1st Birthday Party

We had Karsten's first birthday party on Saturday and were so happy to have many great family and friends join us to help celebrate.

Karsten waking up from his nap and surprised to see some of our family has arrived!

The birthday boy. His super cool birthday shirt was made by my mom - isn't it adorable! You know I had to find plaid shorts to coordinate with the shirt. :)

When Karsten saw Taylor, he very intently said something to Taylor. It was hilarious - Karsten took a deep breath and said something very important. Taylor looked at us and said "What did he say". LOL.

Karsten and Gaga talking. A big thank you to Shannon for driving out to pick up Gaga - we're so glad she was able to make it!

Grandpa and Karsten. I thought this seemed like a good time to get a picture of Karsten with Scott and I, but when I took Karsten from grandpa, he cried and cried. He was definetely grandpa's boy that afternoon!

There should be a cute baby in this picture, but we settled for one of just us.


This is what Karsten and Grandpa were doing while we were having the picture above taken. Just chillin'

I think he was just sitting here taking it all in for a minute...probably wondering if I would ever quit chasing him with this camera. :)

I always take a picture of the table when we entertain - some think I'm odd. O well - I like to make everything look pretty, so here is my attempt this time. :)

Karsten enjoying his birthday dinner - note that he's holding tight to that balloon. It was his constant companion while he was eating.


Gail and Steve

Jill and I

After everyone ate, it was time for birthday cake!

Karsten had his very own cupcake for him to mash into.


As if he didn't have enough blue frosting on his face, he ran his blue hand across his forehead. This was beyond cleanup with a washcloth - he was headed for a bath.

After a bath and an outfit change into the backup birthday shirt it was time to open presents

Beautiful rocking horse quilt made by Shannon to coordinate with the rocking horse that Chuck built.

Karsten, Kellen and Taylor playing with cars

Karsten had a great time pulling off all of the wrapping paper.

I blame this on our dog Madison - she carries toys around in her mouth so why shouldn't Karsten. :)

Us with Gaga

Karsten and I - we got one good pic, even if he is not smiling.

Shannon was tickling Karsten and he was cracking up.

After watching the other kids ride his rocking horse, he learned how to ride it on his own!


This was hilarious - Eden was showing off her dance moves and Taylor was circling her, trash talking and doing some wrestling type moves. They were so incredibly opposite it was funny to watch. They were both playing "at" each other but definetely not "with" each other!


Liz showing Karsten and Kellen how to play with the cool tractor that Gail and Steve got for Karsten. It was a big hit with all the kids!

We got the family picture I wanted - unfortunately it was at the end of the party and can you tell he's a 'little' sleepy and not into having his picture taken?

We tried to get a cute pic of Eden and Karsten. We had high hopes when we got both Eden and Karsten facing the same way...seems simple but it took a few tries. :) Eden started to put her arms around Karsten and Jenn and I were both ready with our cameras - this was shaping up to be a super cute pic. Then Karsten wouldn't put his tongue back in his mouth, Eden didn't look at the camera.....

and then Eden looked at the camera but Karsten's eyes were shut. They were starting to lean a little bit so we tried to save it...

and then they fell over. Too funny!


Overall it was a wonderful day. Thank you to everyone for making it such a special day!