Michael's Birthday Party!

The big day was finally here! It was so exciting and so much fun. We had a lot of wonderful family and friends attend, and Michael certainly had a blast! It was good to see everyone and share this special day.

First I want to brag on my incredibly talented sister-in-law. She should truly open a business of making cakes for people. Jackie made the cake - which was delicious, moist and almond flavored! Then Alison got her hands on them and they were so incredible. The pictures don't really do them justice (no pun intended!!) - the detail was incredible on both of them. Thanks so much to the best sis/aunt!

The police car cake...

and the badge cake...(paying respect to the "bee hive" badge of CMPD, of course!)

Michael wore his police uniform - the little mini-blonde David!

and hung out with all the people who came to celebrate. Here he is with Judy and Joann...

Sheniah made him the sweetest poster...

and had a lot of fun hanging out with Mark and Joann's daughter, Amber.

Maria made a little friend, Caroline...

David did the grilling...

and with perfect timing, Michael was ready for a nap when the food was finished...I got a peaceful meal!

When he got up it was time for him to eat and have cake. Here he is with Sheniah before the "candle ceremony" and digging in...aren't they cute?? She's got the best grin...of course, he looks a bit worried...

As is his typical fashion, Michael was quite suspicious of the cake at first (he treats all food as if it is poisoned...won't touch it, let alone eat it) - I suppose he is destined to be a cop - already suspicious of things!!

Finally he decided to give it a little taste...

and quickly realized it was REALLY good!

The onlookers got a kick out of his change in attitude and the eventual double fisting of cake!

After a quick cleanup and outfit change, it was time for presents. Michael preferred the cards - he loves to read and open and close things so he had a great time with all the cards...

Maria came to help out - Wesley and Sheniah were bored by this point and were off playing!

I was so happy and fortunate to have Cathy with me to help out and enjoy the day. She even gave up tickets to a Wake Forest game to come! Unfortunately she was my cameraman all day and I don't have a single picture of her. But, she did bring Wake to the party!

Then the party was over and it was time to come home.

Michael had such a wonderful time and got some incredible gifts from everyone...the food and company were fantastic. I think it was a good time for all.

Here are a few more shots from the last few days...

One of the gifts from Aunt Alison and family was this little chair/activity center. Michael realized quickly how much fun this was!

He also got several "handle haulers" (little push cars with handle's on top) which I will say are a must for any child of this age - he is so fascinated by them!

One of the coolest parts of watching him learn to walk is when he now goes from sitting or crawling to standing without the help of holding on to anything. These handle haulers have made him even more determined to do that, and he will even stand up while holding on to them! Here he is mid-stand...

However, he is becoming quite a ham and every time I try to capture this act he stops and races over to me grinning and trying to get the camera!

Here he is enjoying more cake after lunch the other day. He really likes it now!

And finally in one of his presents from David, Sheniah and I...a little blow-up car that came with lot's of balls for him to sit in!
So it has been a fun and wonderful year. He is so much fun and has brought so much joy to all our lives.

On another, VERY EXCITING note...Sheniah is getting braces tomorrow!!! She is so excited she can hardly stand herself! I don't know how she is going to get any sleep tonight!