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Flashback: Andrew's First Birthday

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 Back in October, Andrew celebrated his first birthday and that was about the last time I posted on this blog. I have a few theories why I've been away so long but I'll save that for another day.

Let's flashback to October 2014...

I've decided that I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest when it comes to kids birthday parties. I love all the creative things people come up with, but hate the pressure that builds inside of me to recreate something as imaginative. As a result, I decided to stay away from Pinterest this time around and simply go with a classic theme: primary colors and classic kids items, like crayons, balloons, and cars.

The night before the party, Nathan and I put together goody bags for our guests. We started with clean baby food jars that I'd been storing for months in the pantry. I didn't exactly have a plan for them, which probably drove Jeff crazy, but it seemed like a good idea to keep them. You never know, right? And according to Pinterest, you gotta be stocked with all sorts of supplies at any given moment.




A trip to the party store, and these round labels, inspired the crayon containers. 


We were thankful for all the family & friends who came to celebrate with us. I am always humbled by the love and support of so many people, near and far. It was a team effort to get things ready. 

  • Thanks to Grandpa Murray and Nathan for the decorations that were hung around the house. 
  • Thanks to Uncle Steve, Grandma Davolt, and Aunt Jennifer for helping to prepare food.
  • Thanks to Jeff for helping to get the house ready.
  • Thanks to the McMullan family for use of your extra table. 
  • Thanks to all the family who drove from Seattle area and beyond to celebrate with us.
  • Thanks to everyone for the gifts that Andrew (and Nathan) love to play with. 
  • Thanks for the long distance family and friends who sent birthday wishes.







At one year old (and beyond now), Andrew is active and curious. He loves to play with older brother and explore. 


No tears when opening gifts, like with Nathan. Nathan, in fact, wanted to take over the whole task. 

Andrew has lots of new favorite toys now. 




Knowing Andrew's love of balls, Grandpa Murray gave Andrew a bright yellow plastic ball with a smile on both sides. At the end of the evening, when the guests were gone, the lights were low and all my boys were in bed. I was watching TV, when I looked over towards the fire place and saw that yellow ball, with this face:








I guess he wasn't impressed. Oh well. I think Andrew was pretty satisfied with the day. 

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