Happy Birthday to You! - Elizabeth and Jacob's Birthday Party

We decided to have Beth and Jake's first birthday party be family only. Being born in the winter doesn't give the option for an outdoor party, and we didn't want to spend money on renting a gathering space. Plus, it just seemed nicer to have a more casual affair than the blow-out we did for Abby's first birthday. Second (and third!) kids are already getting the shaft. :-) So we ended up inviting family over for dinner, cake, and ice cream. Everyone chatted and chilled while they ate, then we opened presents, chatted for a bit more, then cleaned up and went to bed. All in all a very wonderful way to celebrate these two munchkins and their entrance into our lives.

I printed up my favorite pictures from this past year and taped them up on the walls (with the help of Haylee and Abby). I loved, loved, loved looking back over the course of this past year and seeing how much they've grown.

The birthday kids eating their dinner. I think they ate their weight in lasagna.

All the Akers' Grandkids got together for a photo. Some would say they were forced, but we ignore those people. :-)

Chase and Conner had a blast with our garbage can. You kick the bottom (the black area where Chase's finger is pointing) and the lid automatically opens, then shuts after a few seconds. These boys were easily playing here for 15 minutes before they were made to eat some dinner.

Blowing out their birthday candles. Since the "smash cakes" were free they each got their own.

Their birthday cake for the rest of us. I'll admit it wasn't exactly what I was going for, but the cake decorator tried so hard that I very much appreciated her efforts.

Jake slowly testing out the frosting.

While Beth just dove in for the goodness.

A second handful confirms that the frosting is still super yummy.

Jake carefully grabs another handful of only the dark blue frosting.

Enough of the middle hand - er man. Straight to the mouth it is!

She thoroughly enjoyed her cake and frosting - at least until the sugar rush hit and her tummy started feeling all wonky.

Jake took a slightly different approach and tried to just eat the dark blue ribbons of frosting, leaving the rest of his cake alone. Whatever works for ya, buddy!

Beth enjoying her new ball pit from Auntie Katie and Uncle Bo.

Jake enjoying one of his new books.

Playing with their new toys.

Happy first birthday my wonderful babies! You have been a joy to watch grow up this past year as you've made huge leaps and bounds in your development. I can't wait for all the smiles, giggles, and snuggles that this next year will bring.