Tate the walker

This week Tate decided he would start walking. It was as if a switch flipped and he just started taking off. Within a week he went from a couple wobbly steps to moving right along. He still has a favorite form he uses with his hands up as to fend off any one in his way. Here is some footage of him in action.

A day at the Pumpkin Patch

We decided it would be fun to take a trip out to the pumpkin patch this year. The good news is it was the first day in 2 months it didn't rain. The bad news is the weather decided to fast forward to the dead of winter on this day and freeze us out. So we bundled up and headed out to the pumpkin patch about 45 min south with our friends the Bunches.


So as you see Tate, was either afraid of hay, pumpkins or some combination of the two.



As you can see his friend Finley, enjoyed it much better and seemed unfazed until...


Finley is famous for her sympathetic crying. Tate started it and she joined in until both were into a full meltdown.


We tried again for a family picture thinking that he would be ok knowing that Dad and Mom were here to protect him from the evil hay and pumpkins. He still was less than enthusiastic.



So we boarded the hay ride and things seemed to get better (still freezing though).

So we thought it was a great spot to let Tate down to check out the pumpkins and he seemed to be ok now.

My first caption for this picture... "A woman outstanding in her field". Actually Mandy to no ones surprise had to find the perfect pumpkin and scoured half the pumpkin patch doing it. Note for next year: It may be a good deal to get 3 pumpkins (one per person) but carrying them along with a squirmy 1 year old back to the car may prove challenging. Other highlights include fried Oreo cookies and hot chocolate. Only in the South. :)

Tate's 1st Birthday Party

I know we have been behind and are now finally getting caught up on blogging some major life events. (better late than never I guess). So I can't believe how quickly a year goes by and we are already celebrating Tate's 1st birthday. Wow, time flies. At the same time it seems hard to remember what we did before we had him around. He is such a blessing to our lives and is changing so quickly and doing so many new things seemingly overnight. We are so proud of him already and can't wait to see what God has in store for the future.


Tate having a snack and getting warmed up for the big party. At this point he has no idea what he is in for...


These are the custom cupcakes his Mom carefully crafted to fit the puppy dog theme. Tate seems to really like dogs and is always laughing at our dog Toby so we thought it an appropriate theme. (and they tasted yummy too)

He wasn't quite sure what to think about the cake at first (at this point we were still working on getting him to feed himself) but after a couple bites to taste it the cupcake quickly disappeared.

The happy family photo. :)


Of course he was very thankful for the many nice gifts from everyone.

Tate waving to his many adoring fans. :)

He got a play tent that he didn't hesitate to explore.

Our little present....Tate!

Doesn't he look like he's up to something in a couple of these pictures.

Tate's new technique for playing the guitar. Its not traditional but it works for him. :)

Tate on his new dump truck walker (his present from Mom and Dad). He takes this all over our house now but occasionally runs over things (furniture, appliances, the dog, us).

He was a trooper through all the commotion and people until the very end he finally ran out of gas and had to retreat to Dad. He is such a sweet boy and truly a gift to our family. We love you Tate!

Tate's 1 Year Pictures

So big boy turned 1 year old in September (yes, I know we are late) and we had his pictures taken out in a scenic neighborhood in Birmingham. As usual, the camera was there and Tate happened to smile a time or two. :)

Sweet boy.

Appropriate photo as he loves to climb up everything right now.

Trick riding in the all terrain wagon.

Blue eyes anyone?

One of my favorites

This one looks like he is up to no good. :)

I think he was tipping his hat to one of the ladies.

Busy Boy

Laughing? Crying? Both?

Thats a keeper.

He wasn't sure what to think about the balloons.