Brooke’s First Birthday Party

Today was Brooke’s first birthday party.  Her birthday is Tuesday but we had some of her friends over to celebrate her birthday with all of us.  We had a house full of babies, most of which were Brooke’s age — one younger, one older.  Laura did an amazing job prepping all week and setting up for the party as I was lucky to get off work in time for the party to start.  Brooke played with her friends, and with many more baby hands our living room quickly converted to a busy toy laden playground.  Then Brooke opened presents and everyone was surprised how she understood how to get her cards out of the envelopes and how well she pulled the wrapping paper off.  She received a lot of wonderful things from her friends and still has all of her family gifts to open on Tuesday.  We tried to have her wear her cute birthday hat (thanks Allison) but unfortunately she didn’t want to keep it on for long.  Better luck with her birthday photos on Tuesday.  Afterwards, she had her first taste of cake which Laura made and decorated for her.  She was sort of puzzled at the consistency and overall stickiness of the icing, and didn’t get to much of the cake, but she did a good job sliding the cake over and ‘smashing’ it.  It was a very successful first birthday party.

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Garden Girl

Brooke is helping Laura with the garden this spring and summer. We think it will be a fun experience for her and to learn about where food comes from. She was so excited she walked from the chair she was holding and got her feet in the soil!

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Bike Ride

Today Brooke got to open a birthday gift a little early, her new bike seat.  We tried it out early to make sure it fit, and then took it for a spin around the neighborhood per gifters request – – Thanks Oma and Opa.  After Brooke’s tears during the ‘helmeting’ phase (of excitement I assure you), she really seemed to enjoy herself while riding.  Later on while we were inside we happened to catch Brooke in the act of sitting herself up, what we had known she had done this morning, now we got to see it.

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