Caleb's 1st Birthday Party!

On Sunday April 28th we hosted Caleb's 1st birthday party! The theme was Backyardigans... Caleb's favorite TV show (Mostly he just likes the theme song.) . Party guests began arriving around noon, and just before 1:00 we enjoyed a lunch of lasagna, lettuce salad, french bread, and  fruit. The fruit was served out of a watermelon carved into the shape of the character Pablo from the Backyardigans (Thanks Grandma Marjean!).

We made cupcakes and a Tyrone shaped "smash" cupcake for Caleb. We sang "Happy Birthday," but the candle wouldn't light because we were outside in the wind so we by passed that step. We were nervous Caleb wouldn't want to try the cake, but he dug right in after a little taste! Once we were done with cupcakes, we had some more snacks and then opened presents outside! Caleb was so spoiled, and he has already enjoyed playing, reading, and wearing many of his presents. Thank you to everyone who came to share in Caleb's 1st Birthday! It was a wonderful day full of amazing memories!

Showing off Pablo!

A quick family photo before the party began.

Caleb and Austin welcoming the guests to his party!

Caleb's "smash cupcake" in the shape of Tyrone (another Backyardigan's character)

Caleb with his Grandpa Dennis, Grandma Teresa, Grandma Marjean, and Grandpa Dale.

Caleb and his GREAT grandparents: GG Ruth, GG Betty, and GG Ron.

Caleb with his godparents: Uncle Jay, Uncle Adam, and Aunt Sarah.

Caleb "enjoying" his water/sand table (from Grandma Marjean and Grandpa Dale). He really did like it... he just didn't like getting dirty when he would put his hands on the ground!

Trying some strawberries for the first time!

Not so sure at first about his cake...

Digging in to his cake!

Mmmmm...

Yummy!!!!

Another family photo.

Caleb begging for somebody to pick him up but he was covered in cake and frosting!

Caleb and his Ramthun cousins.

Opening presents... outside!

Some jeans and a sweater.

Checking out another present.

A cool camo ATV!

Great Grandpa Ron and Caleb.

Caleb and Cousin Nolan.

Grandpa Dennis and Caleb.

All tuckered out from a long day of partying.

Swinging!

Here's a little video of Caleb's first ride in his new swing (on his birthday)! He LOVED it!

Caleb's Birthday!

 Wow, a whole year has passed since our wonderful Caleb came into the world! Mommy lucked out and didn't have to work the Friday of Caleb's actual birthday. We spent a wonderful day together, and we were excited when Daddy got home from work and went for a walk! Then Grandma Teresa, Great Grandma Betty, and Uncle Jay came over to eat pizza and celebrate! Caleb got to open up his presents from mommy and daddy, GG Betty, Grandma Teresa, and Uncle Jay. Then Uncle Jay and Daddy took some time putting together the swing set from Grandma Teresa. Caleb loves his swing!!! I think we will be getting a lot of use out of that swing set in the years to come! Here's a look at our little guy's first birthday day!

Enjoying his breakfast pancakes!

Having a great day!

Playing with daddy in the grass.

He loves to pick up rocks...luckily I don't think he's eaten one yet.

Walking around outside with daddy.

He loved the bows!

He thought his talking Elmo card was so funny.

Elmo hat from Grandma Teresa.

Enjoying the weather with Grandma Teresa.

Putting together the swing set from Grandma Teresa.

Having fun with Grandma and Great Grandma.

Working on walking on the uneven ground on his own... He fell down a lot but is getting better!

He loved his swing!

Cousin Nolan's Birthday Weekend!

We went back to Manson for the weekend to celebrate cousin Nolan's 4th birthday on Saturday the 20th! It was a wonderful party and a great day of celebrating! Nolan had a happy day full of smiles and giggles! He was surrounded by so many family and friends. Caleb is so lucky to have a big cousin like Nolan!

Sunday we got up and played with Grandma Marjean and Grandpa Dale, and then we headed back up to Northwood to finish up some things on the bathroom before Caleb's 1st birthday party on Sunday. I can't believe he will be one on Friday! Yikes!

Smiley birthday boy Nolan!

Uncle Adam and cousin Nolan

Caleb with Great Uncle Dan and Aunt Sarah... Caleb wasn't sure about all of the people at first. There were so many people to look at and get used to!

Grandma Marjean and Caleb.

Caleb wanted to check out all of the cool stuff Nolan got.

Caleb showing big cousin Nolan his early birthday present from Great Great Aunt Colleen!

Having a little joy ride through the dining room at Grandma Marjean's.

Caleb and Grandpa Dale checking out the ISU website...

A Few Steps!!!

Starting this week, Caleb has started taking a few steps between mommy and daddy. And the last day or so, he has started attempting to walk at times without being prompted. He gets so excited though and loses his balance a lot. Here's a little video of Caleb's newest trick! Watch out! He's on the move!

Fun at the House and a Visit from Grandma!

Caleb and daddy have been getting some nice playtime in together now that daddy is done with his class and is officially an EMT. Caleb loves to ride on daddy's shoulders and get tickled by daddy's beard.

Matt getting a nice little drool rinse!

So silly!

Caleb wearing his backpack from Grandma Teresa.

Eating his chick from Easter :-)

 Grandma Marjean came up to visit last week and watched Caleb all day on Wednesday. They had a great day together, and we had fun spending some extra time together. (We also didn't mind the supper she brought us from Famous Dave's!) And Caleb got some new clothes, including a pretty cute hat. Unfortunately Caleb didn't like to keep it on, but it was too cute!

Caleb wearing his cute new hat.

I'm pretty sure this is how most of the day went when Matt and I were at work. Grandma taking pictures of Caleb being silly (and I bet there were also a lot of kisses too)!

Caleb didn't want Grandma to go home.

Showing Grandma how big he is before she had to leave.