Universal Studios

Through the month of March, Universal Studios Hollywood was offering a special allowing teachers and school employees free admission and half-off admission for up to three guests. So, while it would regularly cost Matt and I about $140, it was only $35 for both of us! We definitely couldn't pass up that deal.

We took advantage of the savings on the last day of March since I was already on Spring Break and wouldn't have to take any time off. We took my younger sister, Evie, with us as well. Gavin stayed with Grandpa and Grandma Stude since I thought it might be too long of a day for him. The three of us had a great time and I only hope they offer another special like that soon.

For me, the coolest part of the day was being on Wisteria Lane! I am an absolutely huge Desperate Housewives fan and I had no idea that the whole show was filmed right at Universal Studios. We took a tour that actually took us right through the whole Desperate neighborhood--which is surprisingly small. It looks so big on the show, but it's really only a small set in the shape of a cul-de-sac. For those of you that watch the show - do any of these places look familiar?

We concluded the day by visiting my brother and his fiance since they live just 10 minutes from the park. They cooked us a wonderful meal of tuna casserole and brownie/cookie dessert. Then, we headed home to pick up our little man whom we missed terribly!

In the Swing of Things

Some of you may not know that we are currently living in the house that I grew up in. A few years ago, my parents decided to downsize and move into a smaller condo and offered to let Matt and I move into their house. We happily accepted and have been here ever since. The backyard boasts lots of room for Gavin to run around in when he's older and even has a little "Kid's Korner" (as is written on the fenced-entrance). When my siblings and I were younger, my parents had created this little haven for us to play in. My dad and a friend built a swing set complete with three swings. I have many fond memories of that area.

When we moved in the swings had been long gone, but the swing set frame was still standing strong. So, for Gavin's birthday, Grandpa C bought three new swings for our little Kid's Korner. And of course, Grandpa was really thinking was he did this because he made sure to buy two adult swings and one toddler swing so that Gavin could use his new gift right away.

Being the outdoorsy type of guy Gavin is, he took to the swing like a fish to water. He absolutely loves hanging out in his swing and would only get upset when it was time to get out. A few times I had to practically drag him out of it to get him to come in and eat lunch. I think Grandpa definitely made the right choice with that birthday gift!

A Chip Off the Old Block

Since Matt has been working nights and watching Gavin during the day, I often come home from work to find my sweet boy wearing things that only Daddy would choose...

Gavin's New Wheels

Gavin was so excited about the Cozy Coupe that he received for his birthday that he practically lived in it for the next few days. He wanted to be in it every waking moment and trying to pry him away for meals and naps was like pulling teeth. I picked out the blue sunglasses for his birthday and Matt said there was no way Gavin would wear them, let alone leave them on. But ha! Gav proved him wrong and wore his racing googles for hours. He just looked too cute!!

After spending an entire day riding around the backyard in his new car, we made Gavin come in for a quick dinner break and then we gave him a change of scenery and took a family trip to our local park. Once again, Gav was all smiles and had a great time cruising around in his new wheels.

1st Birthday Party

The invite I created for Gavin's party:

We celebrated Gavin's birthday with family and a few close friends at our house the Saturday after his big day. It was a fun-filled day and Gav had a great time! He loved opening all of his gifts and spending time with loved ones. Here are some pictures from the event:

Gavin's First Cake

His own personal cake

Spending some time with Mommy

"Is it time to open presents yet?"

Pappaw, Gavin, and Daddy

"Hooray! A gift card!"

Gavin enjoying his gifts

So much for cleaning it before he used it... oh, well...

Grandma Stude helping Gavin with his gifts

"I love my new car!"

Friends, Grandparents, Great-Grandparents, and Parents

Friends at the party

Family and friends

So many presents!

The Cozy Coupe!!

Poor guy was tired after a few hours of partying

I didn't even know if he'd stay awake for some cake

"Hmmm... this is pretty good."

"Yeah, I think I like this."

"Here Daddy, you want some?"

"I've had enough!"

All cleaned up and enjoying some bubbles!

Trying out his new toys

Birthday Trip to Toys R Us

We spent Gavin's first birthday together as a family and had a blast! Gavin started the day by reading a birthday card from his great grandparents.

Then he had a little breakfast. We told him that we were taking him to Toys R Us afterwards and he couldn't contain his excitement.

Before we left, Gavin wanted to take a spin in Daddy's Chevelle.

Gavin had a wonderful time at Toys R Us. There was so much to do and look at that there wasn't a dull moment. After several hours there, we selected nearly every toy in the store a modest amount of toys and called it a day.

I think the excitement of the day wore Gavin out!