Caden's 1st Birthday

Our "baby" Caden turned one on Monday, January 21st. Hard to believe, isn't it?! Grandpa Bob and Grandma Bernitta couldn't miss out so they flew in the 16th and stayed a full week. That helped make his first birthday extra special. He remembered them also and wasn't scared, which was a relief.

The festivities began Sunday when we threw him his birthday party. Mom helped me bake and decorate my first cake. I went with an Elmo theme since Caden loves Sesame Street. We invited all the neighbors over and had a total of 25 guests. What a house full! We all sang happy birthday and let him tear into his cake. My mom had the Dustbuster out midway. He made a HUGE mess, but that's what first birthday cakes are for, right? I organized a treasure hunt for the kids, although it ended up being anything but organized with two groups of six kids racing around the house.

Caden with all his buddies


Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you...


This kid knows how to make a mess


You want some, Grandma? Um, no thanks Caden...


Triumph over the cake


Is this cleanup or are we just getting messier?


The day of his birthday, my parents took us all out for 2 meals and we walked around a pet store and a toy store. And of course, Caden opened his presents! Grandpa Bob and Grandma Bernitta gave him a little Kawasaki four-wheeler. He LOVES it. Now he just needs to walk and make it go himself! He did stand by himself a few times the past week so he's making progress.

Lemme at 'em...


Our little motorhead


Brian and I FINALLY finished painting his humongous pine toy box. His eyes got as big as saucers when we carried it in. He really enjoys being able to lean over the box and easily see his toys. I really enjoy not having toys strewn all over the great room. He got a ton of other gifts and cards from family and friends. He is officially spoiled.

He KNOWS what cake is now...

Overall, he was an extremely happy birthday boy and we made a lot of memories. The only tears shed really were yesterday over a new tooth and the "scary" photographer at Sears. Probably more tears tomorrow as he gets his 1-year immunizations.

The house is quiet now. Brian left early this morning and my parents left this evening. Brian is at the Marine Corps triathlon team tryouts in Florida for the next four days. Tomorrow he has an extensive swim field test, weight lifting, and endurance mile runs. The following day includes a 4-hour bike ride, more swimming, and track drills. The next day is no better and the last day includes a full triathlon. Let's just say I'm glad it's him and not me. He's excited. He left me a message earlier saying the US national triathlon team is also at the National Training Center! I'm sure he'd like hearing your well wishes so shoot him an email if you want (irishrrp@gmail.com). He turns 28 on Friday also. We're going to celebrate when he gets back.

Thanks for all Caden's gifts and cards! And a special thanks to my parents for flying out here. Miss you already...