First Birthday Fun!

Ben turned ONE on October 8th!!! It was an exciting, but also sad day for me as a mom. It is soooo hard to believe it has been an entire year since he was born. But it is amazing to see how much he has grown and changed over that year -- he is such a sweet, cute, smart, and funny little boy!

I came down with a stomach virus on the afternoon of his actual birthday so we didn't get to really celebrate his birthday on October 8th, but he did have a little party at daycare. It was so cute to see all his little classmates sitting at the table together! I would post some pictures of that, but don't feel I should put pictures of other people's children on the internet (or at least not unless I know them really, really well). Here are a few pictures from Ben's first birthday!

We had Ben's first birthday party on Sunday, October 18th. So much fun! All Ben's family and a few friends came to celebrate!

We didn't really have a theme for his party. I found some cute first birthday plates and napkins in bright colors and we had his cakes decorated like Ben's favorite book "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."

And I made some #1 cookies for favors.

Ben with Maw-Maw.

And with Mom and Dad.

Nana, Grandpa, Aunt Margaret, Aunt Mary Claire, Uncle Mark, Uncle Dan, and Cousin Andy.

Waiting for the main event -- Cake!

Not sure what to think.

Starting to test it out.

Really getting into it!

And finally eating the cake (with a little help from Mom)!

With Grump and GiGi.

Opening gifts. Ben's very own chair. He loves it!

A must for every little boy!

My sister-in-law Mary Claire MADE this sweater!! So cute!

And super cute firetruck onesie and pants made by Nana!

Ben received so many great gifts, but unfortunately our camera died just as we started opening them. He has really enjoyed playing with all his new toys! Thanks to everyone for sharing Ben's birthday with us!