Yeehaw! Dylan is ONE!

 

For this little buckaroo's first birthday, our family mosied on down to our watering hole for some good grub and company around the campfire! 

 

The menu consisted of BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, chili, baked potatoes with all the fixins, baked beans with bacon, hot dogs, and cole slaw.  For dessert, we had vanilla cake with vanilla and chocolate icing, and s'mores. 

 

Decor, courtesy of Pinterest, lots of cardboard and some kid-free evenings, included Wanted posters of each child guest, cardboard cacti, cowboy hats, bandannas, bales of hay, and some pretty cool saloon doors.  A roaring fire completed the ambiance (thanks Sara, for your fire making expertise!)

 

Layla had been in the cowboy spirit for days leading up to the party, so to catch everyone up, each kid received a goodie bag filled with a glow stick "revolver", harmonica, sherrifs badges, and an awesome cowboy version of Wooly Willy, the magnetic toy where you draw hair on Willy with a magnet pen.  Needless to say, the kids (and adults!) all quickly got in the cowboy spirit.

 

We are so very lucky to be surrounded by so much love! Thanks to everyone that celebrated the first year of this wonderful boy.

Dylan's 1st Birthday!

Dylan's hair has been driving me absolutely nuts, but Monte wanted to hold off on giving him his first haircut until his birthday.  Mind you, he was against the idea of cutting his hair at all, but I was adamant that Dylan not look like a girl.  With his side swept bangs and curling locks at the nape of his neck, that's exactly what he was starting to look like.  I thought it would be nice if Monte gave him his first trim, so when my parents took Layla out on the evening before Dylan's birthday, we took the opportunity to get it done.  For the record, let me just say, I wanted to trim Dylan's hair.  TRIM IT!  However, the clippers were on the wrong setting (ahem, MONTE!) and Dylan's first trim became Dylan's first buzz cut.  Oh well.  At least he has a nicely shaped head!  I have to say, my initial shock and disappointment quickly turned to amusement and happiness! Just look at this adorable boy!

 

I had to tell Layla and my sister and parents about the haircut before they walked in the door so they wouldn't be totally taken off guard.  Layla froze in her tracks and then laughed, "Dylan, you look silly!"  Later, though, she asked if Dylan was going to "sleep with no hair" and asked Daddy to give Dylan his hair back.

 

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On Dylan's birthday, I made pancakes with sprinkles, bacon, and strawberries for a special birthday breakfast.  Monte had to work, but the Schramms were still staying with us because they were still waiting to have their power restored.  Dylan was happy to share his breakfast and even let Layla blow out his candle. 

 

In the morning, he opened some presents from his grandparents and sister - a train and new wooden cars!  After his nap, I gave him my gift and took the kids for a walk around the neighborhood to test it out.  Both Dylan and Layla had fun pushing and being pushed. 

 

Woodbridge rescheduled Halloween due to the hurricane, and trick or treating happened to fall on Dylan's birthday.  In the late afternoon, the kids put on their costumes and met up with the neighborhood kids.  We made it exactly one block before Layla decided to call it quits.  I think she was scared of some of the older kids' masks.  After the kids' candy appetite was sated, we reconvened at our gracious neighbor Laura's house for a pizza party.  Layla had a blast dancing the night away.  It was so special when everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to Dylan.  We are very thankful to live in such a great community!

 

 

Happy Birthday, Dylan Boy!