Scooter Chronicles

Yesterday afternoon we had the first of two birthday parties for Nigel’s first birthday. Since we are going to Detroit to visit my family for Thanksgiving, and that his birthday is that Saturday we are there, we decided for his first birthday, we would celebrate twice so both families could enjoy it.

Marcia and I had a lot of help getting things together. Especially my Mother-In-Law who made stuffed cabbage and cooked the other food we served. Also, my sister-in-law Catherine helped a lot in getting the food prepared and set-up.

Marcia and I bought some balloons, as seen above. But that was only a portion of them. We actually bought more then we should have, because they barely fit in the car. Nigel also started crying, obviously scared at first, when we tried to shove them in the back with him.

We opened the presents before eating, while taking in the first half of the Michigan-Ohio St. game.

Nigel was interested in the presents from time to time …

… but seemed to enjoy playing with his blocks while Marcia opened them.

Nigel got some gift certificates and two pair of shoes from his cousin Ryan, Aunt Paula, and Uncle Rick.

He got a very nice outfit with a sweater with a hat from Aunt Catherine, Uncle David, and Lyric.

He got a nice outfit, with a very nice fall jacket from his Grammy.

Everyone liked the moose picture on the shirt.

Nigel did show some interest in one bag.

One of the toys Nigel got was the Fisher-Price Learning Toolbench, which has been affectionately renamed by David the “Bang-N-Learn” after Ryan brought his along to Williamsburg two summers ago. Of course though, Nigel was still more interested in chewing on his blocks.

Marcia’s piano student Jennifer did some nice artwork in the card her and her family gave to Nigel.

They also gave him a “Baby Tad”. Nigel has a very small Tad, and Ryan has a larger one. This one, because of it’s size, was quickly renamed “The Mega Tad.”

For dinner, Nigel enjoyed some of Grammy’s stuffed cabbage.

Jennifer did the honors of playing “Happy Birthday”, something that Marcia usually does (except for her birthday).

Nigel really liked having the singing, and really looked like he wanted to get into the big cake.

However, when it came time for him to have fun with his “mush” cake, he lacked the enthusiasm. Marcia took the icing off it if due to his reactions to milk based food.

Then Nigel spent time playing with the kids in attendance.

Everyone then posed for a group shot. It included Lauren, Marc (another of Marcia’s piano students and Lauren’s brother), Jennifer, and her brothers Jonathan and James.

It was a fun time. And thanks again to all who could participate in the celebration!