt Katie on Saturday! He kept looking at her, wrinkling his eyebrows, and then looking down. It took a while for him to warm up with her, but the turning point was when she was playing with him and chasing Purdy and Sassy (my parent's cats) around the house! He has his moments - sometimes he's fine and will play with anyone and let anyone hold him; other times he's not so sure...

Saturday evening we all went to an early dinner and then played washers for a couple of hours back at the house. With many competitive individuals in the family, this was quite fun! Sunday, Rodney and I went to El Campo in the morning to visit Rodney's parents while Tyler stayed back to play with Grandma, Pepaw and Aunt Katie. Sunday evening was another fun event at the Preisler's house. They had a crawfish boil - the crawfish were delicious! We brought the washer boards over and Jake & Sara brought "Corn Hole" - a game they got from Keith and Ammy for their wedding. Everyone took turns playing the game and debating over the rules...

Monday was another eventful day as my dad's side of the family came over for lunch. Dad grilled some yummy burgers and we ate again! The temperature wasn't too bad and we had a nice breeze, so we spent most of the time sitting outside. Rodney blew up Tyler's pool and he got to swim a little that afternoon.

It was a nice holiday weekend! Back to work though... We've got our 1 year photoshoot tomorrow at a park. Alison (Carlino's Photography) has taken some amazing pictures of Tyler - I can't wait to see what ideas she's got for us for tomorrow!!

Getting ready for his first haircut

Playing with bubbles at Preisler's crawfish boil

Daddy teaching Tyler how to throw washers

Peeking through the hole in the "Corn Hole" boards

Tyler's 1st birthday party

Tyler's 1st birthday party was Saturday, May 9. He was such a great birthday boy and had lots of fun! The timing of his nap was perfect! He woke up about 30 minutes before the party started - enough time to wake up and have a snack.

Everyone came over around 3:30. We visited for a while and watched Tyler and Tessa (9 months) play together. It was so cute - they both played with his table. Then Tyler opened his presents. He was very interested in the wrapping paper and bows! His favorite present appeared to be his John Deere tractor and trailor from Sheree`, Jarrod, and Tessa. He LOVES tractors (especially John Deere) :). He plays with them and makes a motorboat sound. He's had fun with all of his presents, though - thanks so much to everyone!

After that, it was on to the cake. We bought a small birthday cake for Tyler to have and play with, eat, or do whatever he wanted to do. We set him down in front of the cake and he felt it a little with his hands, but then fussed a little and wanted me. Maybe he was intimidated a little since he had 20 pairs of eyes looking at him! So that was that. I had expected him to be into it a little more, but on the other hand it was nice that he didn't have blue and red icing all over him!

Rodney got the burgers going on the pit and some people went outside to hang out and play washers while others stayed inside and hung out. We had such a wonderful time! We really appreciate everyone coming to celebrate this day with Tyler! It's hard to believe a year has gone by!!


Playing with Tessa

Posing with Daddy

Trying out his new chair

Family picture with Tyler's birthday cake

Watching the guys play washers