ONE!

My adorable little nephew (“little” is figurative, but “adorable” very much literal!) turned one last week. My brother (Jim) and his wife (Megan) have the most fun friends, so every party they throw is always a blast.  Charlie’s birthday was no exception.

The party had a “zoo” theme and every detail was thought through…party favors and all. I was Emery and Adley were especially excited about getting to fill a box of candy to take home.

I told you the birthday boy was adorable (he has great genes):

His party trick was to show that he is one. I’m pretty sure if babies have complex thoughts, he was thinking, “how many times are these stupid people going to ask my age before they get it that I’m one. It’s not that complicated.” Needless to say, we kept asking and he kept struttin’ his stuff.

Charlie’s cousin Philip came in from Chicago for the occasion. No question he’s going to be able to hold his own when it comes time for wrestling his older cousin:

Meet Stella (Charlie’s second cousin). Are you kidding me with that smile and those beautiful eyes? My camera just wouldn’t stop taking pictures of her.

Charlie meets cake:

Pretty sure he was a fan.

I’d love to know what was going through his head here, but you shoulda heard the growl that accompanied the last pic. He’s ALL boy.

Charlie not only has great genes, he has an unbelievable heritage…all 5 of his great-grandparents were there to celebrate his big day.

Dear Charlie: thanks for turning 1 so we could all have candy and beer and cake under a big white tent on a beautiful summer day. I’m still coming down from the sugar high and I’m thinking “destination party” for the big number 2???