Owen's 1st Birthday

Happy Birthday Owen!  

I just can't believe my little guy is 1 year old!  

We sure do love this little boy.  He fits right in with the bunch.  He loves his brothers and sister (especially his sister) and can't wait to be running along beside them.  

Owen hasn't always been the happiest baby in the world, but he is turning over a new leaf.  Lately he has been much happier... and I bet when he is walking he will be even happier.  

Owen awoke to find his birthday decorations.  I love this age when they are so excited about the ribbon, balloons, and streamers around the room.  His little pointing finger and "ooo-ing"  was too cute.  It makes it all worth it.  

We all shared in the traditional "First Birthday Breakfast" ... Scrambled Eggs.  Owen was loving life.

 After a full tummy he was off.... to find the balloons :).   

 Lucky for us, Dad had forgotten his wallet and had to come back after taking Abigail to school.  He was able to open the first present of the day.  It took a little coaching when it came to ripping the paper, but once he realized it was okay, he had no problem.  

 Showing the big boys how his new toy works :).  

 I love first birthdays.  Nothing to plan.  No fancy day to create.  Just doing fun things with my little guy.  After breakfast and a present, we headed to the park.  Owen loves to slide.  So slide he did.  Then back home for a morning nap (the birthday boy was going to get all the sleep he wanted... so he could be a happy boy).  He loved his peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch and playing cars with the gang.  

After we picked up Abigail from school, we opened another gift.  It was a hit.  Not only with Owen, but the other three as well.  I had to keep asking them to "backup and give him some space", or  "please give "Owbo" back his car."  Crazy kids.  

 For dinner we thought we would finish up the day with some fabulous Mac and Cheese.  I debated whether or not I should make it or buy it.  In the end going out for Mac and Cheese won.  There is this great Mac and Cheese place downtown on 12th street called SMAC.  They serve all kinds of varieties and they are all sooooooo yummy!  Owen LOVED his Mac :)   and so did everyone else.  

Then we headed back home for some cake and ice cream. 

After Owen's experience with a chocolate chunk cookie the weekend before, I knew he was going to LOVE this chocolate cake.  Well... who doesn't love a black-out cake from the Two Red Hens Bakery.  

This cake is so good it is beyond dangerous.  

 Owen was a little taken back with everyone singing and staring at him... 

But it didn't take long to figure out that the cake in front of him was delicious and all for him.  

After taking a few little tastes and realizing what he had was a good thing, he quickly turned to his sister next to him to share...  it was too cute.  

I love watching how each child attacks their cake differently.  All the kids thought the event was quite fun too.  The boys (Dallin and Connor) were very worried that Owen was going to eat the entire thing. Too funny.  We tried to reassure them that there would be plenty.  Soon enough we had to start slicing for everyone :).  

 This boy sure does LOVE chocolate. 

After he had his fill, it was straight to the tub with this little chocolate monster.  

It was a perfect day.  

Family, Fun, and Chocolate.  

It is crazy to think that just one year ago, we were sitting in the NICU hoping and praying to bring home our little baby.  His journey may have started a little rough.  But what a blessing he has been.  

We love you, Owen.