Everyday Story: There are times when something happens, we don’t get it on film or tape, and this turns out to be the best way to note it. Today Ian and I were sitting in the living room. I said “Are you hungry?” He stood up, stepped up on my legs, and hooked one arm behind my neck, the other arm ending in a finger pointing directly at the dining room table and his high chair. I guess that’s a yes? (Might be hard to picture this, but as I’m the only means of transport over the barricade, try to think of him as him hailing a taxi and revealing his destination in one smooth gesture.)

Ian’s b-day party was held a day early, but we figured it’ll be some time before he figures it out. 😉 Grandma Sue flew in from Florida to hang out during Michigan’s coldest of days this year. (Sorry Granny Sue!) Grandpa Dave and Grandma Marcia drove over despite the adverse weather conditions, and once we were all settled down and fed (thanks ian’s mama!) It was time for presents and cake! Let the photos begin!

Grandpa Dave holds Ian in the perfect spot to take this shot… you can actually see the candle on the “cake” hat! See this image larger.

Some really cool blocks, a warm sweater and winter coat are a warm Florida hug from Grandma Sue! See this image larger.

Grandma Sue knew the secret of the blocks, and explained it to Ian… See this image larger.

…The blocks had cool things inside. Like this! Ian – “A sealed cylinder with a ball inside. HOW dada? HOW?” See this image larger.

“Gog!” was the best Ian could muster upon seeing this talking puppy toy…See this image larger.

… but the resulting smile perhaps said what his mouth yet cannot. See this image larger.

Thanks Grandma Marcia for bringing a nice delicious cake! And it even looks like we coordinated colors somehow! See this image larger.

If you don’t understand the idea behind the “smoosh” cake, you shall in a caption or two! See this image larger.

But first, concentrate on something for which to make a birthday wish, kiddo. I know you’re not supposed to tell us but you’re making it pretty obvious. Nope, you can’t have Uncle Chris’s French Toast until we see Uncle Chris again… nope, no real laptop until Daddy gets a new one… and… well I guess you’ll have to ask your Mama about owning your own Death Star. See this image larger.

Smoosh. Cake. See this image larger.

Looking good, kiddo, but you’re only half-way through, can you go on? Give us a sign! See this image larger.

“What else can we get you, your majesty?” See this image larger.

Ian – “Ice cream!” See this image larger.

Grandpa Dave gets a giggle for being goofy! See this image larger.

I’m not going to lie, Dada put this picture in here because Mama looks so nice! 🙂 See this image larger.

Hooray, our lil boy is a year old! Here’s to many more! See this image larger.

Thanks again for braving the elements to help celebrate! Also thanks to everybody who sent cards and gifts! Ian – “Hey, hey… back off from my cake!” See this image larger.