Colin's 1st birthday party

Colin had his 1st birthday party on Sunday. We kept it small, only immediate family came by the house. First off, we have a house that seems to become very full with only a few people there. And, Colin seems to be a bit intimidated by big crowds, even if the crowd of people are his loved ones. So, we did a sports ball theme, and had cookies decorated like basketballs, baseballs, cue balls, golf balls, and soccer balls. My mom came down on Thursday night and we spent many days trying to pull off the appropriate decoration for each ball. I think we both had fun, just were tired of smelling the sweet icing by the end of the party!
Colin did great at the party. He was, of course, overwhelmed by the big group of people, but by the end, didn't seem to mind them much.
We got a cute family photo during the gift opening time. Colin got this cute chair from his Grammie & Granddad.

This is where I found Colin when people were first arriving. He was just sitting by himself over by the fireplace, probably trying to figure out what the fuss was all about. Luckily, Uncle Chris came over and played with him one-on-one.

Colin got a cool 3-in-1 sports toy that he just loves. Oh, and his uncles and dad like playing with it too. Apparently they decided they should "break it in" for him first. Sheesh, Colin couldn't even play with his toys on his birthday. What's the world coming to?

Colin also got some really cool Nerf sports balls from his Aunt Tiff & Uncle Chad. But, those might have to get put somewhere he can't reach them for a while, because his sharp little teeth sink right into those soft balls and I don't want him to ruin them! I can't wait until he stops putting everything in his mouth.

Colin's cousin Olivia was at the party and had a great time playing with the new toys. Here's the two of them with an awesome puzzle that Meemaw got him. The puzzle was a bit difficult for Colin to do (he only had one free hand) since he wouldn't let go of the yellow shovel that Meemaw also got him. Good thing Olivia was there, she just had her first birthday a couple of months ago, and helped Colin play with his new toys.

Colin did what every parent fears will happen on their child's first birthday...he reached right out with is quick-flinging arms and grabbed the flame on the lit candle. Luckily, he put it out with one swift pinch, but that scared him a bit, and all of the party go-ers didn't quite know what to do. We all stopped singing and just stood there, trying to figure out what just happened. He was fine, no burning or anything, and it's actually kindof funny looking back on it now. But, here's Mommy and Daddy and Colin blowing out the candle (for the second time!)

Colin wasn't quite sure what to do with the cake. He poked at it for a while, tasted the frosting, seemed a little intrigued by it, then was done. He really didn't get into it all that much. But, he had fun poking at it and licking his fingers. I'm sure it's because he knew how hard his Mommy worked on decorating the cake and he didn't want to mess it up, right? Thanks, kid!

The before...

And after...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLIN!! WE LOVE YOU!!