The love that one has for their grandchild is unlike any other, so I was particularly pleased to be having the big celebration for Mr. Silas’ first birthday at my house. Although his official birthday wouldn’t be until the next day, Ashleigh opted to have the party on Saturday, May 5, 2012. Her Mom and I chipped in with her to help cover the pizza, and I was sent off to the store to pick up the giant Winnie the Pooh cake that morning. Christi and Ashleigh decorated the house with streamers and balloons and the guests started to roll in around 2pm. They also thoroughly cleaned the house so that the cat dander wouldn’t disturb Adam’s allergies too bad.
We had a good turnout and I think Silas was happy to have so many loved ones around. From Ashleigh’s side of the family were Mom & Bob, Dad, Denise and Adam and Megan, Christi and Creed, Creed’s friend Sarah, Joy, and Bob & Pat. From Stephen’s side of the family were his Mom Barbara & Gary, his Dad Mark & Anita, and his brother David. Stephen, of course, was conspicuously absent as he was still in the slammer.
Ashleigh picked out a great selection of pizzas from Donatos and we had plenty of chips and soda. Then we moved on to the giant Winnie the Pooh cake and sang the obligatory birthday song. Silas was unsure how to navigate blowing out the candle, so Ashleigh assisted. She put him in his high chair to see how would handle a piece of cake. He delicately touched it now and again, but he is a bit persnickety about getting his hands messy, a trait he inherits from Ashleigh and from me. So even though he got some icing on his face, he never really dug in and made a mess.
The big cake with the big lake
Sarah and Creed are astonished that they are going to get to eat this
Silas and his Great Aunt Denise
Ashleigh gets Silas prepped for action
Silas is pleased that his Mommy gets to do all of the work this year in blowing out the candle(s)
Silas takes a moment to ponder this whole situation
At first Silas shows his daintiness in digging into the cake
But once the shirt comes off, he is less encumbered to dig into it…
…laugh at it…
…snort at it…
…and sneeze on it.
Silas made out like a bandit in the gifts department. It really, truly did look a bit like Christmas without the tree at my house. In addition to putting money in his bank account, I got him the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Fun with Friends Musical Table. I didn’t actually see him laugh or learn, but he did bang on it a bit. Among the other highlights were a kitchen set from Ashleigh, and rocking horse, a CD player, some sort of kid’s mechanical bull, and an ample supply of clothes.
The loot
Assisting Silas on his rocking horse
Honing his kitchen skills by removing everything including the kitchen sink
Mark helps him with his chores
It doesn’t seem that long ago that this young man was celebrating his first birthday
Silas is clearly bored with the birthday card from me
But he is excited to take a break from the gifts in order to vacuum a little bit more
Silas wouldn’t do it, so Ashleigh holds up some of Silas’ new clothes
Adam is clearly longing for the days when he used to have birthdays, as Silas digs in
Gifts from ‘afar’ : his first CD player from his father
Too cool for school…or anything else for that matter
Ashleigh’s hope was that if Silas had his own laptop, he wouldn’t be so interested in molesting hers. Dream on, sistah.
Megan proves that she too is ultra-cool
Mom, Megan, Denise, Dad, and Adam kick back and watch Silas go to town
The proud Grandpa and the birthday boy, who is somewhat distracted
Adam mounts his mechanical zebra thing
He moves on to the activity table that I got for him, while Megan mounts the surly steed
Silas assisted by his Great-Nana
After I accused Sarah of being spy, she texted to someone: “They are asking me if I am a spy or not.”
Bob is caught red handed with a beard and mustache…and playing with Silas’ stain-free ink
As with most gatherings, we all got a free hula hoop show
Silas amidst the unwrapped loot
Christi, Silas, and Great-Big-Daddy
Silas and his Great-Grandma. I think this kid has more grandparents than anyone ever has.
It was a great party and it was nice to have nearly all of his family members present. Sadly, Briana hadn’t been able to make it, but she came the next day. But most importantly, I was honored to have Silas’ first birthday at my house, and although he won’t remember it, I think I took enough pictures that he’ll get the idea of what happened that day.
After the party, I went outside and checked out the Supermoon
May 2012 will continue…
Great pictures!
Aaron
May 27th, 2012
Looks like Silas had a wonderful birthday and was with so many people who love him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Silas!
Chris
May 28th, 2012
That last response was from me. I didn’t know Chris was logged on here. (But I’m sure Chris wants to wish Silas a Happy Birthday too!)
Bev
May 28th, 2012
Yes, it seemed uncharacteristically upbeat for Chris.
Brad
May 28th, 2012
Hey Brad, so glad to be back online to share your joy. I have missed reading about all your travels and adventures. What a beautiful grandchild you have. Keep posting pics of those precious babies, what a treasure they are!
Evie
May 28th, 2012