Banks' First Birthday Party

We celebrated Banks' First Birthday on Sunday with our family and a few friends. It was such a special day and we had the best time watching Banks enjoy the party. It is so hard to believe that one year ago, we were just welcoming this little guy into our lives. He was born 2 days before Thanksgiving and we are so THANKFUL to God that he is our son. Happy Birthday Banks!!!!

I decided on a Sock Monkey theme a few months ago after seeing the most adorable sock monkey applique shirt on etsy......and the rest is history!

I made several banners for the party. This one was inspired by my friend Mandy, who did one for her little boy on his first Birthday.

Family Picture before the party started. He had just woken up from his nap, so it took him a little to warm up, but once he got going, he had a blast.

Make a wish Banks!

At first, Banks was not so sure about the smash cake. He looked at it like "what is this and what do you want me to do with it?"......then began to put his finger in it. I don't really think he liked it but he was still interested.

The spoon really didn't help much either.

Next, it was time for him to open his presents. I must say, he did great with the gifts. He was doing pretty good by himself with them but did need a little help from Bryan, Jack, and Daniel.

We had a great time with our family and friends who attended.

Michael and Georgie

Daniel

Jack

Nana

Tara

Noah and Georgia Anne were completely attached at the hip. It was too funny! At one point, they were caught arguing outside over if Alabama was better than Auburn. Hilarious!

Susan and Weejie

Nana and Papa

Aunt Leigh Leigh

Barrett and Ashley

Lauren, Joe, Collin, and Lendon

Tara, Robby, Noah, Nic, and Nate

Rich, Rebekah, and Tripp

The dogs were a big hit with the kids. My poor senior citizen dogs were sequestered to the deck as usual, but it did not stop the kids from going out and playing with them. One thing about Casey is certain: she is so gentle with children and always has been. She just laid there and let them pet her and love on her.

Barrett especially loved Casey.

Noah, Nic, and Nate gave Banks some adorable sock monkey toys, including this Sock Monkey Jack in the Box. I went into the living room and precious Nic was winding it up and looked up at me and said "I am going to scare you Toe Toe!"

....and BUSTED out laughing when the monkey popped up! He was too cute.

It was a wonderful day for Banks and we were so glad to have our family and friends there with us to celebrate with us. Banks' actual birthday is Wednesday and I am going to take the day off work to spend with him. We are going to meet Bryan for lunch somewhere by the hospital, which will be perfect timing of the exact one year birthday. 1:06 p.m.

Happy Birthday BANKS!!!!!

Roll Tide!

On Saturday, I headed down to Tuscaloosa to meet my parents, Michael, Aldolphis, and Georgia Anne to watch the Tide play. We all had such a great time cheering on Bama, especially Georgie.

Mama and Daddy. From the look on my Dad's face, I must have taken this pic immediately after Georgia Southern ran the kick off for a touchdown!

Georgia loved the "First Down Alabama....ROLL TIDE!"

In the 3rd quarter, Georgia got a bit ready to go. She kept asking "when are we leaving?" I kept saying, after we score again......but I kept wanting to stay a little longer....so she gave me this face.

Poor Georgie, she then said "I am just ready to go to your house to see Banks." So sweet, we left after that and went back to Birmingham to meet Bryan and Banks for pizza. Georgie spent the night and was the biggest helper. She worked so hard helping me get everything ready for the big birthday part. (post to follow).

House Divided Weekend

Well, it is that time of year again. The one day of the year when we both go to a football game that we both actually want to attend. It is of course more enjoyable for me when it is in Tuscaloosa, but this year Starkville was the setting and it was very fun. We took Banks and tailgated most of the day with friends and family.

Matt, Ricky, and Bryan

Okay, now let's address this little precious sir. He has no clue about Roll Tide or Go Dawgs, but we are both working on him early. I am not giving up on him being a Bama fan. My Dad is convinced that Bryan will win out and have him as a Dawg, but for now, he is a BABY DIVIDED!

"Parents Divided....Baby Undecided"

A look at the back of his long all.

Poor Banks, he got upset when we told him he was not going into the game....boo hoo.

We were able to meet up with Ashley, Darren, and Barrett. (We miss you Lauren and Joe)

Yay! Whitney and Steven made it to the tailgate around 3;30 or so. Doesn't Whitney look good in Crimson? (she went to Auburn, for those who don't know, but is a good wife!)

The game was a bit emotional for me, having all of those cowbells ringing in my ear. I actually snapped at Bryan after our missed field goal but after a box of popcorn and a diet coke, I was better. It was cold and fun! Roll Tide!

P.S. Banks went to our friends house and stayed with their babysitter and children. He was a perfect sir as usual, going to sleep at 6:00 p.m.

Banks at 11 Months

Here are some new pictures of Banks. He is 11 months old and just getting to be a little boy. He is going to walking any day! He was in a good mood today, but just not in the mood to look directly at the camera or smile a lot at the camera. Now, when the camera was put away, he was all giggles! Anyway, enjoy.

I am so in love with his curls. (Locks, as Bryan calls them).

Halloween 2011

We decided that for Banks' First Halloween, he would be a Country Sheriff. It was really chosen because it did not any head gear or face gear, which I knew would never work. Doesn't he look so cute as the Sheriff? I know if I got pulled over by this little officer, I would be happy!!!!

On Friday afternoon, Banks' class at school had their party. At first, Banks was okay, but as more and more adults arrived, making the room very loud and chaotic......Banks got more upset by the minute.

Ms. Renee could not calm him down....

Neither could Ms. Jasmin....

Mommy could not either, so I just decided to snap a picture of him, as he was at the party....

UNHAPPY!!!!

Poor Banks. I hope this is not foreshadowing to his birthday party! Oh Lord, all of my months of planning...oh please let this not be a test drive for the party. Only time will tell.

So, then on Halloween Night, we went to Bains and Kelli Fleming's house in Homewood with other friends from Sunday School. Look at these two...they crack me up!!!

Bains actually made his hat!

Rich, Rebekah, and Tripp were too cute! Just 2 Scouts at the campfire and their S'More.

Banks and Me with Whitney and Peggy

Banks and Tripp were very interested in the candy and the cookies.

I hope you all had a very Happy Halloween. I guess from now on, it will be Super Heros and Bad Guys. If you have not already looked at Sister's Blog....you must go NOW! Check out the Butler Superheros HERE