Camden's Birthday Celebrations!

To be honest, we didn't really plan anything for Camden's birthday because in the weeks leading up to his special day, we were consumed with another exciting event....my brother was getting married on October 31st! Yes, the day before Camden's birthday and on Halloween! We had also just moved into our new home a week ago, so our minds were all over the place! We knew we would do something to celebrate our beautiful baby boy, but just hadn't had a chance to figure out when or how.  That's the nice thing about a one year old....they don't have a clue so really you can celebrate whenever you want :-) 

Matt and Amy's wedding was absolutely perfect and we all had such an amazing time (accept for poor Kyle who ended up going back to the hotel with the boys early and basically missed the whole reception). I was so happy to be part of their special day and officially welcome Amy into the family! After a late night of celebrating, a new day dawned with another celebratory event...Camden's first birthday! Kyle's dad, John, and his wife Roberta, had come from Wisconsin to help out with the boys, so Camden's first gift game from them....a V-Tech walker. The funny part is, I had actually purchased the exact same one a few weeks ago but was planning on staying quiet about it....but of course that didn't happen with an overly honest 6 and 1/2 year old! Camden sure didn't seem to notice though and had fun opening it anyways :-) After breakfast, we parted ways and started the 4 hour journey home. Then, about halfway home, we saw a sign for a Toys R Us and Red Robin. Immediately, Kyle and I decided we needed to stop at the toy store to pick out a couple presents for our one year old and have a birthday lunch! What a fun way to break up the drive and also do a little celebrating on the way home :-) 

My view from the front seat on our way home....too priceless not to post :-)

Checking out one of his new toys in the aisles of Toy's R Us!

It's mine, all mine!

Cheesing with the birthday boy (while he holds his very own cellphone) at Red Robin!

And a little coloring to pass to the time :-)

After lunch (where Camden ate over half of Brett's mac n' cheese!), it was time for the staff to sing Happy Birthday to our boy! We weren't sure how he would react with all the commotion...but he ended up loving it, smiling the whole time! :-)

Then it was time for the best part...ice cream! Camden dug right in!

When we arrived home a couple hours later, he had another birthday present waiting for him...this neat dump truck from Grandma and Grandpa Mo! Still one of his favorite toys :-)

For not planning anything ahead of time, I think Camden's birthday turned out pretty good ;-) We then did a little more celebrating over Thanksgiving weekend when Uncle Matt and Aunt Amy were in town. Unfortunately, my good camera needs a new lens so we were only able to catch photos on our cell phones...but even if they're not the best quality, at least we were able to get some pics!

First things first...opening presents! Brett was a big help :-)

His new brooms and dustpan were a huge hit!

"Are you sure this thing is for ME?"

And yes, we did some regifting this year of some of Brett's old things. We already have so many toys...no need to buy more when they are new to Camden! Here he is checking out his plush bowling set :-) Brett loved this when he was Cam's age so we were happy to pass on the joy!

This kid is walking everywhere these days!

Watching intently as Uncle Matt demonstrates how to use the big broom :-)

After presents, it was time to eat dinner! We let Brett pick this year since Camden is too young, so Jet's pizza it was! By the way, I love finally having a real dining room table to sit around! The best! (Just don't pay too much attention to the ugly wall paper in the background....that is going to be one big project that I am not looking forward to! lol)

Happy Guy!

The sure sign Camden is all finished? He starts pouring out his water everywhere! Quick! Get him out!

Another shot around the table :-)

Then it was time for cake!  

Brett worked hard putting the frosting and sprinkles on!

Camden loved the balloons he got before his yummy dessert!

These pictures are out of order but you'll get the gist :-) I don't think he actually ate much of the cake but he sure had fun exploring and sampling this sweet birthday treat!

Love how his little hands are folded in the picture! So sweet.

"Oh geez, mom. Will you stop taking pictures already?!"

Finger Lickin' Good!

Happy 1st Birthday, Camden! 

We sure had a great time celebrating our special one year old little boy! I am so amazed how fast the time goes by, especially the 2nd time around, and am forever grateful for pictures and memories to look back on :-) Here's to another amazing year with you in our lives, Camden James! We love you to the moon and back.