James Turns One...and We All Celebrate!

Well it took over two years to get Caleb's birth story written, so getting a first birthday post in before James turns two is pretty good!

James's first birthday was a special event. In my view, first birthdays are about family, and should generally be small events. I mean, the kid doesn't even know what's going on, so there's not much reason for a lot of hoopla.

Except...

Except when the little one-year-old has been loved on by so many people, and prayed for fervently. We really felt like James's first birthday was a good chance to thank everyone who has helped us out so much his first year. The fact that we didn't have to go to the grocery store for three weeks after James was born, that our insurance copay was taken care of when we found out about James's surgery, that we were supplied with enough preemie clothes for the months that he wore them, that someone is always willing to hold him or watch him for us, and the list goes on. Our church has been such a support to us--our family, when our family was far away--and that needed to be celebrated. So, we had a big party.

It was County Fair themed. Flags, popcorn, giant pickles, corn dogs, and good ol' mountain music in the background. The best part of the party was that just about our whole family was able to come. Those who weren't, we were able to see the weekend before.

James is Master of the Cheese when it comes to cameras!

Caleb spent most of his time at the watermelon...or trying to get someone to open his sucker for him!

Singing "Happy Birthday." Caleb loved singing!

Here's the candle!

Caleb took his job as "candle blower helper" seriously, and had the candle out before James even had a chance!

I love James's face. "Dude, did you just blow out my candle?!"

James tries frosting!

It was a great weekend. We loved the chaos of the whole family being around. It was a blessing, and our house felt empty when everyone had gone. We are so rich in family and friends!

Check out the rest of the photos from that weekend here: