Simon the big boy!

I cannot believe that this little guy is already a year old. This past year seems like it has gone by so fast.

He loves animals, animal sounds, and riding his rocking horse, so we went with a farm theme for his birthday

It is always exciting when Daddy gets home from work, especially when Momma has been spending a lot of time working on Simon's birthday present

These pictures were supposed to be for a sneak peak of his gift, but oops too late

Not much of a mystery, but still a work in progress

I needed to recruit Gran to help me with the details on the end because I was getting frustrated and she is just so good at this kind of thing

And no we are not encouraging chewing tobacco, we just painted it for nostalgia  

Critters in progress

And this is what happens when Momma is painting instead of  playing blocks

Getting out posed a bit more of a challenge but not to worry he has mastered it

This was after he took his hat off, so proud of himself

In the week leading up to Simon's birthday we finally had some day warm enough ( i.e. above zero) so the kids got to do some sledding in the driveway. They both loved it but I could not get Evelyn to pull Simon in the sled

Simon thought it would be more fun to color himself and try to eat the new crayon than to color

I promise Simon does love books he was just in a mood this night

Evelyn made us all Mardi Gras masks and we had a parade around the house after bath time on Fat Tuesday

Simon was not impressed

It was so sunny one day that Evelyn needed her sunglasses while projecting one afternoon

And let the Birthday Celebration begin!

Simon had only four teeth (all on the bottom) until the week leading up to his birthday, now he has eight teeth and was trying to show them off while also showing excitement over his new chair

Ignore the drool, getting four teeth at once is wet work

Papa and I found a giant cow balloon

"Hey Papa, there's a cow on you face."

Gran and Papa brought a new race car with flames

The steering wheel works, but the driver may need a few lessons

Other than steering he does great getting around

New shades (and an actual picture with me!)

Simon woke up before we got his truck assembled on his birthday, so he got to help

Hub caps!

Good thing Daddy is patient, he had lots of help

Lots and lots of help

Ripley was a bit concerned about another vehicle in the  house, but he's getting used to the fleet 

And when Simon woke up from his nap look what he had (Evelyn even added their water bottles to the cup holders)

Tried to climb over the tailgate first

But he figured it out and was good to go

And go and go

Evelyn needed a turn too

Then Simon opened his gift from Evelyn

He got his own doctor kit complete with glasses so they can both give check-ups to the toys

Standing on his chair, looking out the window

The completed barn getting played with

I think it was hit

Showing Papa my cow

Pigs in a mud bath cake

We had to set the cake pretty far away because he was really excited

I needed to hold him up so he could see the pigs

Evie was pretty excited too

Best family picture we've had in a long time

Kisses for Evelyn

"Happy Birthday to Simon"

Daddy taught him a bad trick

Simon really like chocolate cake

a lot!

Daddy was brave and held Simon the whole time

And after bath time Simon completed his birthday by wrestling with Papa!