Ben's 1st Birthday Party

We celebrated Ben's 1st birthday with a small group of family and friends at a local pizza place. We were hoping to have the party at our house (in the backyard) but after it poured all night the night before, we knew the ground was too wet for the kids to run around outside and it might be too cold being outdoors as well. It actually turned out to be a great decision - we had the whole place practically to ourselves, decorated a back room just for Ben, kept it easy with appetizers, pizza and beer and didn't have to clean up much at the end! Plus, everyone could still hang out even when Ben and I left a little early to go back home once he got too tired to party anymore. Ben had a great time with everyone. He enjoyed playing with the balloons, catching bubbles and diving into his first cake! He seemed to enjoy his first taste of sugar! :)

Getting a bath the morning of his big party

Grandma and Grandpa arrive from Orange County

Ben climbing on top of all of his presents!

Opening some gifts early - his new "popper" from Mom and Dad

Reading his new Babar books with Nana

Decorating for Ben's party

Here is the big boy's chair waiting for cake time!

Grandpa and Nana decorating the room

The birthday boy arrives!

Charlie, Stefan, Amy and Jordan

Ben loved playing with the balloons

On the go with his balloon!

Family shot at the party

Ben catching up with Sarah - he's asking "Where's Tucker?"

Sarah and Billie with cutie pie Fin (Bunny)

Amy, Jordan and Jim

Ben playing video games with Grandma

Time for cake!!!

Ben got his own huge cupcake

Blowing out his candle

Time to dig in Ben!

Really getting his hands in now!

Mmm....good stuff!

AFTER

Ben and Reagan swapping pacifiers!

The gang hanging out

The adults engaging in some video fun! :)

Bubble time! Ben loved trying to catch them.

Trying on his crown from Aunt Kirsten

Ben and Reagan playing together - so cute

Winding down with Grandma and Grandpa

Such an exhausted boy!