Well, it’s been FOREVER. I’m sorry. First and foremost, we have a ONE-YEAR-OLD! It’s a little bit unbelievable that he is already a year, that we have been parents for a year, and that he’s not a tiny baby anymore…he’s a TODDLER!
Anyway, in the last month, we’ve spent most of our weekends doing projects to get our house ready for Summer (almost here in Tucson) and for Lincoln’s 1st Birthday Party, which happened last weekend. Then, for my Spring Break, we accompanied Blake on a TDY (work trip) to Ventura, California. It was a nice little getaway with beach time, delicious fish tacos, and a lot of LA driving…
Here are some photos from our trip:
Lincoln enjoying breakfast in bed in our hotel room
We drove down to LA to visit my friend Eileen briefly – she and Lincoln got along great 🙂
His first experience with Indian Food in Ventura – he LOVED it! And he smelled like curry for days…
We went on a run to the pier one morning – this was his gorgeous swinging view!
First time at the beach since walking – sand-walking is tricky stuff 🙂
Our happy family at the pier in Ventura after dinner on our last night
The sunset that last night
We got back on Thursday and Lincoln’s birthday was Friday. I made him delicious gluten-free crepes with fruit for breakfast, and then we went to the Children’s Museum.
He wasn’t the biggest fan of his birthday hat…
First Birthday Breakfast!
First Birthday Photo Shoot 🙂
He was really into this exhibit at the Children’s Museum – air made the balls float, and it looked like magic!
Playing with electricity…
The next day (Saturday) was his big party! We had a great turnout; two grandpas, two grandmas, an aunt, and many, many friends! We had a bow tie motif – Lincoln, Blake, and the pugs looked very handsome in their bow ties 🙂
Family photo ❤
Lincoln and Mom – no smiles from him 🙂
Everyone singing “Happy Birthday!” His candle was a sparkler! That’s Grandma Ellen in the back 🙂
His very own Smash Cake! I’ve trained him well: he ate all of the fruit off of the top and then a little bit of the cake 🙂
A photo display I set up – all of Lincoln’s “Month Pictures” and Blake’s and my 1st Birthday Photos
Grandma Sharon, Grandpa Scott, and Mom
Lincoln with his friend Danielle – she hangs out with him every day while Mom and Dad are at work 🙂
His special birthday bib
Mom baked three different cakes for the occasion – all from scratch. Baby Smash Cake, L-shaped gluten-free carrot cake, and a chocolate/chocolate buttercream bear cake! Both Blake and I had bear cakes for our first birthdays, so I thought we’d continue the tradition 🙂
Opening presents! He got a TON of great stuff 🙂
More cake photos…
And, to end the exciting day, the grandmas and grandpas and Aunt Alice assisted Lincoln in taking a dip in the FREEZING cold pool. Apparently he loved it (which I don’t doubt…)
It was a really fun week between California and the big party and family visits 🙂 A huge thanks to everyone who texted or called or sent cards or presents or attended the party – it meant a lot to all of us! We’re so lucky to have a ton of great and caring and generous people in our lives 🙂 Blake and I are also super lucky to have spent the last year watching a really special little human grow up. He never ceases to amaze and entertain us. We’re looking forward to another exciting and love-filled year!
Life with LASH - moments, mementos, & musings 
Thanks so much for sharing such a great summary of all of the recent activities, and the great photos — especially the big birthday celebration! It made me cry, just because you all seemed so happy and proud — and that is the way everything is supposed to be!! Love and blessings – Grandma H
We had a great time visiting and celebrating this huge milestone!
The party was a huge success, Lincoln is a champ 🍰