We held a small party for Sam’s first birthday.  Small, but perfectly sized for a little baby. 
I’m pleased as punch he wore the crown for most of the time.  Typically he rips hats off immediately.
Sam's First Birthday
By random chance Jack had made a matching crown in preschool this week for their Friday Hat Day.  I’m glad he had something to wear that matched the birthday boy.  It’s really hard for it not to be your birthday.  Look on my flickr page for many sad-older-brother moments.  
I went with easy decorations.  I whipped up flag bunting from old fabric this week, got some flowers on clearance, and stuck to a small color palette.  There’s only a couple birthdays where the mom gets to choose the scheme, so I picked my favorite colors!
Sam's First Birthday
Traditional spaghetti.
Sam's First Birthday
Followed by favorite food – yogurt.
Sam's First Birthday
When the mess hit critical mass and Jack was prancing around the table I decided to move on to dessert.
Sam's First Birthday
Jack = ecstatic.  Sam = what’s going on?
Sam's First Birthday
Sam = What the…what do you want me to do with this?
Sam's First Birthday
Thank you Amanda, for knowing I would want a cake shot 😀
Sam's First Birthday
Ah ha!  Sam easily caught on to the idea.
Sam's First Birthday
Jem was super helpful with cleaning during the party.
Sam's First Birthday
A quick tub rinse and then we moved onto presents!
Sam's First Birthday
Sam's First Birthday
Again, it’s SO hard to be the non-birthday boy.
Sam's First Birthday
Sam's First Birthday
Balloons are the most bang for your buck at a party.  Kids of all ages go nuts for them!
Sam's First Birthday
Even with all the new presents, Sam loves to do laps with this hand-me-down car. 
Sam's First Birthday
Beautiful blue eyes.
Sam's First Birthday
Attempts at family portraits were awful as expected.  Here are the best results.  Many more takes are on my flickr site if you want to take one for yourself.  As derpy as they are, I’m glad to have updated pictures of all of us. 
Sam's First Birthday
Sam's First Birthday
Sam's First Birthday
Happy Birthday Sam!  Now the fun REALLY begins!