Turning 1 was so much fun!

After two weeks of a violent stomach flu that cycled through our home, we were able to pull of Luke's first birthday party at Mast Park in Santee on April 25th. It was a lot more work than I anticipated! I don't think we'll be able to do one of those every year! But, it was really worth it. Ryan and I will always remember how he literally tried to inhale his cupcake. He would not let his lips separate from it!

Thanks to all of you who made it so special for us!

For those of you who couldn't make it, enjoy these snapshots.

Luke did not come up for air until this puppy was gone!

Luke got some awesome loot - books and clothes, sandtoys and more!

But, I had to open it all; he was busy being the social butterfly.

Here is the butterfly in action!

Luke and his cousin Owen (5 days Luke's senior)


Many of you know I have an issue with food planning. My worst fear is that we'll run out. This time though, my neurosis had a victim: Nana Carol. I had her make 6 dozen cupcakes since 30-40 people had RSVPd and I thought, you know, cupcakes are one of those dessert items you can throw back like 2 or 3 -- or maybe that's just me? In any case, we had a little over 3 dozen left over . . .in addition to 2 dozen hot dogs and buns. Sorry Nana!

I'm pretty proud of the cupcake idea! I found it online and it wasn't that hard to make (thanks to Nana and Adam's help). Bake and frost as usual. Then, use Nillas for the muzzle and cut one in half for the ears. Use the frosting as glue as you angle the ears to bring character to the face. MnMs for the eyes and a little of that black frosting gel to litterally 'dot the eyes' and draw a mouth.