Beck's First Birthday!

Becker turned one on March 4!! We celebrated with a birthday party at the house! Gran flew in from Texas, and so did Nana, Uncle Jimmy, and Aunt Debbie from California. We also had several of our good friends over. It was such a fun, fun time!

Here's a shot of the pre-party spread, beautifully put together by a very loving mommy. The theme of the party was blocks. Steph baked Becker a fun block cake and decorated it with his name—it was awesome! (I might have to request a block cake for myself next year!) She also made cupcakes for all the non-birthday people, which were equally awesome.



And here's a shot of the pre-party birthday stash for the little boy. Some people had mailed gifts in advance. The gifts multiplied once people started arriving. It was a sight to behold!



Beck with Grammy and Pappy. Joy.



Beck and Gran. Happiness.



The birthday boy with his parents and a block cake with his name on it. Fantastic.



Pre-party contemplation.





Becker and Daddy.



Beck with Uncle Jimmy.



We asked Malory to do a baby dedication for us in celebrating and memorializing the great occasion. She did a wonderful job speaking about the importance of family and friends in bringing up children and looking after their spiritual and other needs.





This is Miss Lilli Belle. She's a cutie. We were glad that she and her mom Julie were there to celebrate with us.



After some snacks and socializing, it was time to bring out the birthday cake!!



Happy, happy little boy!



He really loves clapping. Especially when he can get everyone to join in!



And . . . here it is . . .



He was a bit timid at first . . .



. . . but he eventually got some in his mouth.



Evaluating . . .



Yes, more, please . . .



Mmmmmm . . .



Oh, yeah!!



Enjoyment.



Next, it was time to open presents! We thought we would do the cake first, so that any potential sugar rush could be put to good use. Needless to say, Beck (and the other kiddos—including Malory) had a great time.





Checking out a new book. Becker was blessed with SO many books for his birthday—it was awesome! He has a veritable library now! He really enjoys book, so he's definitely set for a while.



It was really fun having several kiddos there to help us celebrate. It's so fun watching Becker interact with other little ones. Here he is with Ellie and Lilli.







So much fun!



There are three pairs of new shoes in this pic. That's fantastic.







Reagan, one of the daughters of our Mars Hill Church community group leaders, came over with her mom after a soccer game to be there with us.



Man, look at that red hair. Love it!



A ball! Definitely something every little boy needs.



Another book!



More fun stuff . . .



Great-Grandma Shelton sent a quilt! Such a lovely gift.



No little boy is an island—but Beck sure looks like one here, amidst a sea full of toys.



Pappy explaining the meaning of life to Becker.



Post-party wagon ride with a little lady and balloons. How cool is that??



We were so glad to have Nana there with us. Such a blessed time together.



Fun with the little boy.



Reading with Gran on the couch. Such a treat.



Taking the new fire truck rider from Aunt Tish and Uncle Joey for a spin!







Fun times in the wagon! Grammy and Pappy got Becker the sweet Radio Flyer. It's totally deluxe with two chairs, seat belts, and cup holders. Right on!







Post-party family pic.



Lounging with Mommy and a bottle.





Fun with Aunt Debbie!





Gran and Aunt Debbie—two very special women in our lives.



More birthday weekend pics with the family. Such a little gentleman with Nana.









These are the out-takes. :)







We had such an absolutely fun time celebrating Beck's birthday! We were blessed with the company of good friends, family, generous gifts, and much love. We send our thanks to all of you who are part of our lives, and to all of you who made this birthday such a wonderful time for our little boy!

Nathan