Birthday Bash

Gavin's birthday celebration was a farm theme, which meant I put out a few farm decorations and named the food farm-like things. (Chicken feed, little piggies, etc.) I had no idea what I'd do with a bunch of little kids on a hot August day, so we bought a big blow-up waterslide and had sprinklers, baby pools, water balloons, and a water table. Oh, and Gavin was the lucky recipient of a trampoline for his first birthday, courtesy of Nonna and Papa. I thought the kids would think that our water stuff was lame since most of them have swimming pools at home. But, it ended up being a big hit! They must have appreciated having a new activity to do outdoors in the summer. (I guess?) Not farm-themed at all...but whatever.

Playing in his new kitchen that I got him for his birthday, and which Dylan and Tom spent hours assembling because it arrived in 1,000 parts.

Hudson and Cruz came a minute early to break in the slide.

Gavin with Guinea and Grandpa.

The birthday boy had his obligatory smash cake, and he was pretty indifferent to the attention during the singing of 'Happy Birthday.' Once he got into the sugar, he enjoyed it. I only cringed a little bit watching him stuff his face with the store-bought cake and cut him off only when he was good and messy.

The best part of the weekend was that Gavin's grandparents from Oregon flew in on Friday to join in on the fun. They picked up Gavin at Dawn's and surprised Dylan at home. We were so happy to have them here.

Gavin had his 12-month appointment today and took his shots like a champ. Unfortunately for him, the office had received their stock of flu vaccine the day before, upping his shot count from three to four. Soldier boy proved that he has a powerful set of lungs upon being poked in the thighs but was happy as can be by the time we walked out of the office. Dr. Gerlach confirmed that his first set of molars had completely poked through, so hopefully the cranky man of a couple weeks ago is long gone. Also, since he's grown another inch and a half since mid-June, he's still topping the charts in the 99% for height. And only 77% for weight, if you can believe that! I've sure been enjoying our happy guy. As long as he stays well-fed, he's good to go, and now that he's off the bottle, he's been plowing through meals like a teenager.