NSJ

Niko turned one yesterday! I feel a mixture of shock that a year has passed so quickly and amazement we managed to survive a full year. We celebrated his birthday this weekend at the park. Auntie Meg, Cousin Molly, Grandma Mart, Grandpa Lew, Grandpa Jere, Grandma Pat, and Auntie Jan all flew in for the event, proving our house maxes out at seven guests. Watching the trouble Niko and Molly can create together with only limited resources makes me think we will be bailing the two of them out of jail when they get older.

We had a great time at Niko’s party. When we originally set up food on the picnic tables, we were invaded by a gang of wasps, thinking the food was for them. It wasn’t that I wasn’t willing to share, but it seemed like wasps and “lots of children” wasn’t a great combination. We tried setting up a “bee table” nearby, hoping they might have their own party, but they didn’t fall for that trick. Upon learning of our plight, Christina recommended we spread dryer sheets on the table to keep them away. Turns out bees are deathly afraid of dryer sheets. Who knew? Genius that Cristina.

I was kinda hoping Niko would go face down in his cake or throw it across the table. Instead he took his time and, cheerio size bite at a time, ate the whole piece. It took him 30 minutes, but I suppose it’s his birthday, so he can eat slowly if he wants to (eat slowly if he wants to).

More photos…