HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY JAXON!!

A year has passed already - we can't hardly believe it. I joked shortly after I had Jaxon that I should start planning his birthday party because it would be here before we knew it, and it definitely was. We planned his party for Sunday, the 12th @ 1:00 PM at Franklin Park in Spokane. It has a large covered area that we reserved, playground equipment and a splash pad (which Jaxon loves) close by. The weather the week before his birthday was cold and very unlike the first part of September in Spokane, so I was a little worried, but the day of Jaxon's birthday it was blue skies and beautiful (of course it would be - it was Jaxon's special day!!) :-) Anyway, I probably went a bit overboard, but since I have been planning parties as part of my job for the past 10 years - why not do it all up, right? We probably didn't need centerpieces for all the tables, enough food to last us over a week after the party, a banner that welcomed the guests into the gazebo, picture collages of Jaxon's first year on each post, and suvenior towels with handmade cards for all the kids, but we did it and it was great. I had read all the books about making sure the first birthday party isn't overwhelming, don't invite too many guests, etc. etc. So to be honest I was a little nervous that I had gone overboard, but Jaxon LOVED it. He loved the attention, the loved all the people and he had a marvelous day. I guess with parents like Jason and I, this kid doesn't have a chance at being shy - he LOVES, LOVES, LOVES, to be the center of attention. The cutest thing is that at the end of the day when I was rocking Jaxon to bed, I was singing him songs as I always do and I just happened to start singing "If You're Happy and You Know It Clap Your Hands", Jaxon lifted his head looked me right in the eyes, got a big smile on his face and clapped his hands. It was like a light bulb had clicke din his little mind - "Yes Mommy, I'm happy!" I must admit that was the highlight of my day. He had never done that before to that song, he had just had such a great day - he thought he would let me know. Definitely brought tears to my eyes. All and all it was a beautiful day with all the people that have made this first year with Jaxon so special. Warning - there are lots of pictures below, so hope you have a few minutes!!

Ready for the party!!

Grandma Kim getting all the food ready.

I love this party!!!!!!

Happy 1st Birthday Jaxon!

Greeting all the guests.

Loved the party hat (I thought for sure he would take it right off, but he loved it!)

We are so lucky to have such great family and friends. Thank you so much to everyone who came - it means a lot to us. Here's a great picture of all the kids at the party (minus Chase who was there too, but he was sleeping - he's only 3 months old!)

Listening to everyone sing "Happy Birthday"

Getting ready to make a wish and blow out the candle. (Ok, so Mommy blew out the candle before Jaxon could grab it!)

Taking a little bite.

Taking some big bites.

That was good!

After the cake, we rinsed Jaxon off in the splash pad.

So glad Kayla was ready to get wet. She took Jaxon through the Splash Pad. He really enjoyed it.

Whoa!

Jaxon absolutely adores Kayla, she is so good with him too!

Drying off after we were through with the water.

Cameron at the playground equipment. Seems like we were just at his first birthday party. Where does the time go?

Sadie showing off her climbing skills.