Eva Brooke's FIRST Birthday Party

We had Eva Brooke's first birthday party August 6 at our house.  As bad as I hated to "rush" her to being any older, it worked better to have it on the weekend before her actual birthday (the 11th).  Eva Brooke was thrilled to have to have all her favorite people at her house!

A big, BIG thanks to Angie, who abandoned her children (no, not really), endured a errand-running monsoon, worked tirelessly helping me decorate, let me borrow her vehicle (when I couldn't get mine out of the garage due to power outage), and babysat (and changed a dirty diaper) while I was out.  Oh, and she was also the photographer.  I am so very proud of how it all turned out!  Thanks, Angie, so much for your help.

The invitation

Outside, before balloons

We are so glad most of the family was able to come and celebrate.  Pictured are Pop, Mommaw Brown, and my great-aunt Bobbie.

My awesome, crazy sis Beth and me

Pop and Dusty (Beth's boyfriend)

Angie, Hunter, Momma Lyn, and EB girl

Brad, Emily, Andrew, and Daddy Don

My "Grandmother" Fleeta and Andrew's "Mommaw Brown"

Andrew's Aunt Deb and Uncle Syd

The Crosswhite family

Hunter was loving playing with Cotton!

Andrew's Uncle Dwain and Aunt Diane

Mimi made sure Eva Brooke's tummy was full!

We cannot believe we are the parents of a 1-year-old!  We are so thankful for our healthy and happy baby girl.

She's not so sure about that candle (and that is why we are holding her hands!)

That first taste was GOOD!

I loved this shot of everyone looking at Eva Brooke

She's got a sweet tooth like her Mama, but prefers icing only like her Daddy!

Cotton took care of clean up!

I remember saying, "so when do we take it away from her?"  She just kept eating and eating.

Now for the cleaning up part, which was amazingly not that bad!

Washing off in the sink...

Re-wardrobing...

And we're back!  Cake time for everyone else!

And look who we found sneaking Eva Brooke more cake!

Eva Brooke's gorgeous jumper is a custom-piece handmade by the super-talented Momma Lyn.  Mimi put the neat cupcake on and also made the monogrammed banner in the background.  Did I mention how awesome these grandmothers are?!?

EB has just loved having so many new toys

One sugar-filled, sweet, happy girl!

Emily teaching Hunter and Eva Brooke how to use the party blowers :-)

Thanks again to all who came to make a little girl's day so special!  We love all of you!

Playing in the Sprinkler

8/2/11- This little girl is probably the happiest when she is outside.  She loves to run through the grass...shoes or no shoes!  These unplanned "activities" usually turn out to be her favorite.

Waiting on the sprinkler to get to her.

She closes her eyes, then giggles and giggles!

Then (my favorite), runs toward Mommy!

She would rather sit outside her pool and splash than get in it.

Note her gi-normous diaper (Pampers are mighty absorbent).  I just love nights at home with my little family! :)

VBS

7/18/11- Eva Brooke's first VBS.  Sitting next to Mary Robbins and taking it all in!

The cradle roll class at VBS (L to R)- Eva Brooke, Channing, Evan, Zac, and Hunter

Flashback!  I apologize (kind of) for all my sentimental-ness lately, but I just can't believe how fast the first year goes.  Here is the cradle roll class on 3/27/11.  Mrs. Mary, the sweet teacher, is standing in the background.  (L to R)- Channing, Carrington, Charlie, Hunter, and Eva Brooke.

Back to VBS...  The kitchen ladies were wonderful.  They had highchairs lined up and food cut into bite-sized pieces for these little ones. 

Worn out from a fun-filled night...

...and all hyped up, all at the same time.

7/19/11- VBS on Tuesday night.  Mrs. Leah, who headed the kitchen, arrived once again with a spread for the babies.

Ladies are heading down the line, passing out the food.

Lots of kiddos... just how it ought to be!

Tyler (Brad's brother) is holding Hunter, and Georgia (sweet girl at church) is holding Eva Brooke up at the front!  Russell (far right) our youth minister, does such a good job with our youth.  We are very blessed to have him at West Main.

Showing Daddy what she made at VBS

Again, exhausted but wired!

7/20/11- VBS on Wednesday night.  Hunter was chewing on a VBS craft that turned his mouth, hands, and outfit pink!

Supper at VBS third night in a row...woohoo!

Playtime!  How many kids can you get into one playhouse?

Bunches!

Georgia holding Eva Brooke at the front again.

Baby girl had a wonderful first VBS.  Hopefully, the first of many!  Thanks to all the workers who made it so special.

Outgrowing the Changing Table

At 11 months.  I believe this was the last size 3 diaper :(

At 5 months

At 3 months

At 2 weeks old in a newborn size diaper.  Time just absolutely flies...

Family Events

7/16/11- We met up to celebrate Grandmother Fleeta's 88th birthday party at Oh Bryans in Hamilton.  I have so many wonderful childhood memories with Grandmother.  She is such a blessing and an inspiration to my life!

For some reason, we had lots of babysitting help!

My uncle Danny and his newest grandbaby Lauren.  Leisha and Travis are such good parents.  They seem like naturals!

 

EB and Aunt Beth are really becoming buds!

Daddy sneaking EB a bite or two of cake...

...and Pop, too!

EB visiting with sweet baby Lauren

7/30/11- A couple of Saturdays later, Grandmother's crew met up again for the Burleson reunion.  This was the first Burleson reunion in many, many years.  It was so great to see so many cousins.  Pictured are Candi, Linda (Nickey's wife), my uncle Nickey, Grandmother, my uncle Danny, my mother, then my 3.  Candi and I are the only grandchildren pictured (out of Grandmother's 8).

The reunion was held in Haleyville, Alabama, at the Ninth Avenue Church of Christ fellowship hall.  Fun fact- this is where Andrew and I got married (actually in the new auditorium; we are standing in front of the original auditorium).

FLASHBACK!  A snap from our wedding on May 27, 2006.  Aren't we sweet?!