John's First Birthday Party

On Saturday, July 11, 2009 (International 7-11 Day - Free Slurpees at participating 7-11 locations), we threw John his first birthday party at Grammy Brady's house. It was quite a hot day, but people seemed to enjoy themselves for the most part.

The day started out easy enough. Our boy woke up at 6:30 as is his custom. He had his bottle (aka baba) and breakfast (aka mush). He was so excited. He could sense something was up, but he just didn't know what. He also didn't take his mid-morning nap. Unfortunately, that played a big part in JD's antisocial behavior later in the day.

Grammy Brady said we should have the food delivered early since it would be close to lunch time. We served Greek food from Daphne's Greek Cafe. There was lamb (my sister refused to believe it was lamb), beef kabobs, and chicken kabobs. If ever you are looking for a nice easy catered meal, try Daphne's, the sides (rice, salad, and pita) are enough to fill you up. And, they deliver. The food is good and priced quite reasonably.

The old folks sat under the umbrellas since it was a rather hot day. The young folks were running around and even played a game of monkey in the middle. Some kids even started to wrestle with the blow up monkeys later in the day. There weren't any planned activities. Actually, we did plan on having a couple of games with prizes, but we didn't bother to bring them out. We figured it was easier for the kids to run around and tire themselves out. Plus, we didn't exactly have prizes for everyone and we know in today's world that everyone needs to get a prize or someone will leave with tears. It's a shame really. Kids should learn that there are winners and losers in life.

At about 1:30, we brought out the cake. John was being a little too antisocial since he didn't take his nap. He only wanted to be held by his mother. He wouldn't go to his grandmothers or anyone. It was a bit upsetting, but no one seemed to mind our little antisocial boy. He really does take after me in that way. In the shot on the right, you can see one of his more socialable moments. I wonder what his cousin, Matthew, is thinking as he stands back there with his water gun?

Once everyone was gone, we decided to open up gifts. I think this may be the only time in his life where John won't care about gifts. He just wanted to crawl around Grammy's house and let his Cousin Adriana and the Lopez boys, Dylan and Matteo, open up his presents. They were very good helpers and I'm sure John would give his thanks to them if he knew to say thank you.

Thanks to all who attended. We hope you enjoy your party gifts. For those who consume them, I must warn you that the gifts will one day be collectors items. They may be worth money when John is a famous international playboy. I do not want your ignorance of the collectible market to ruin your chance to make a quick buck later in life. Some of you loyal readers will receive one of the fine prizes. Be on the look out on Monday morning or in the mail later this week.