Jack's First Birthday Party

Last Saturday we celebrated Jack's First Birthday. We decided to have his party on Saturday so most of our family would be able to attend while they were in town for the holidays. It was a small party and only family and a few close friends attended. I have realized that with his birthday so close to the holidays, we will forever need to make an extra effort to make his birthday it's "own" event, not related to the holiday. I have a feeling that the celerating of half-birthdays, may become a real option- of course that will be up to him. I for one would love to have a Christmas tree up at my party every year, but I can imagine that will become a bit old after a while..

Anyway, let the party begin!

I put together pictures of his first year (newborn, 3, 6 and 9 months) and had those who attended sign and/or write Jack a little note. The middle will be his year picure once I get those taken.

 

The decorations.

The bartender.

Jack opened some presents. Eventhough we asked everyone not to bring gifts, many were so kind and brought Jack a little something anyway. Jack also showed off his new chair and did some reading with Ashley.

Then Jack demonstrated his new walking skills. He figured out that great-grandma has this really cool walking stick and wanted to go everywhere holding on to her cane. I think Jack wore poor great-grandma out, but she had a BLAST walking him around.

He also showed of some skills sans cane.

Jack's friend Lainey also got to come to the party and cousin Laura fell in love with that sweet little face!

And then, tah dah..........after we sang Jack Happy Birthday, he enjoyed some cake.

So yummy, that was good!

After a quick bath, Jack had to come back out and play with one of his favorite gifts, his new toy gun from Uncle Terry, Aunt Carolyn and Laura. So much fun!

Guys, I had a blast, but it is way past my bedtime! Thank You so much!

Nite Nite.

Christmas Day Part 2

The second part of our adventure on Christmas day began after a nice long afternoon nap post Gigi's. Once presents are done in the morning, and we relax for a few hours, we head over to my Grandmothers house for presents and Christmas dinner.

Jack gearing up for the next event.

We're here!!!!

We all get to the house early, around 4:30 or 5, so that we can play the game "Dirty Santa". Everybody brings a good, bad or gag gift. Then we draw numbers and pick presents in that order. Then of course, once it is your turn, you may pick a new present or steal from someone else. It always makes for an interesting, fun begining to the evening.

 Once we were done my cousin opened up a bit of a gag gift for my grandma. She has been having issues with a skunk who has decided to take up residence underneath her house.....needless to say she has called the city and they have trapped, baited, etc to no avial and the skunk is winning the battle.

So, she got a little present that crawled into the kitchen to greet her while she was cooking. It was beyond hilarious to see her reaction.

Jack made his way to check out the furry black and white thing everyone was laughing at. He was interested, but not quite sure about the new skunk.

Then it was time for dinner, and you know what comes after dinner- yummmy desert! Jack headed up the kids table and once again, hit the rolls.

Then we goofed off a bit.

And opened presents. Jack got some drums and a new train set.

The last tradition we have involves this absolutely hideous doll........(bare with me, I'm not sure if I have the whole story, but you get the picture) Several years ago, when all of us cousins were fairly young, someone gave one of the boys this ugly doll and ever since it has been passed back and forth as a gag between the guys. It is always wrapped in the most inconspicuos package so that the poor person who gets it is caught completely off guard and then of course we all laugh hysterically once opened. None of us girls have recieved the doll-thank goodness!

This year, poor Russ got the doll and then they tried to see if Jack was interested

He wasn't biting.....

That is it for Christmas Day, sorry so long. We had a great time and a great day with Jack on his first Christmas. We had one tired little boy and two very tired parents. Now were on to a 1st Birthday.... I will be glad when this week is over!

Christmas Day Part 1

Merry Christmas, Everyone!!! Our day started by opening presents, just the three of us, at our house. Jack did most of the opening, as you can see...

Santa brought Jack this super comfy new chair with his name on it.

And a "few" other toys!

Then we headed to Gigi's for brunch and presents in our PJ's! And Mommy made her yummy breakfast caserole for us to eat.

Jack admired the wrapping paper roll while Aunt Angie helped pass out the presents.

Let the unwrapping begin!!!

One of Jack's new gifts was a car/push walker from Gigi- this is fun! And of course, if that gets old, the remote will always keep me entertained.

By the end of it , we were worn out!

Until the next installment - Christmas Day part 2....