Let's Get this Party Started

Cole's first birthday party was the perfect day. He took 2 morning naps (which never happens!), so he was able to play without getting too cranky from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m., when he finally crashed. Although the weather was quite warm, we still had an amazing time. The pool was open, so most of the young party attendees took an afternoon swim with their parents to cool off. The food was delicious and the cake was out of this world. Keith hired a CIA student to cater the party. No one could stop talking about the cake, which tasted like a really rich and wholesome devil dog. It was devil's food cake with butter cream icing and filling. When it was time for the birthday song, we became a little nervous that all of the people staring and singing to Cole would overwhelm him. We couldn't have been more wrong. (This kid surprises us every day!). It was quite the opposite. He reveled in the love and attention. He looked around at everyone who was singing back to him with such love that it brought me to tears. Then he smiled and clapped. It was such a heartwarming moment for me as his mother.

Below are 16 of the 115 photos we took at the party. Some of the cake shots were taken by Keith's sister, Lauren. Unfortunately, the pictures are not in chronological order, and thanks to Blogger (and my inability to use HTML code), I can't arrange them in order. So here they are completely out of order, but here anyway...

Cole was playing with Juni and Kieran in our living room. That musical table was a hand-me-down gift from Lucas.

Shawn plays around with Cole as he climbs all over his new chair, a gift from Grandpa Bill

Cole shows off his new climbing skills on the new chair.

Great-Grandma Joyce laughs at Cole, who is on the other side of the beach ball.

An adorable angle.

Cole inspects something he pulled from the ground. Most likely grass. 

Mommy gets all emotional.

Cole claps at his loving family and friends.

Cole grabs his first piece of cake, ever.

Cole chows down on the delicious cake.

Two mommies and their baby boys.

Cole laughs while family and friends look on.

Cole plays with his new shovel while holding Sophia's hand.

Juni and Cole.

Amy and Sophia. Talk about growing up! I remember when Sophia was only a few days old. She is a constant reminder that time really does fly, and that I should treasure every waking moment with my baby.