Brianna is one . . .

Brianna is ONE YEAR OLD!
Sunday, April 18 was her big day and she was surrounded by her family.
If you know Brianna, you would agree that the statement "Brianna is one. . ." could be completed in a variety of ways.

Such as:
Brianna is one happy gal!
Brianna is one sweet young'un!
Brianna is one lucky child!
Brianna is one little bundle of love!
Brianna is one adventurous soul!
Brianna is one non-stop crawling machine!
But whatever you choose, Brianna IS one!

Turning one is a new experience. It only happens once. Grandma knows what's going on, but Brianna isn't quite sure.
Grandpa Steve (Stephen's dad) assures her this will be painless.

"What do you think, Cousin Claire? There are only two of us, and a whole kaboodle of the big people. Can we take 'em?"

Little does Brianna know of the treasures that await her!

Just in case someone wandered in off the street and didn't know the purpose of our gathering. . . .

As much as she loves her banana, this shiny, floating balloon arouses her curiosity.

A crowd gathers to watch Brianna finish eating so they can start partying!

Creative Amanda put together umpteen cupcakes to form a numero uno. Some had a "1" and some had a "B." (for Brianna or Birthday?)

Brianna was a little hesitant to dig into her cupcake with her hands. Normally she might be told that was a no-no. But when Daddy offers it, it's definitely okay!

"So once a year I get to play in my food, right?"

A special tub of rhythm instruments from Aunt Jennifer, Uncle Matt, and Cousin Claire. Thoughtful gift or sweet revenge?

"Don't worry, we'll share with Claire! Hee-hee-hee."

Aunt Gail says, "Your Mommy always loved her 'blank.' Here's one just for you!"

And to make you think of your Aunt Gail, a special "Noah's Ark" book.

Can you tell the suspense was unbearable?

This spiral raceway from Granny and Grandaddy was a favorite for both Brianna and Claire. Brianna spent half her time standing. . .

and half her time sitting down to clap for the music she had triggered.

"Now that I'm ONE I'll be opening my own mail, thank you very much."

"And how convenient that Grandma and Grandpa gave me my own private mailbox. I just hope our mail carrier can find it."

Now Brianna has her very own "Very Hungry Caterpillar," too.

And speaking of hungry, "Daddy, I love my family, but I'm glad they went home so I didn't have to share my bottle, too."

Emma says, "Brianna, I think you got better toys for your birthday than I did."

Says Claire, "Birthday, huh? I think I might be interested in having one of those sometime."

Judy and Ken love the fact that there are more birthdays on their calendars than ever before!

Below is the video of everyone singing Happy Birthday to Brianna, plus her adventure with her birthday (cup)cake. About 2 minutes. Sing along if you wish!