Brody's 1st Birthday Party!

Mommy had been planning Brody's first birthday party since before he was even born.  She loves first birthdays and has been waiting four years to celebrate another one since Evan's.  Although the weather did not cooperate for Evan's, she still cherishes the memories that were made on that blustery, rainy March day.  She hoped for better weather this time around, and she began to hold out hope for a beautiful outdoor birthday party for Brody as we enjoyed Spring-like weather even in February.  We worked hard to get the backyard ready and were so happy with our progress.  We cleaned out beds, got some beautiful grass to grow, cleaned the deck, and planted some shrubs and flowers.  It was really looking promising -- until the weather report came out for the weekend of his birthday.  We had enjoyed weeks and weeks of gorgeous weather and had spent every weekend playing in the yard.  The weekend of the party was supposed to be rainy and cold!  Ugh!  We felt cursed!  Sunday rolled around, and it was damp and a little chilly so the outdoor party became an indoor party.  Thankfully, the party was still a success, and our little birthday boy had a blast.  He is such a special boy, and we just wanted his birthday to be as special as he is!  

The Party

Mommy made many of the decorations from the party, including the birthday banner and party hats. She didn't really want a theme but just wanted lots of bright and happy colors. 

The gift table.  Brody's favorite gift was his red rocking chair from his Aunt Dava and Uncle Garry. 

Must have balloons. 

The party hats and favors. 

Brody's special hat made by Mommy. 

Pictures of every week of Brody's first year.  Mommy will cherish these forever. 

The food table -- we hadn't put out the main food yet (Chick-fil-a chicken nuggets and wraps/sandwiches).

The Cake

Brody's special little cake.

The Birthday Boy

Mommy and Daddy love this little man!

This baby just makes our family complete!

Big brother is his biggest fan!

This is definitely love.

Grandma loves her boys.

Aunt Naomi and Sam joined the fun. 

Big brother had to have a special hat too.  He helped Mommy make it. 



Grandma and Papa James enjoy catching up with Uncle Tommy and Aunt Debbie Reese.



The big boys are having fun.



Cate enjoys playing with her pal, Brody, and his toys. 



Sweet babies.



Emma loved the fruit tray.



The big boys are glued to the Wii, of course. 



Levi wants to play football and the drums. 



Reade, Lanny, and Evan wear their birthday hats. 



Evan wanted Levi to wear his hat too.


TIME FOR CAKE!


He's ready!



Evan and cousin Lanny giving Brody some love.



Daddy brings the cake.



He insisted on using a fork!












Sugar high!









The rest of the kids enjoy their cake and ice cream.


PRESENTS!


A big present from Mommy and Daddy.



Cousin Cate helps too.



Cate tries on her party hat. 



He was more interested in the paper, of course. 



Some cool new swim trucks for the summer. 



Trucks -- his favorite!



He got his very own dinosaur -- big brother has lots of them.