Celebrating ONE

We invited all of the family over to celebrate Luke's birthday.

And, of course, we took the traditional kiss sandwich picture before the fun began.

First item of business was Luke's cake.

Noah didn't hesitate when we asked him to help Luke blow out his candle. 

He also thought it was pretty awesome that Luke got a whole cake to himself AND got to eat it with his hands.

Luke had no problem taking on his cake.

It was funny though.  He just kept looking over at me like, "Hey mom, this is REALLY o.k.???"

It was a total sensory experience: tasting and seeing his first cake, feeling and smelling the sticky frosting on his hands and in his mouth, and listening to all of the family laugh and 'ooh' as he ate.

I loved how Luke just sat with his signature bounce that he does and ate away.

Sure, we were having dinner, but since the first birthday cake is practically a rite of passage in our culture, it was not being left for later. 

I could have watched him for another hour, but Nate got him cleaned up and I finished getting dinner ready.

Luke could eat his weight in pasta, so that's what the big boy, and all of us, had for dinner.

After dinner it was time for presents.

Luke had lots of helpers when it came time to open his gifts.

And he definitely kept an eye on those presents to make sure those 'helpers' weren't having too much fun with HIS presents.

Oh, how this boy got spoiled.

Literally every gift was perfect for him.

He thought it was great that Brennan wanted to give him a ride.

Kristina and Jason continue to keep the boys outfitted in their proper BYU attire.

I was sad for the night to end.  This little boy is so fun to celebrate.  I love being his mom.  I love that he's a part of our family.  I love that he is learning to show love.  And I love that I can watch him grow and change and learn every day.  We can't wait to see all of the fun changes that are ahead in year 2!