Yesterday we had a small family get-together to celebrate Griff’s first birthday.

First, there was snacking with Nana, Aunt Beanie, and our old friend Greg.

Then there were presents!

Griff paced impatiently as his parents unpacked his gifts. Why are kids’ toys hermetically sealed and strapped into their boxes with 1,973 twist ties?

This lawn mower from my parents was a huge hit.

The living room was piled high with grandpas and cool toys by the end of the afternoon. This kid made out like a bandit.

Griff had two cakes: a chocolate cake made by a “Mrs. Teeter”, and a banana cake with cream cheese frosting made with lots of love by mommy (but with no skill whatsoever).

The traditional first birthday cake destruction ritual was enacted.

Griff unfortunately was a little tentative with the destruction part.

So we cut him a piece and handed it to him. Things moved along more swiftly at this point.

This was now a full-body cake experience.

After reaching sugar saturation, the guest of honor became unruly and began demanding bourbon in his sippy.

He also threatened passersby with his Frosting Fingers of Death.

As of this morning, the lawn mower love continues. And guess what, that blue icing comes out the same color as it went in!