Everett's First Birthday!

On the evening of May 3rd, Everett was ready for what was coming the next day.  The BIG 1!!

Then, while he slept his last night as a 0 year old, I prepped some cakes...

so that from the moment he opened his eyes in the morning of May 4th, we could celebrate!

Emily offered to read him a book to start the day, which made him very happy.

But, after a few minutes he made it clear that he wasn't quite ready to be a one year old yet.

As soon as we were downstairs, Emily gave him his first present.  She found it in a catalog a few months ago and bought it for him several weeks before.  She was so excited!

Everett enjoyed ripping off the paper and was happy to see his new toy...

especially because it involved balls!

(* Uncle Ryan and Auntie J also scored with the same toy, so Everett will get to go shopping soon)

Then it was time for a favorite breakfast - pancakes!  To start the morning, he got to have an elephant.

He thought it was both funny...

and tasty.

After breakfast, it was time to check out his new present (and Emily was happy to help).

He had a ball.

(Yes, I know.  Very punny.  I had to though.)

Everett took a solid nap after his exciting morning and it was a good thing because there was much more in store!  As fast as we could, we ate lunch, packed up the car, and headed over to have lunch and some fun with Daddy.  It was Everett's birthday party at the fountains!

He crawled right in and sat down...

After a bit he was asking if he could go all of the way out into the middle.

So, of course, I obliged.

And when I finally pulled him out, he wondered why...

and told us just where he wanted to be.

It was a fun birthday party...

but eventually it was time to dry off...

get changed...

and head over for the REST of the party!

It was Everett's first carousel ride...

and he was a pro!

Emily was happy to be Everett's one and only guest for his birthday party.

When the ride was over, Everett thanked his horsey...

and posed quickly with me and Emily.

It was a very fun morning and afternoon - Everett was a happy boy.

But it wasn't over, just time for an afternoon nap.