"Framily"

Our son LOVES mashed potatoes!! (This is an interesting fact because if you ask any of my family members.... they will adamantly tell you that Zander's mommy also likes mashed potatoes A LOT!)  I was trying to feed him some mashed potatoes last week and I was not feeding him fast enough with a spoon.  He started using his hands to shovel in the good stuff in between the bites I offered him.  You can see that dinner was a little messy that night!

There is a silly commercial out right now that talks about a "friends and family" cell phone plan and the people in the video are called a "framily".  I really can't stand the commercial but the concept has made me think. Some of your closest friends become family over the years.  I have been blessed to have some amazing friends growing up.  To be able to stay in touch with them has been one of the greatest blessings God has given to me! So when one of your best friend's sons is having his first birthday party.... you just have to be there! Being at the party showed me that their family has become our family and Zander is loved as one of their own.  It was so special for Zander to get to celebrate with Jacob as he turned the big 0-1!  There will be many more birthdays to celebrate as our two little ones are three weeks apart in age. It will be interesting to see how we change each year.

We loaded up the car with our boys to head west! 

 Spent some time with the Bakewells before the party......

 Zander played with new toys at Grannie's.... a horse and rocking chair that were both his size!

 Scott and Zack have known each other longer than I have known Liz.... we ate yummy burgers for lunch!

 Two generations of best friends..... this type of picture never gets old!

 Watching Jacob open his presents....

 Watching Jacob try his birthday cake.....

 Family Pic

We were able to have a delicious cookout with Zack's family afterward and hang out into the evening.  Zack's sister and cousin started entertaining Zander with some songs and everyone joined in!  My favorite part about this was that each person knew various verses to the songs selected and sometimes the words were different based on who you asked!  Zander has started picking himself up from a seated position to standing without holding onto anything.  He will then walk to wherever he intends to go.  He no longer looks like Frankenstein as he walks from place to place.  He is also waving "bye bye" and clapping on command.   Needless to say, we had an amazing weekend.  We are a little worn out from all the festivities and are hoping for a relaxing week ahead! ;)