June 29th, 2008

Elliot and his parents survived an entire year!

Here's a flipbook of his little face growing up over the past 12 months...

We had a couple dozen friends and family show up, many of whom drove down from Canada!

Thanks to everyone who made it, and for all the great presents and kind words in the birthday cards. Each and every gift and cards was special.

And a big thanks to Alex, who helped us with photo-taking since we were so busy!

-Rob and Nicole

Elliot gets a spoonful of breakfast from his Grandma Chris, blissfully unaware that the presents, balloons, decorations, cake, and guests will be arriving during his morning nap. (Photo by Alex)

"Oh my GOD what's happening? What's this 'birthday stuff all about? Why are you tying that blue cone to my head?" (Photo by Alex)

Ross employs the plate of cake/beer combo hold with his left hand, while our neighbor Ed Tremblay discusses the finer points of first birthdays -he's done 3 of his own. (Photo by Alex)

"OK, everyone, we're doing PRESENTS!"

Elliot asks, "What's this 'presents' thing people keep talking about?" (Photo by Alex)

Somebody has a cute little backpack!!! (Photo by Alex)

Brian Patenaude painted these incredibly-cool sea creatures especially for Elliot's first birthday. The time and care that went into these... thank you so much, Brian!

They add so much character to his room, they truly are amazing!

Alex's mom, Francine gets to hold Haley and Liam's son, Maclin. (Photo by Alex)

Rob's friend Javier and his two adorable kids: Eva and Aiden.

Outside, Chris steals a few tummy kisses. (Photo by Alex)

Then it's out to the lake for peddle-boat jumping! (Photo by Harry)

No party would be complete without a little faux homoeroticism near the barbeque. (Photo by Harry)

Elliot decides he REALLY likes pizza! (Photo by Alex)

The next weekend we celebrated Jacqueline's birthday with a walk on Alkai Beach. The walk was long, and we were tired...

Their birthdays are only one week apart!

"Could this be... chocolate flavor?? Hmmmmm??"

After firing hundreds of bubble rounds, he surveys the field for casualties. Dozens of downed bubbles with no names...

Who doesn't love an array of cute birthday cards?

Elliot gets to dig into his fruit-based "health cake". He kind of liked it, mostly due to the strawberries. (Photo by Alex)

Nicole and Jacqueline eat the "Adult Cake"... which, ominously, was much tastier than the baby cake. (Photo by Alex)

He tears the wrapping off his first present! (it was a really cool play tent from Haley, Liam, Paisley, Peter, Suzy & Hawk) (Photo by Alex)

Wow, what's this!!! (reminds us of his mom)

"And where are MY presents???" Inquires the lovely Amelie. (Photo by Alex)

And two more adorable kids, Nick and Kelsey. (Photo by Alex)

Time for the slip & slide! (Photo by Alex)

Our neighbor Kirk goes for a high-speed run. (Photo by Alex)

Nick drops his "cool" for a minute and rips down the slip & slide at 72 mph. (Photo by Alex)

After watching Brian run off the end into the bushes, Charlie takes the slow, cautious route down the slide. (Photo by Alex)

Alex's dad, Harry let's Elliot drive for a bit. (Photo by Alex)

Ross and I installed this fan for the media cabinet -it blows all the hot air from the PS3 out the back so we can keep the glass doors closed, and "tiny-boy's" little fingers out.

Alex, Nicole, and Jacqueline take him to the park for some swing time. (Photo by Alex)

Jacqueline celebrates her 29th birthday

Chris assists Elliot in his use of the bubble pistol.