John-Boy, It's Your Birthday!

We had Johnny's first birthday party at Grandma and Papa's house on Sunday, August 21st.  There was family, fun, cake, and presents!  Everyone was eager to get the party started, but Johnny had no idea what was about to happen to him. :)

We started out with presents.  Johnny got the hang of things pretty quick, and boy did he enjoy unwrapping those presents!  He got all the boy-toys he's been needing.  I was getting a little uneasy watching him play princesses with his sisters all day long.  Our boy needed some cars and trucks, and the family took care of him nicely. :)  

He also got a new friend, a Curious George stuffed animal, and a couple of balls to play with.  And you can't forget the big Tonka Dump Truck.  I'm pretty sure it's a staple for all young boys.  Danny remembers having one just like it. 

Johnny really was thrilled about each of his presents.  He was so happy!  I've never seen a little boy be so excited about his presents.  As a parent, there is nothing quite like seeing pure joy radiate from your child's face.  It makes every little bit of trouble worth it.

Next was cake.  Since Johnny was too young to pick, Danny and I picked out a "Cars 2" themed cake.  Turned out to be a good decision, since I think he ended up with 3 Lightening McQueen race cars for his birthday. :)  

Everyone gathered around to sing "Happy Birthday".  Johnny had so many cousins with him on his special day!  And he was still missing about half of them.

After we sang the song, things got a little...well, painful for Johnny but kind of funny for the rest of us.  Johnny's never been so close to an open flame, you see.

So he just had to touch it...

It was really cool!  

Until the pain set in.  Ouch!

Poor little guy!  He got over it quick, though.  Once he got his burnt finger in some ooey-gooey delicious buttermilk frosting. :)

Everyone enjoyed the cake, and then headed home.  Johnny headed straight for the bath!

Since the party was a few days before his actual birthday, we did a little mini celebration as a family to mark Johnny's big day.  We had his favorite dinner, spaghetti, followed by birthday cupcakes.  We lit a candle again, but Johnny remembered how that turned out for him the last time.  At first, he was just nervous...

Then he was just plain old upset!

He was fine once we had Claire blow the candle out, and dug right into his cupcake.  He definitely was our most thorough one-year-old when it came to eating his birthday cakes!

Claire and Sophie were so excited for Johnny to turn one.  They just love their little brother!

We saved one present for Johnny for his actual birthday.  He absolutely loves books, and we try to get each of the kids a book for their birthday.  Johnny loves his Frog Book!

At last, the day came to a close.  Our John Roger was officially one!  We had Claire try and take a picture of the three of us to mark the occasion, and she did a great job!  Too bad Johnny wasn't looking.  Like I said, he really loves his book!  We all loved celebrating Johnny for the day, and Danny and I are positive that he had the best birthday ever.  We love you, Johnny!