Ben's First Birthday Party!!

Today we celebrated Ben's first birthday (which isn't until the 24th) with many of our friends! It was a great day and a fun party. Here are the highlights...

Ben REALLY liked the balloons! He had some fun with them before guests arrived...
Getting tangled up...
Checking to make sure the backyard is in top shape for playing!
Yup! Ready to party!!
But first some Daddy kisses...
Ben's new friend Aimee!
Hanging out with Aimee, Aaron, and Tyler...
Sandbox fun...

Ben did NOT take his morning nap. At 2:30 or so he had a small "meltdown" and we decided it was a great time to introduce him to his first cupcake (hey--why not, right?). At that time there were about 15 adults standing around singing to him while he just stared blankly at us and at the cupcake. It was pretty hilarious!
He definitely perked up with the SUGAR:
Our little family...

I just love his expression in this one.
Mommy and Ben...

Jonathan set up this mural for people to paint and write birthday wishes for Ben. It was a huge hit and a fantastic keepsake for Ben's first birthday party!!