For the Birthday Boy

Happy Birthday to Simon Edward!

I can't believe it's been a year. He has already lived in three houses and two states. He walks (or runs) everywhere we'll let him. He has six teeth. He carries his own diapers to the garbage can. His hair grows so fast that he's already had two haircuts. My baby isn't so much of a baby anymore!

We started our festivities with balloons in the morning, a family tradition.

He spent a good chunk of the day walking around with a balloon between his front teeth. Don't worry, Grandma Karrie, none of them ever popped.

We had a pretty laid-back day, since all the other kids are in school now (YAY!). We ramped up the excitement again come dinner time with German pancakes and pears. Oh yeah, livin' it up for the one year old.

Heather and Brandon joined us for present opening.

As usual, Birthday Boy took a while to catch on to what he was supposed to do.

We got it open! And then he just stacked the balls on top of the next present...

So I opened it for him. Apparently so he could then stack the blocks on top of the third present.

At least he really enjoyed playing with each thing once he saw what it was.

Instead of cake we opted for doughnuts.

Blowing out the candle is way beyond a one year old's comprehension, but hey, tradition.

He seemed to enjoy the treat.

Though maybe a little less towards the end...

The other kids lasted longer.

Post-doughnut, we played games while Simon, ahem, entertained himself in the other room with all his new toys. He didn't seem interested in Tenzi. Or maybe it's that I don't let him play with dice.

I think this birthday was a success!