Happy Birthday, Parker!

People have told me throughout my entire life, "enjoy every minute because they will be 18 and out of the house before you know it!"  I hate to admit it, but that statement becomes my reality more and more every single day.

As we prepared for Parker's first birthday party, my first question to Michael: "What theme do you want?"  His response: "What theme?! You do realize he is turning one and won't care."  Yes, Michael, but it is no fun to plan a party without a theme.  Duh.  So he reluctantly chose race cars, and I went to town furiously browsing every pin on Pinterest to find the perfect decorations and party food…obviously.

As the planning began, Parker's Mimi and Papa (my parents) bought plane tickets and started making plans to join us for the party!  We also learned that Parker's Great Aunt Pam and Great Uncle Bob (my aunt and uncle) would be in Florida during the month of January, so they were going to be able to join us for the party as well!  The RSVP's started flying in and we were ready to party!

The food and decorations - Thank you, Pinterest!

Parker's Nana made his awesome smash cake (that he didn't really smash...) and it was yummy!

Parker was not a huge fan of cake being on his hands…

But we gave him a fork, and all was right with the birthday boy!

"Mom, I think I am done."

Parker's Great, Great Grandma (Nee Naw) joined us for the party.  For those of you that do not know, Nee Naw makes the most delicious banana nut bread on the planet, and she was kind enough to not only make some, but share her recipe with us!  She is the best :)

Visitors!  We had visitors from afar to celebrate this special day with us!  My two friends from high school made the 2 hour drive from Deland to make memories with us :)

Lindsey and Kayla!

Great Uncle Bob, Great Auntie Pam, and Pap Paw

"Uncle Chris, Mommy won't let me have any cake!"

Loong, Kristina, Uncle Chris, Jan, and Nee Naw during present time!

Parker getting acquainted with Makayla

We lost the birthday boy at one point for a brief attitude adjustment in his crib (lack of a nap will get the best of him!), but he returned shortly after to continue the party like nothing every happened!  Love this little monster!

Before leaving, everyone was asked to leave their thumbprint to create a balloon collage for Parker to always remember this special day.

It was an incredible day full of laughter, fun, and lifelong memories.  We are so thankful to everyone who was able to join us and for those that were not physically with us, but sent their warm wishes and generous gifts for Parker.  We love each and every one of you and cannot wait to share with you what the next year has in store for us!

All our love,
The Millers :)