Jovie's FIRST Birthday!

I can't believe it's been a whole year!  I know what you're thinking. Oh, here goes.  Another sappy, emotional post.  

Nope.  

Not this time.  

When Mitchell turned one, I bawled my eyes out.  When Mitchell turned TWO, again, I bawled my eyes out.  You know why?  Because I honestly loved him so much at those ages that I thought that was the best it'd ever get!  Then, three was just as fun...and four..and...well, you get the point.

So, yes, Jovie's birthday is a tad bittersweet since she's our grand finale, but I can't wait to see what this next year brings :)

I should also warn you that there is nothing Pinterest worthy on this post. It's taken me a long time to let that go and to realize that pinterest worthy things don't help my kiddos enjoy their birthdays more.  I'm in no way judging those that create elaborate celebrations, it's just not my thing.  Believe me, I have enough "things". :)

Instead, we spoil them with quality time on their birthdays.  

An entire day devoted only to them.  

Jacob takes the day off of work and we plan a day full of their favorite things.  It is stress free and so much fun for the whole family :)

So we started the day off with pancakes...a "J" for Jovie and a "1"..well...again, you get it.

Jacob poured them and then Mitchell watched closely for bubbles and then flipped them.  He is a pancake master :)  They aren't the prettiest things in the world, but you know what?  Jovie loved them, and Mitchell was so proud to serve his pancakes to his baby sister.

My mom bought the little Jov-ster her very own ridiculously frilly, ADORABLE first birthday outfit.  It immediately turned her into a party animal.

The boys taught her to make a #1 with her fingers and she did it over and over again on command. so cute! :)

After we got Mitchell off to school, the first stop was the Children's Museum in downtown St. Paul. We have an annual membership.  The kids love it :)  Everything is interactive. So much to do, and see, and touch!  Kelli (my sister), Grant and Greta met us there too.  Cousin time is so fun!

One of the boys' favorites is the self face-painting station.  

Maverick's tribal face :)

Little Jovie Jo really enjoyed her morning at museum, but then it was time to head home for a nap.

After we picked up Mitchell from school, we headed to Chuck E Cheese for game time and pizza!

The little kids LOVED the mini-carosel.  Jovie bounced and bounced to her little heart's content.

The finale of Jovie's celebration day was sharing cake and ice cream with Grandma, Aunt Kelli (my sister), Uncle Mark, Grant and Greta.

Macallan picked out Jovie's cake. He was so proud.

She made fast work of digging into her humongous slice!

Soon though, she found a more efficient way to enjoy her cake.

This move was a big crowd pleaser.

(If you look closely, you'll see a piece of cake flying off of her left hand) :)

An amazing day for an amazing girl.

Happy Birthday, Jovie Jo.  We love you to the moon and back! :)