The Birthday Post - A Day of Firsts

Wowza! Sam's birthday is upon us, and we celebrated a few days early with lots of friends and family. If you took any photos of the fun and can email a couple to us, that'd be great!
The little dude has been doing so much more this week, it's still incredible to see him do something new every day. This past weekend he helped sing "Barbra Ann", he had his first cake, and said his first two-syllable word. He also got super tired and fell on his face a few times, but thankfully there aren't any pictures of that.
The party was terrific, partly due to the fun theme (yarrrgh), but mostly because so many friends and family made it out to celebrate with us. Thanks to all who were there, and to those who weren't, we were thinking of you and hope you can be with us soon.

Kenyon Hall was well decorated for the big party

The Pirate Boy cake and gift bags (Sam's Booty) waited patiently.

Pirate Sam forgot his jaunty eye-patch, but he had a ball, so that was good.

Sam and Mom are enjoying the festivities

and Mom helps Sam blow out the candle

First cake! YUMMY!

First two-syllable word: Balloooooon!

The Dread Pirate Sam takes no survivors.

Prior to helping pick out presents to open, Sam reads a birthday card.

Mom explains to Sam that he can't play with all his new toys at the same time.

Too cute when he plays an instrument

Sam clicks his sticks

Helllo Sun!

Grandpa Craig poses with Sam on his first wagon trip

The week before his 365th day

In the week leading up to his first birthday, grandparents, aunts, and lots of friends came to town, in an attempt to keep Samuel busy while Mom and Dad were at work. This is their story.

Grandma Jan gives Sam a push on his favorite ride.

He looks cute playing in his jacket

He certainly enjoys sliding around any way he can

At Pacific Science Center, Sam explored

and got to splash around in a little pool

Apparently he's already learned that you need to make sure you keep your eyes on the road

First hair cut! A great way to celebrate his 51st week

A new day, same park, same swing, BIGGER smile!

OK, he was at the park a LOT.

It wasn't all swings, he did get to slide with Aunt Christina.

Yikes! Grass!

Thanks for waiting. Click the link below to see Sam's reaction to turf.

Huzza

And here's a bonus! A picture of Sam's first In N Out french fry!

Palm Springs Remixed

Last weekend we got away for a quick trip to Palm Springs...the middle of the desert...but of course the weather didn't fully cooperate. With temps in the mid-60's (not the 80's!) and a storm with winds reminiscent of Seattle's 2006 event, our ability to chill by the pool was hindered...but Sam stayed busy, forcing Mom and Dad to never blink an eye. Sam was fascinated by a harpist at dinner, and frightened by his first experience with Bermuda grass. Hopefully we'll upload a video of that later.

The little man slept through the first half of the Superbowl, so when he woke up, we went to a local restaurant (200 beers on tap) and watched the rest of the big game. When the Giants took the lead late in the game, the eruption of cheers freaked Sam out so much that Dad hurried him into the cool night air to calm him down.

Just over 2 weeks until his first birthday - the plans are coming together and we're hoping he has as much fun as the rest of us will.

(oops, we fed the ducks and they wouldn't go away)

Just after lunch, Sam tried to get into a fountain.

At the resort, Sam and Dad watched the ducks.

The fun continued with Sam getting his first chance to slide.

...and then back to his favorite ride, the swing!

Breakfast involved lots of exploring.

and a glass of ice water.

He stood as far away as he could from the flower before touching it.

But he got right up next to the rock to try and pick it up.

We went up the Tramway to Mt. San Jacinto State Park where it was about 40 degrees colder

And a lot snowier.

And when we got home, Sam wanted to help Dad vacuum the carpet.