Happy 1st Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday Julian!Wow, I can't believe Julian is 1. I have been in complete shock and disbelief. For 2 days I just stared at him in amazement and a little sadness, for he is not a little baby anymore, he is a whole new person. Or rather, he is becoming closer to who he really is, and it has happened so unbelievably fast. I truly understand the importance of appreciating each moment of one's life, because that is all there really is.  I already miss that tiny (OK, big) baby, but I'm thrilled to see what is to come. 

Julian's birthday "smash" cake and cupcakes. The smash cake was carrot cake made with fruit juice, as I wasn't sure how he would do with a bunch of sugar. The cupcakes are chocolate with a little sugar, and the frosting is a cream cheese/whipping cream frosting with green tea for color, and strawberry juice for the face color. I got the idea for the cake from something I saw on the Internet. 

Julian and Aunt Sheila playing with blocks. Thanks Aunt Sheila for coming all the way from Boston to be at the party! It was a blast, and JC loved playing with his aunt.Reading books with Grandma Evie :) Grandma brought a whole bunch of great surprises for Julian. The two of them are always laughing at... well, nobody really knows but the two of them! It's like they have their own secret giggle club :)

Julian & Aunt Renate.

Aunt Renate and Uncle Jack came from NJ to be at the party. Hooray! They bring such a joyful spirit wherever they are. We are lucky to have them :)

 Julian really got into his smash cake. He loved poking holes into it and digging his hands into it. He liked patting it, and tasting it was nice too.

 Lots of people came to the party. Rob, Kathy, and Toni; Chloris; Espy; Daniel, Naomi and Sophie; Jack and Renate; Sheila and Evie; and Ms. Estelle.

Julian's birthday perfectly coincides with the blooming of the cherry trees, a truly amazing sight. They were given to Philadelphia as a gift from Japan, and there is always a Japanese festival called "Sakura Sunday" during this time also. My favorite part (next to the trees) is the Japanese drumming, and also the people who dress up like anime characters. Walking through the blooming cherry trees is like walking through clouds. It is a bit surreal, and completely amazing. There are also a ton of Japanese magnolias, red buds, and a ton of other flowering trees. 

My great friend Amy and her sweet dog Noodle came over on Sunday for a post-Julian-birthday celebration. We took a walk along the river and hung out under the trees.