the Par-Tay on Satur-Day! Emerald is so blessed to have such a huge, loving family. 
She got a "learning house" from Grandma and Grandpa Woody. Several videos of this in action are in the video blog. This toy is very cool. Thanks to Bill and Kathy for the recommendation :) 
Uncle Matt and Grandma Morton watch as Moses demonstrates how to use the door. Moses and Calvin were very approving of all Emerald's presents :) 
I like the doorbell feature the best, I think. The watertable from Grandma and Grandpa Morton is in the background. I'm very sure that it will get a lot of mileage this summer. :) 
Moses has the "house" key. 
Moses demonstrates that the watertable can actually serve as a wading pool too.  Grandma and Grandpa Morton got Emerald this great tricycle. This happens to be the same kind of tricycle that Moses covets when he is at Calvin's house. We've already had some battles. So many new toys to play with, but we had to move on to the delicious cake and ice cream. 
"Not really sure why Mommy is sticking this lit candle so close to my face and smiling...."
The cake was a big hit with Emerald. She enjoyed feeling it in her hands before mashing it into her mouth. And then we gave her some vanilla ice cream.  
"Mommy's giving this to me, so it must be okay to eat." 
"THAT STUFF WAS AMAZING!"
Soon after it was bathtime for the little people. 
Moses was very good at showing anyone who would watch how to play with Emerald's presents. But sometimes it was hard to find people to watch him.   Verity and Candace have always shared a "unique" bond. Finally, Emerald could let her hair down and relax. 
"Anybody wanna give me some more cake?" On to Sunday... Emerald's official 1 year birthday. 
"I make 12 months go by fast!"  Moses playing with another of his favorites: shape sorter cube from Aunt Abby. 
More fun with the house. But, Emerald doesn't soon forget about her new wheels. 
Just like Moses, Emerald comes up with her own ways to play with toys.
Uncle Sam made sure to get in his Emerald time. 
Awwwwww..... 
Aunt Candace and Emerald consult on accessorizing. Candace then took some pictures while the kids were runnin' around in the kitchen. 
He looks so much older in this picture. It almost makes me sad. We had to take all that energy outside for some basketball.
Moses likes to play "back-it-ball".  That's right. Emerald is already in her pjs. She's one tired one year old. 
Candace and Moses take a moment to say goodbye while Aunt Verity loads up. 
Uncle Sam gets a kiss from Moses. 
Verity and Moses hug goodbye. 
Uncle Sam and his favorite niece. 
Moses lines up his crew for a final farewell.
Almost ready to go....
Now they can head back to Illinois. 
"One more dunk, Daddy?" 
"Alriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight!" 
Me and ma baby girl. And now we are ready for May, a.k.a. the busiest month of the year. YES! | 
, CCT)