Birthday Parties

Yesterday was Cole's 1st Birthday Party.  Wow, what a day.
It started calm enough.  I got up with the boys at about 7am, and we ate some breakfast (peanut butter and jelly waffles for Jax, and rice cereal and fruit for Cole).  When Dad got up, we all got ready and loaded into the car.  Cole went to Nana and Papa's house (to facilitate good napping, since he is not a good traveler) while the rest of the family drove to Jana and David's house for Lincoln's birthday party (it was actually his birthday yesterday).  Happy 3rd birthday, Linc!  We had brunch and cupcakes and Jackson played with all of the kids at Lincoln's party, and at about noon we headed back home. 

I ran off to Hy-Vee to pick up the cake and balloons and other various items we needed.
Aunt Jeana and Uncle Ryan came over early to help get things ready (Dad and I decorated with streamers and banners the night before).
At about 4pm, people started arriving-47 people in all (17 children). What a crowd.  Cole, you are one loved little boy.  The theme of the party was Our Little Rock Star, so we had guitars and stars everywhere. 

Cole liked opening presents, but I am pretty sure all of the other children got just as big a kick out of it. Cole had lots of help.  Jackson and I ended up doing most of the opening.  Cole was more interested in the wrapping and tissue paper. 

After gifts, we moved on to cake. 

Cole was very excited to eat, started out a little timidly, and then just went for it. 

Cole's Guest List:
Mom and Dad and Jackson
Nana and Papa
Grandma and Grandpa
Uncle Ryan and Aunt Jeana
Uncle Coby and Aunt Kerry, Brielle and Alexandra
David and Jana, Lincoln and Emmy
Matt and Amanda, Benson and yet unnamed Heeren-to-be
Great Grandma Catherine Round
Great Grand Aunt Cherie Beer
Great Aunt Pam and Uncle Jeff Harper
Matt and Andrea Wenzel, Hannah and Chloe
Ashley Thrasher, Emmy and Averie
Lacey and Lanie Hochenauer, and Steven Adams
Amy and Madison Teschner
Sue Patterson, Kaleigh and Zachery Ziesel
Lorie and Josh Rosebrook, and Clara
Ray and Krystal Staggs, Carson and Henry

We were all very excited that so many of our friends and family were able to come for Cole's party. 
When it was time for the Brown's to leave, Lincoln says to his mom, Jana, "Mom, Just say 'Yes'"
"To What, Lincoln"
"Just Say 'Yes', Mom"
"Okay, Yes"
"Yes, I do get to stay!"
Almost as ornery as Jackson (and that takes a lot of practice).

After the party had wound down a bit, Jax was getting ready to go downstairs (again)and play some more, and Lincoln and David were coming upstairs when Jax turned around to say something to me.  When he turned back around, the door to the basement was opening, and he caught it full in the eye, practically walked right into it.  It actually cut underneath his eye, and gave him a black eye, but he is a tough guy, and was only upset for a few moments.  This picture is of the next morning.

All the gifts are a huge hit, and Cole has had a hard time deciding what to play with this morning.  Whatever he plays with, he loves to clap for himself after.  Some favorites include his new ride on "Cars" toy, his dumptruck with blocks inside (he loves to dump them out and put them back), his new "lawnmower", and definitely his new tunnel tent. And he wore one of his new outfits today.  I can not believe the little guy is going to be 1 tomorrow.