Birthday boy

Dane got started slowly with his cake by pulling off the candle.

It didn't take too long to really get into things!

Carter joined the party by eating sweet potatoes. He wasn't nearly as messy!

Then we opened a "few" presents.

What a haul!

After the party, Dane spent some time playing with his new toys.

Daddy joined in the fun!

Captain Dane

Yesterday we took the boat out for the first time this season. The weather was beautiful and Dane had a blast!

Thanks, Grampy and Grammy!

Dane got a big package in the mail on Friday from Grampy and Grammy. What could it be?

He loves his John Deere! Thank you!!

Almost One!

Handsome!

At the beach...

Yet another outfit...

California

Here are some pictures from our weekend trip to the San Diego area. The weather along the coast was pretty cool and damp, especially while Vegas was setting records here for heat!

Two cool guys just hangin'.

Dane takes Uncle Benny for a walk.

A golf lesson from Daddy.

Dane loved bouncing around with two other little kiddos on this trampoline. Now he's requesting one for his first birthday present next week!

Our little leprechaun waits to start the 10k run on St. Patty's Day.

A puppy!

Always reach for the stars!

Dane's first visit to the Pacific Ocean.

Walking out on the pier with Daddy.

More fun times!

Carter seems fascinated by our little whirlwind. He'll soon be crawling to keep right up with Dane!

Daddy gives Dane a ride in his chair.
Runnin' around!
We're looking forward to a little getaway to San Diego this weekend to meet up with Uncle Benny! See you then!

...And he's off!!

Dane has finally decided to let go and take some steps on his own! Look at him go!

A little yard work

Dane helps Daddy with some yard work. He absolutely loves being outside. The rake is just a wee bit big for him!

Teddy's kisses make him smile.

Keepin 'em pearly!

We had been using a little finger toothbrush with Dane, but recently got him a real toothbrush for fear of losing a finger!

Janell's visit

Our friend Janell visited us a week ago, but I didn't get a single picture. She took some pictures (view here). Thanks for coming, Janell! You can also check out her blog to the right.

Hello!

Dane really loves phones of any kind. He has started to say "Hello" when we hand him a phone.

Dane tries out the pay phones at the Bellagio.

All smiles!

A bit ticklish!

Stayin' busy

Walking along the walls takes intense concentration!

Little electronic specialist in the making tries to rearrange some extra cables.
Wrestlin' match!

Pushing buttons!

Over the last couple of weeks, Dane has become quite infatuated with pushing buttons. Doorbells, elevators, cell phones, garage door opener- he gets his little finger ready to push as soon as he spots a button in the vicinity. He's also learning to push Daddy's and Mommy's buttons by doing things like sorting out foods he doesn't like and spitting them back out of his mouth!

Spring is here!

The sun is out and the weather is beautiful. Dane "helps" Mike mow the lawn!

Some early blossoms on our flowering crab apple tree.

The NBA is in town!

Las Vegas is hosting the NBA All-Star game this weekend, so the town is even crazier than usual. Last evening, Mike and I attended the Touch a Life gala sponsored by the Wives of the NBA to honor Elaine Wynn, Cookie Johnson (Magic Johnson's wife), and Dikembe Mutumbo for some of the community efforts they make. Part of the proceeds from the evening benefited the organization that Mike works for, so we were invited to share in the evening. There were quite a few celebrities present including: Magic Johnson, Dave Winfield (former Minnesota Twins player!), Queen Latifah, Vivica Fox, Alonzo Mourning, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to name a few! Here are some pics from the evening.

Dikembe Motumbo (over 7 feet tall!) with some of the participants of the After School All-Stars (the program Mike works for).

Posing with Magic Johnson, an unknown (to me) ex-NBA player, and Dave Winfield.

Arnold's surprise appearance to present Mrs. Wynn's award.