Matthews 1st birthday party

The past few days have been days of reflection of the last 365 days. On Saturday, we celebrated Matthew's 1st birthday with a party including family and close friends. I had specifically chose a personalized tee shirt for him to wear on the day of the party. I also had a 1st b-day onesie and bib as a backup.

Those in attendance were:

Mommy, Daddy & big sister Laurynn
John Gray Sr. (Grandfather)
George & Helen Gray (Great-Grandparents)
George Gray (Uncle)
Jeanie Gray (Cousin)
Devon & Glenn Daigle (friends)
Robin, Cheyenne & Colby Storrs (friends)
Kim, John & Sydney Rankin (friends)
Patsy, Nathan & Kayla Romano (friends)

Matthew had a morning nap while I scurried around putting the finishing touches around the house. Devon picked up the balloons and then we picked up the cake & food. I was quite pleased with his birthday cake. It was designed identical to the napkin & plates. The "smash cake" was adorable and perfect size for his little fingers. We sang "Happy Birthday" to Matthew while Mommy held the smash cake and Laurynn blew out the candle. Amazingly he just watched all of us singing to him and never cried. Daddy helped Matthew get him started with the cake by taking his hand and smashing it in the cake. Soon afterwards, the cake was unrecognizable and he began flinging cake in all directions. Those standing around the highchair, watch out! Here comes flying cake! After about 15 minutes, he excitement of the cake was beginning to diminish and he started to whine & cry in protest. Mommy cleaned him up and changed him in the backup onesie.

Next....Opening gifts! All the kids, including myself and Matthew sat in a circle on the floor. Laurynn read the cards out loud while I helped Matthew open the gifts. He received wonderful gifts from all who attended.

It was a relaxing afternoon visiting with family & friends. After the guests left, it was time for a nap and he went right down without a fuss.

Hard to believe it's been a year!