The Dude's Big Day

What a day, what a party! What can I say? It was so much fun and the least amount of work we've ever had to do for a birthday celebration.

John Patrick says: when throwing one's first birthday party it really helps to have someone who loves you in the event business. Thanks to Mimi (and with help from Baba) we were able to host a lovely family gathering to celebrate the first year with our little Dude in style.

Mimi works at an events center in Long Beach, very close to many family and friends, and set up a wonderful luncheon - for a fraction of what it normally costs - plus lots of extras thrown in.

In the main lobby, it was clear where
the guests were suppose to go.

Mimi held the birthday boy before everyone arrived. This is the first of three shirts John Patrick wore throughout the day- all in an effort to keep him "picture perfect."

And speaking of picture perfect...

Zoe was feeling a little bit shy at the party. But warmed up eventually.

There was mounds of food. But the girls (and cousin Matt) were most impressed with the chocolate fountain.

(click to enlarge)

Our little guy was literally surrounded by friends and family: Granddaddio, Grandma Andree and lots of Liebel Aunts, Uncles and cousins. It was so wonderful to have everyone there.

While the adults ate and chatted, the kids ran around playing Hide and Seek...

and Tag (ahem...can you say "chocolate fountain").

The little guy hung with the Liebel men.

Question: Who would give a baby beer?

Answer: These guys.
(alternate answer: Unca Stu)

Then there was The Show.
What everyone came to see.
And the Dude did not disappoint.
"Seriously? I can eat this?"

"What the heck is this stuff?!"

"Hmmm, interesting..."

"Hey, a balloon!"

The paparazzi.

"Pretty cool when you smash it between your hands."

"Don't go near the baby!"

"We told you not to go near the baby!"

"So, can I have another one?"

"Up?"

The cleanup.

A total outfit change is necessary.

And finally lots and lots of present. Everyone totally spoiled him again with so many fun new toys and clothes that we can't wait to try out. The biggest hit was the toy laptop (Thanks Jenny and Jeremy!) he cried when I took it away to try to get it out of the box and has played with it all morning.

Thank you everyone for sharing this great day with us. We had a blast and hope you all did too.

Good thing your Mimi loves you so much, kid.

"Is it over yet?"