1 down...

Yesterday was a busy day... Even though Xander turned one on Thursday, we opted to throw the party on Saturday because it was better timing. Almost as soon as the boys were up (and they're early risers) we were busy cleaning and baking cakes. The boys (especially Gavin) were both so excited to watch the cakes baking in the oven. Gavin was ready to eat cake as soon as I started mixing ingredients.

Here's the final sweets all done. I bought the big cupcake pan at Michael's earlier this week. It's so fun! The cones are cupcake cones... topped with our family favorite, cloud icing... don't they look like small vanilla cones! I also made Xander his own cake. It's just so fun to let a one year old at his own cake. I thought they all turned out cute. I love getting the chance to be creative!

We decided to have Xander open presents first... the less messy of the options. But look closely, are we sure it's actually Xander's birthday? Gavin might beg to differ.

After presents, we sang "Happy Birthday" for the second time, and tried to have Xander blow out his candle. Gavin being a gracious brother tried to show him how it was done, and then, he decided to bat the flame out instead. I tried to stop him, but was too late. Luckily, he didn't really get hurt. After a little coaxing he dug in... with a fork! We left Xander in just his onsie thinking he would be a mess and need his clothes changed (his brother had needed clean clothes), but Mr. Proper made clean up relatively easy!

Last minute, we invited Ben's grandparents from both sides to come, and we were so glad that both Great-Grandpa and Grandma Blackham and Great-Grandpa and Grandma Barnes could come celebrate with us. They were also willing to have a little photo moment with Xander. I want Xander (and Gavin, too) to have pictures with their great-grandparents. Note to my grandparents: we need to work on that with all of you when we come out next.

Everyone was very gracious in their gift giving... Grandma Ann even brought a toy for Gavin, so he didn't feel left out. But I want to give a special shout out to my littlest sis, Karina. My family bought Xander a boardbook called Russell the Sheep, and Karina (with some help from my mom) made Russell the Sheep! It's super cute, and looks almost identical to the book. And of course, the most important part... it's loved by Xander.

Last, but not least, here's some pictures (that I had way too much fun playing around with) of my big man enjoying the yummy treats. He was so excited when he was finally allowed to eat one. Though I think more icing made it ON his mouth than IN it!

It's hard to believe a year has pasted since Xander came to join our family, but we sure are glad he did. We love watching him grow each day and seeing the boys interacting more and more and behaving like true brothers! It was a great birthday! Thanks everyone!