This past weekend marked a milestone in our home...Chase's first birthday party. After weeks of planning, the day finally came. Chase may not remember it, but it was such an amazing day and I will remember it always. The weather was a perfect 84 degrees with no wind and we were surrounded by a gathering of our beloved friends and family. Chase is such a special little boy and I am so happy that he was able to celebrate with so many of the people that care for and love him dearly. He is truly a blessed little boy to be surrounded by so much love. Thank you to everyone who came and supported us (especially Maria who flew all the way from Portland to work the kitchen!). We love you all!
xoxo
The morning of, Chase had stuffed pancakes for breakfast...yum!
He then opened his very first birthday gift from Aunt Maria & Uncle Gary - A cool monkey backpack!
I don't have to put books in there yet, do I?
Arial view of the party tables...
Monkey trash cans make the BEST centerpieces!
A chair fit for a prince...
Whoa...I'm so excited! (Actually, I think he saw a plane, his new favorite thing in the sky)...
Birthday Banner stating the obvious :)
Monkeys were everywhere!
Our favorite little monkey...
Ready for a party!
Our dear friend Stephine offered to help out with cupcakes (ok, I sort of begged and pleaded, but she happily obliged!). Stephine always has awesome cupcakes...they rival, and in my opinion, beat out the Cupcakery any day...but she went SO above and beyond for Chase's birthday. Check out these monkeys....she made them from scratch. Don't even ask me how. I think we should hire her out!
Nicole helping Steph with the final touches...
The finished product was AMAZING. This picture just does not do them justice. THANK YOU STEPHINE FOR YOUR CREATIONS!!
Another outside photo...
Let the party begin!
Mike & Grandma Iris...
Chase & Grandpa
The Jacobson Family...
And Aguilera Family... 
And Guth Family...
Uncle Bruce & Mike manning the keg. Some things never change!
Oh my, the gifts!!!
Theresa with Chase... 
Corn Hole keeping the boys busy...
And finally, Chase gets his first taste of heaven (cake, of course!)...
Definitely more interested in the lighter than the cake!
But once he started in... 
He didn't want to stop! 
Hey guys, how did I do?!
So proud of his accomplishments!
Grandpa and Grandma watch as Chase eats TOO much cake! I didn't realize how much he had actually eaten until I watched the video!
Onto presents....with a clean shirt from Aunt Shane!
Silly Monkey indeed!!
Chase and Sofia took over Corn Hole for a while!
Theresa & Shanelle on Chase duty...
Aunt Monica & Aunt Nicole with Sofia...
Baby Skylar was a trooper...let mommy and daddy stay at the party for a long time!
Sadly, the party came to an end, but not before Chase watched his star float away with good wishes for the year ahead!
Aunt Lauren getting ready to buzz! 
Going in for the kill...
Buh-Bye Mohawk!
All cleaned up...
What a Stud!
So proud of himself!
