Manning Family Adventure: The Wetlands

Thursday is the only day Allen has off work while we have Tarek, the only day we're all together for the entire day. We try to do something fun each Thursday and this week we discovered Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve A.K.A The Wetlands. It wasn't what I was expecting it to be but it was nice place to take a walk and the boys, mostly Allen, enjoyed themselves. 

Looking for some fish

 Just Chillin'

 Synchronized Swimming 

 Unfortunately there was no swimming aloud ;)

 Allen found a bunch of frogs and spotted some huge golden fish

 Joshua wasn't to excited about the whole thing

I love this picture

Tarek spotted a huge sprinkler and we decided to run though it.

Afterwards we went to Target and Tarek decided to try on some hats. 

Joshua's One Year Photoshoot

On April 17th 2012 at 7:50 a.m. I gave birth to the most beautiful little boy I have ever seen. I may be biased since I'm his mother, but I'm 100% sure that he's the greatest thing in life. It's hard to believe that he's already a year old. His first 6 months of life seemed to go by ever so slowly but now it seems as if time is flying. It may be because his first few months of life were the hardest of mine. I didn't think I would survive the constant crying, painful breasts, breast feeding issues, always feeling clueless and never sleeping. The never sleeping part hasn't changed much but he's a much happier baby now and he nurses like a pro, although I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited for him to wean eventually.

 I look forward to a fear the years ahead of us.

 Here are his 1 year pictures. Enjoy!

Joshua's 1st Birthday Party!

I've never considered myself to be a crafty party planning person, but now that I have an adorable little boy to throw parties for I find an immense amount of joy in it. Joshua turned one on the 17th of this month and we had his Nautical Birthday Party today! 

Here are some pictures from his big day:

Sailboat Sandwiches

 (they were cute for about 5 seconds before they decided to die..)

Sailor Kabobs

"Fish & Chips"

Anchor Cake 

(courtesy of Albertsons bakery)

Turtle and Nautical Cupcakes

(courtesy of Jessica Miller)

Smash Cake

Party Favors 

Joshua wasn't quite sure about the cake but after some prompting from Daddy and Tarek he dug right in.

Joshua checking out his gifts 

Enjoying time with his great grandpas

Joshua and Mommy

Having fun at his party!

Until next year!