We celebrated Aaron's birthday over Labor Day weekend by having a jungle themed party at our good friends' house. (Thanks again Hayes'!)
Aunt Shelley and Barry even made the long journey from CA for the party.
I'm not going to lie to you, loyal blog readers, I lobbied hard for a cool bouncy house themed party. Alas, both Isaac and Tutu didn't seem to think that bouncy houses were appropriate for a one year old. (I still disagree - what's funnier than a baby who can't walk in a bouncy house??) So, the theme of the party was In the Jungle instead. Very fitting because Aaron's favorite animal is the lion. He's a really good growler.
You know I love a good theme, so we got a jungle safari kiddie pool and I made some jungle cupcakes.
Pretty awesome pool, right? Especially good for a kid who loved every minute of swimming over the summer, right? Except not.
Because it's my party and I'll cry if I want to. (I highly recommend clicking on that picture to make it bigger. It gives you full effect of the drama llama birthday meltdown.)
Now, I should add, I hear you, son. I always ascribed to that philosophy too. Many a birthday party ended in tears in my youth. You come by it honestly. So for that reason, I'll keep the video of the hysterics to myself.
And not to rub it in, but guess who WASN'T crying.
This girl.
I can't say she was having the time of her life, but at least she didn't act like we filled the pool with acid.
Anyway, we moved right along to cake which I knew would cheer Aaron right up. That and a rousing round of Happy Birthday was just what the doctor ordered.
Success!
Like the cake on his actual birthday, he needed a little encouragement at first to get started.
But he quickly caught on. Smart boy.
He could not even be bothered to stop stuffing his face to take a picture with Mommy & Daddy. Priorities.
I love this - it's like he's saying, "Uh, pretty sure that's mine, Daddy."
For those of you that prefer live action...
After we pried his chubby little fingers away from the cake and cleaned him up as best as possible (without dunking him in the pool, which was my original plan), we moved on to presents.
Everyone knows you read the card first.
A lion! ROAR!
Daddy's pretty excited about this one. Trains!
And Mommy was pretty excited about this - a handmade knitted stocking with his name and birthdate. Priceless! (Thanks Lydia!)
And more presents.
Everyone needs some chucks. In several sizes and colors, obv.
Sweet ride.
There were so many presents - Thank you everyone!
The party continued...
Until babies started passing out left and right...
But not this guy!
Because he's ONE. And officially a BIG BOY.
Oh dear.
In one year, this
became this.
And my heart is full.
Keith and Laurie
Amanda and Greg - they are next!
Who invited this guy?
He was pretty excited about it.
Amanda takes getting ready very seriously.
Georgia, you are welcome.
Ready!
The bride and her parents.
High school friends.
