Vernon Volumes text

Vernon Volumes text

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Chuck E Cheese party with friends


Today, Connor and his two buddies Logan and Connor went to Chuck-E-Cheese for a friends party. It was our first time taking kids to Chuck-E-Cheese, so we started with a small group of only 3 little boys. We decided to try our little adventure on a Sunday, hoping that it would be a relatively quieter time of day than a Friday or Saturday.

It was nice that all the games were only one token. This video shows approximately how long each ride would hold the attention of a little boy.


Connor and Daddy liked the racing games. Daddy worked the pedals and Connor actually did a great job with most of the driving.

Connor R. and his Mommy April.

Connor and Logan playing together.

Logan playing with one of the games.



The little boys drank a ton of fruit punch before opening gifts. They really worked hard playing with all the games.

Paige was very entertained the entire time. She was a good baby as usual, and wanted to just get down and run around with the big kids.

The little boys had some pizza. Connor wasn't too thrilled with having to sit down and eat.
We had a pretty fun time. Mommy and Daddy ended up with a headache from the constant din of the music, entertainment, screeching children and games. It was a good time, but we definitely aren't planning to go back any time soon!

Connor's birthday party with family!


On Saturday we celebrated Connor turning four years old with our family! Connor was super excited about it and we'd been talking about it for weeks. Unfortunately his birthday fell in the middle of next week, so it was fairly confusing for him that we were celebrating early. He kept asking "Mommy, now I four?". At first we corrected him and tried to explain, but eventually we decided it didn't make any difference and just told him yes.

Connor's really been in to Backyardigans, a show on Nick Jr. It's definitely his favorite show, so Mommy went all out to find him awesome Backyardigan themed decorations and goodies. She got him a cake with all the guys, five balloons with the characters, a special custom made shirt with Backyardigans and a big 4, plates, napkins, etc. Connor was super excited to see everything from his show come to life around him.

Connor with his neato cake.



We had Connor take a picture with everyone that came to his party. Of course Mommy, Daddy, Paige and Chloe came.


Connor with Uncle Ryan and Aunt Amanda.

Grandpa and Grandma Vernon

Grandpa and Grandma Anders

Uncle Kiss (Chris) and Aunt Abby

Allison, Abby, Nate and Drew. Surprisingly it was the adults that didn't cooperate in this picture. Nate is doing his "Connor picture smile" impression.

After everyone arrived, Connor opened his presents. Lots of great stuff, thanks everyone!



Paige liked the bunny puppet and Connor was nice enough (and distracted enough with other things) to let her play with it.



The last present Connor got was his bike. He was distracted with finding all five of his "guys" (action figures) and after a quick glance at the bike he told Mommy that he needed to find them. It was probably the most underwhelming reaction to a present in the history of the world.


A little while later we put Connor up on the bike and then he seemed somewhat interested. We're sure he'll like it more once he figures it out and it's finally nice outside.
After all the presents it was time to eat the cake! We all sang happy birthday and Connor blew out the candles (with just a little help).


You can kind of see in the picture of the cake that the poor Backyardigans guys didn't stay on the cake exactly as planned. We had to prop Pablo (the penguin) up because he kept falling backwards. Tyrone (the moose) fell off the side and took a bunch of frosting with him. He also needed to be propped up and the frosting was repaired as well as possible.

After everything, it didn't matter. Everyone on the cake and the cake met their end the same way!

OM NOM NOM NOM! Good bye Uniqua, we'll miss you!



After cake and snacks, most everyone left. Later that night we went to Minsky's for some pizza.


Connor sat next to Uncle Kiss and they had fun playing in the arcade too.

What a great party!

Connor had a great day. Later that night before bed, Mommy asked Connor what his favorite part of the day was. Connor said it was when he found the fifth guy who had been missing all day. When asked what his favorite part of the party was he said it was the cake. We thought the best part was having our great family all come to share Connor's special day together. Thanks everyone, we love you all!

Paige in the bath


Paige's favorite activity has to be bath time. She goes nuts as soon as she hears the water going and is so happy the entire time she's in the bath. It's great that she doesn't have to use the baby bath any more.

Monday, February 21, 2011

February Birthdays in Odessa


We got together in Odessa for February birthdays, Abby and Grandma Genie. We ate some good food, played a lot and had a relaxing day together. Paige loved scooting around on the Lion, which is a lot like our Lightning McQueen car. Connor mostly wanted to play ping pong the whole time.



Paige and Aunt Amanda playing with the lion.


Paige walking behind the Lightning McQueen car



Daddy dug out the Lightning McQueen car out of the basement and thought we'd let Paige give it a try. Connor had a great time learning to walk behind it as well as riding it, and we thought Paige was getting old enough to try it out. We set her up behind it and she figured it out instantly! It was amazing how it just clicked for her and she walked behind it without a hitch.

After she walked behind it for a few feet, Daddy grabbed his camera and took the video below. It's only her second time trying to walk with the car.


Connor came over after a while to see what was going on and definitely remembered the little car. He showed Paige all the switches and controls.


He also let Paige try to push him.


Possibly the best part of the car is riding it! Paige loved to get pushed and doubly loved it when big brother pushed her around.

Connor pushing Paige


What fun!


Connor got the Lightning McQueen car from Grandpa and Grandma Vernon on his first birthday and has grown up a lot since he's been playing with the car!

8-24-2008 (About 1 1/2 years old)


Connor today (almost 4!)

Joe Cotter's birthday party and going away party



On Saturday evening we went over to Julie's house to visit with the Cotters and to wish Joe well in his upcoming travels to New York. Joe's got a number of friends with kids, so it was a fun kid-friendly get together. We brought Connor and Paige and Joe's niece Jayden was there along with some other children. Jayden is only recently two, but she talks up a storm. She was non-stop energy. Connor is usually a little shy and reserved, but he definitely came out of his shell and had a lot of fun at the party.

Connor and Jayden


Joe was very sweet about all the kids coming over and got them all some goodies like toys and Pez. Connor got a little revolver toy and had a blast with it.

We took a really short video of Connor playing with Jayden and also Connor helping out with Paige when Paige got too close to the cat's water bowl.


Have fun in NY Joe!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Connor parties with Connor


This Saturday, Connor V went to his friend Connor R's party. Both Connors go to Ms Rachel's house for babysitting and Connor R had a birthday party at Edge Gymnastics. Logan (Rachel's son) and both Connors had a great time playing along with all the other kids at the party.

Connor and Logan

Connor and Connor
Sliding with Logan


Climbing up the slide

Monday, February 14, 2011

Valentines kids and party!



Andrea found some cute Valentines shirts for the kids that matched, we thought they looked adorable together.




Daddy took a quick picture with his little Valentines girl before he left for work.


For Valentines day, Connor's school had a party and Mommy and Daddy both went to celebrate with our little man. He chowed down on some ice cream, then they did a heart fishing game.

This is Connor's new "picture smile". If he sees a camera pointed his way, this is the great face he makes, definitely a winner. I'm sure the ladies love this.


Connor caught TWO hearts!