Didn't we do this already?

As the end of April drew near, we had already celebrated Ayden's birthday three times.  Despite the multiple parties, there was still one group of people who needed to join the celebration:  Gran and Grandad.  They came to visit and join in the fun.

Since the weather was nice, the first thing we did was take a trip to the zoo.  Ayden is still so young, so these trips are really more for our benefit than his.  The flamingos continue to be the only animals colorful and close enough for him to really see.  Other than them, Ayden mostly just watches the other people.  Regardless, it's beneficial for all of us when we can get out of the house.  An extra bonus this time was Ayden taking his first ride on the carousel.  Once it started moving, he really didn't know what to think about the whole thing.  He wasn't scared, but he wasn't exactly relaxed, either.  Once he discovered there were ceiling fans hanging from the carousel covering, he spent the rest of the ride looking at them, of course.

The next day, it was time to do the birthday thing.  We actually had two birthdays to celebrate, as it was close to Gran's birthday, as well.  Both had presents to open, and both had a birthday cupcake to eat (or just play with, in Ayden's case).

As always, Ayden loves the constant attention he gets when grandparents come to visit.  Allison and I are always grateful to have someone else around to keep him entertained.  It gives us a much needed break.

Since it was Easter weekend, Ayden also got an Easter basket.  It had some toys in it, plus a chocolate bunny on a stick!

"I know what we're gonna do today."

As my mama says, Ayden has become quite the "party animal." His first birthday has certainly been monumental; we wish that we could have had one big birthday bash, but we'll have to save that kind of party for when he comes home from his third surgery! In the meantime, we celebrate in smaller groups on many occasions. For Ayden's actual birthday, April 19th, we had a Phineas and Ferb inspired party. 

ON THE BIRTHDAY MENU

Slushy Dogs

Dorritos

Jello

P & F Lemonade

Ice Cream Sundaes

"Agent A" Cake (Perry)

Ayden has been around Max and Alex (his first zoo visit was with them), but Ayden's birthday party was the first time that he got to really interact with his buddies. He was enamored by their energy and playfulness, and he sought their attention with bouncing, dancing, and tugging on their sleeves. They were great fun for Ayden!

These guys are awesome!

Watching an episode of Phineas & Ferb

Cat and Ryan also came to share in the festivities. We all enjoyed some "Slushy Dogs" and various other Phineas & Ferb goodies. Aunt Elise made Ayden an Agent P cake, and we all gawked at Ayden while he played in it. He had the largest cheering squad yet (you'll see Ayden did his own clapping as well), and Max helped model good eating. He seemed to like the taste of his Perry cake the most; Ayden likes his chocolate (and his Aunt Elise)!

Ayden had so much fun with his friends that we forgot to do presents... including the one from Bryan and me! We'll have to save the unveiling of what WE gave him for another day! (Yes, we'll take a bunch of pictures!)