What a fun evening.

We had lots and lots of guests. (Which isn't hard to manage when you come from a family of nine.) Beyond those related by blood, our good friend/babysitter, our adopted-because-he-lives-with-my-family-brother, and a couple from church with a little boy who will turn 1 in March (he and Jack are nursery buddies) came. It's always fun to have a houseful!

Some pictures of our guests:

(if you know these guys, this picture won't alarm you. otherwise...)

one of our favorite families


the Papa arrived!


Nursery Pal


Younger Cousin

Gift-opening is always hilarious with kids! (It's tough to keep a 1-year-old on task.) While the first package did seem to somewhat pique his curiosity, he was far from an enthusiastic participant. But when he got it opened--boy!--was it a hit! The problem then was that we were hard-pressed to get him to give anything else a second glance! (Good job, Aunt Em! You picked a winner!)

from somewhat interested...

...to totally absorbed!


after some coaxing, willing to give this toy a chance...


...but letting big sister take over the enjoyment of the rest of the gifts...


...so Mom finally takes over

As for the cake, I knew it would be a hit with him. After all, what baby doesn't like cake? (None of mine, at any rate.) Considering the fact that he eats a rather small variety of table foods and in small amounts at any given time, I'm still not sure how his digestive system is doing after letting him have at it! But it sure was fun!

What do I do with this???


Uh, my hands are dirty...


Uncle Ry gives needed re-assurance


Tasty...


OK, I'm game!

It was a great evening. We are so blessed to have loving family and friends who will mark these milestones with us. And, even more, we are so blessed in Jackson. He is so, so precious.