Batter up - time to celebrate a birthday!

When planning Drew's first birthday party, Ronnie and I decided just to keep to a small family event... baseball themed, of course!

Grandma Lori came in town - which was very exciting! She just loves to play and snuggle with drew - we love her SOOO much!

Oh, and I forgot to mention Drew's obsession with the fly swatter.  I bought it at the dollar store a week ago and it had never been used to swat an actual fly...but he loves it.  Don't even think about taking it away from him.  We even had it with us in the car for a couple days. 

Big hugs and kisses from Grandma Lori!

Just cleanin' up for the big party!

A Grandma Sandwitch!

Fun times at the park -- Grandma Lori and I go down the slides together!

Looking back on each photo from month 1-12 really made me realize how much this boy has changed PHYSICALLY.  He looks so different now!

Getting ready for the big 'Game'... of course, with our broom.

Opening presents!  We got so many nice things from our family and friends.  We are so very blessed.

'Do it like 'dis mom!'

Hmmm.  This one could be fun.  And loud.

Team Merrill!  Soo.. you will notice that the shirts are NOT perfect.  Crafts are not my strenght...I ironed these on myself at about 12am after ironing a blouse for a business trip.  Apparently my built-in mental 'ruler' was crooked when I ironed my own on!  I realized after I did them that I could have made it much easier and just did 'MA' and 'DA' since that is what he sorta calls us.  #impressingnoonenotevenmysleft

 

'GIMME THAT BALL, MOMMY!'

 So the smash cake was shaped like a half of a baseball.  He pretty much dug right in, but I'll never forget two things about this moment:

1. The way he looked and smiled at me when we all started singing happy birthday.  It was like he knew it was is special day. 

2. The way he looked at that cake when he thought for a minute it was actually a ball! 

Grandma and Grandpa Merrill supplied a yummy DQ Icecream Cake for everyone to share!

We had to cut him off....

So handsome.

Ronnie's cousin Toni made it down for the party from Jax.  So great to see her!

First time in flip flops -- no bad!

 The party was a noon, but had to take mom back to the airport at about 4pm.  When I got back, I was sad and bummed.  I miss my mom and it was sad to see her leave.  Ronnie and I had lots of picking up to do but a few minutes after I got back we got a text from our neighbors with this picture!

Lyla, Mia and Rosalie (Drew's neighborhood girlfriends, who are 3, 3 and 5 yrs old) couldn't wait to see 'baby drew' on his birthday!  We went over and spent the rest of the evening doing our usual Sunday Night "HOG" driveway get together.  It was a great way to end a wonderful weekend and a VERY special day!