Joshua's First Birthday Party

Joshua's first birthday arrived. What an amazing year it has been. We had a little birthday party for him the Saturday before his actual birthday. At one, how can you really know what "theme" to do. We chose Elmo because that's the character he has been exposed to the most and he does seem to like him.

Between all the cameras in attendance, there are a bazillion pictures and it's hard to narrow them down when there is such a story in them. But how are there ever too many baby pictures anyway, right?? Am I right? Can I get an AMEN?

Here is Josh with his "twin," Josie. They are three days apart.

I had some cupcakes for the kiddos to decorate.

My sister, Susan, flew down. She is such a wonderful aunt!!!



I made an Elmo cupcake. This was quite a production for me and I plan to do a separate post all about it. But in the end I was very pleased with the results.


Josh has had almost no sugar prior to his party, so he of course wouldn't really know the joy that awaits in a cake. We were a little worried that he wouldn't want to "hurt" Elmo.

But why not poke his eyes out first?

Josh is in no way a messy eater. I think in part due to his personality, but also because we have not allowed him to be messy with his food. Recently he has started to place rejected portions of his food in the cup holder of the tray in his high chair. The high chair he was using at the party did not have a cup holder. So instead...

...he used Grandma C's hand.
He was taking pieces of the coconut and handing it to her.

Dad tried to encourage by setting the example

Ah, a taste, finally.

SUGAR!!!!!!! YES!!!!!

"Take this mess with you!"

It's way more fun to feed it to dad anyway!

My boys.

The mess.
(even though most of it was made by Jim)

HALLELUJAH!!

And of course opening presents is always a hoot with the kids.

Everybody's gotta get in the action.

It was a great day and Josh handled it perfectly. No meltdowns and he was as social as can be. Such a good kid. Happy Birthday Buddy!