Archie Cuteness

Here is a random collection of pictures that show just how cute Archer has been lately.  I think they give a pretty good summary of what life is like with our sweet Archie (Archie-boo, Archeroo, Arch).

We sat by our sweet friend Bavina at church, and surprisingly Archer happily stayed with her for most of Sacrament meeting.

If there's anything Archer loves, it's balls. It's all he talks about (maybe a limited vocabulary plays a role in that...), and apparently all he thinks about all day.

Case in point.

He is actually in a stage where he is starting to call almost anything "ball."  He definitely knows what a ball is and calls balls by their rightful name. But in an effort to talk about other objects he likes or wants, but lacking the words, he just reaches for the thing and calls/cries/whines "Ball!" He probably says "Ball" 200 times a day.  

He also says, "Hi!" about 30 times  a day.  So lots of talking...about two things.

And the toddler mischief has just begun!  Apparently it's time to train everyone to keep the cupboard doors closed and keep everything in sealed containers!

Archer's First Birthday

Before we get to the celebrations, you just have to see how this guy has grown over the last year:

Archer has definitely changed our house for the better. It's been a busy year, but in many ways we've seen a kinder, more loving side come out of his three older brothers as they've assumed the role of teacher, protector, and entertainer for him. That's been so fun to watch.

And Archer himself is certainly worth celebrating! Here's how we did it:

Cupcakes!!! That look like Archer's favorite thing in the whole world: Balls!!!

And presents!!! (Not that he cares what is in them...)

Balls!!!

He picked it up pretty quickly.

A different kind of ball!!! (Are you sensing a theme to this little boy?)

Cupcake time!

"Archer is SO big!"

First time to have frosting...

He approves! Looks like he belongs in our family.

One year of smiles and wiggles in the books. Here's to many more! 

Archer growing before our eyes

Here are just some pictures to show you how much Archer is growing and getting SOOOO cute!  We love him!

 Joining night time prayers

Blending in with the carpet

 Bumbo cuteness!

And bonus of Sam's latest costuming.  :)

Grandparents to the Rescue!

We cannot say enough how much we love having our parents come save the day when our babies are born.  We had so much help after Archer was born, it was unbelievable.  Not only did my mom and Jenn's mom come for unscheduled trips when Archer came early, but then Jenn's parents came for nearly two full weeks and basically made Ellis' birthday party happen for us, on top of making dinner, doing the dishes, holding the baby, and getting the boys to school.  (see previous posts for those pictures!)

My parents came to visit again when Archer was about a month old.  They pretty much had to come, because I had to travel to Boston for a conference, and there was just no way that I could feel good about leaving Jenn with a newborn and three rambunctious boys all to herself.  While they were here we:

Made autumn-leaf cookies

Henry managed to pile a full inch of frosting on top of this one.

Had Archer's baby blessing.  Apparently, the even was so boring that Jenn fell asleep...

But she woke up for this family picture.  :)

Here's the man of the hour looking pretty dapper.

Archer also learned to smile while Grandma and Grandpa were here.

Extra hands made it possible for us to get out and enjoy the fall colors, which really can be spectacular here.

Even Archer couldn't stop staring at the leaves!

My dad just went to town on the yard.  This is the pile of weeds and trees that I had neglected that he removed for me.  It took me like 3 weeks to fit them all in to our lawn clippings recycling can!

And my mom?  She did a whole lot of holding this guy when he wasn't at his happiest.  Not to mention packing lunches, making dinner, walking the boys to school, doing the dishes, and on and on.  Aren't grandparents the best?

Archer's Newborn Photo Shoot

We have been so extremely lucky to have good friends that are amazing photographers.  Our friend Sarah Severson (check our her website here: http://www.sarahseversonphotography.com/) came over about a week after Archer was born with loads of props and wrap and backdrops and put together some really stunning pictures for us.  Here are some of our favorites:

I just love Sam's half-smile in this one.  :)