Jack turns ONE!

What?!? My baby is a year old? Say it ain't so!

Alas, it's true.

Chris' parents came in town last week to kick off the big birthday festivities. Friday we went out to a yummy dinner and then watched Anna-Kate's soccer game. She did a great job! We got home and Chris began smoking pork to be made into bbq while I prepped the sides (macaroni and cheese, fruit, and cakes, of course. Thanks to mom for bringing slaw and baked beans!) Saturday morning Jack woke up with (what I would be shocked to find out is not) an ear infection. He was not happy. We made the best of it singing "happy birthday" as we got him up. Chris, Mimi, Oompa and the big kids took a trip to browse Toys R Us while I did last minute party preparations. Jack woke up way early from his nap which was bad news for both my preparedness and his mood. Lunch was delicious and we were blessed to be surrounded by family (and friends who are like family). Jack ate his weight in macaroni and cheese and then shocked no one by eating {almost} the entire smash cake! He was loving his life about that moment! He took a rock-star nap and woke up in much better spirits. It began pouring rain, but despite the weather, we went out for dinner since I was DONE being in the kitchen! We went to our two favorite pizza places and both were at max capacity from multiple parties, so ended up at IHOP for Jack's birthday dinner. At least kids eat free, right? :)

The cake table:



Family pictures, pre-bbq sauce :)



Mommy, Daddy and the big birthday boy!



The big kids felt they needed to join in. :)



It only took one look at the cake {that didn't immediately get snatched out of his hand}...



Making some headway...



He's all in...



Chasing the goodness with some cold milk. :)



Opening presents (post-bath):



Enjoying his new book:



Ryan with his Poppy {total trooper who sat with an iced foot all day after having surgery the day before!}



Papa, Anna-Kate, Ryan and my dad.



This picture makes me laugh! Anna-Kate is all into the "silly picture" now. :)



Ryan wanted in on the silly-action!



Sweet Anna-Kate and Nana picture



After festivity naps. Oompa read Ryan so many books and they fell asleep together reading about Jimmy Zangwow and moonpies (for the millionth time!). Ryan ate all of the attention up!



***

Happy birthday, sweet Jack. We love you so much and have been beyond blessed this first year of your life.