Best First Birthday Party Ever

No offense, but I created the best first birthday party ever.  Like, it was awesome.  Yes, the weather helped - it was pretty much the most beautiful day ever - 70s and sunny.  Not a cloud in the sky!  A beautiful slight breeze.  A nicely mowed lawn, beautiful garden growing, nice backyard that has not really even been broken in yet from last year's construction.  Not to mention a delicious cake, handmade from a lady in Kensington - when I drove up the chickens that laid the eggs frolicked near my car.  And, delicious lunch - Las Olas catered, tons of quesadillas, burritos, deliciousness - that was delivered and set up for us - and the best of all, did not need to be cooked. No dishes to clean, just fun to have, and a baby to celebrate.

 Yep, I put a lot of effort into the party.  My little man deserved it!  He is one.  But, I tend to think, that if you think about it - the first birthday is really for the Mom.  It is a celebration that we made it...  We made it through a year.  The hardest year in so many ways.  But also the most lovely year in so many others.  This is my last first birthday party with my kids, and I wanted to make sure to enjoy every minute.

Every minute was enjoyed to the fullest extent.  We had all sorts of friends there for the day, some from Joel's childhood, some new that I met at Gymboree with James this year.  Much of our families were there, including Auntie Grandma (Aunt Pat).  Joel's good friends were there and it is just too priceless to see the little guys that used to lay next to each other on the floor, now run and play and drive little cars across the lawn.  To look at their younger siblings and note that in just one year they too will be doing this is crazy.  Time really is flying fast.

Baby James totally enjoyed the day.  He was without a doubt the center of attention.  He wore an awesome shirt embroidered by a great family friend, declaring he is one, in Mickey form.  Joel Andrew had a matching one as well.  James had a great time getting used to his sandbox that Auntie Jennie and Uncle Jeremy got him.  I am pretty sure Auntie Jennie just always wants to make sure that whatever she gets is the biggest thing that the kids will then own at the time.  But they both loved it anyway, and it is a welcome addition to our backyard.  Maybe if we have some good weather this week Mom and the kiddos  can have some time out there to enjoy it as well.

James was game for cake smashing. But not cake eating.  We kept saying that one day he will not believe us when we tell him that he took a few tastes, but then smashed, pushed around the table, and then dropped his whole cake on the floor.  He then proceeded to lick the high chair of cake remnants.  Good times.

The evening ended with grandparents putting the kids to bed, parents having some more drinks... and enjoying some time at the bonfire.  We did it.  The little guys is one.  And it was a day that we will never forget.  We were blessed with great company, awesome family, delicious food, and beautiful weather.  It was a day with many things to be thankful for.