Witt Vacation 4- Happy 1st Birthday Nathan!

After biking Thursday morning, Nathan had lunch, a long nap & a bath and then we were ready for his birthday celebration!

Here's some pictures (mostly for my mom) of his birthday decorations




And gifts


Jamin even made him a gift! I don't think we got a picture of it, but it is the cutest thing ever. It's a "Best Buds Book" with a poem, stickers and pictures of them throughout the last year. Even one of both of them in their mama's bellies! It was so adorable. I loved it.


I love your name, sweet boy.














And the birthday begins!


Matt & I made a one year slide show for Nathan of pictures and video clips throughout the past year.


It's amazing to see his growth in the past year! I can't believe he started off so tiny. If you care to see the 15 minute slide show, click here.


Time to open cards and presents!

Oh, this is Jamin's book. You just can't see it opened up.

This was hilarious. Jen, Kyle & Jamin also got Nathan a Colorado State football jersey and a Denver Broncos outfit. He looks pretty excited about the Broncos outfit here.


And then he throws it to the floor and starts clapping! ha ha. We all laughed!


A pro at taking the tissue paper out of the bags.


What did I get from Papa & Nana in this bag?


A monkey!


Making friends




Pappy & Grandma Liz got him the Eagles jersey. Again, no picture of him in it...just the monkey...sorry! But I'm SURE you'll be seeing that again! He also got several new books, a tub toy, Curious George DVD, blocks, bibs, a Li'l Zoomers race track, a cute child's cell phone, a Timberland fleece and MONEY to go in his savings account! Thanks everyone!


Ready for cake!


We tried the hat, but of course he wasn't into the string around his neck.




Uh-oh. Better get this show on the road before he needs another nap!


The AWESOME and delicious birthday cake cupcake that Jen made for his birthday! It was so cute!








Jen made him his very own cupcake! Hmmm...how do I eat this?


I'm not sure about this.


Mama helping him to see how yummy it is.


Oh, yeah...not bad!




Yayy! I like it!


Let's just get on with this.


Now that's what I'm talking about!


Everyone else getting some cake & ice cream.

Seriously, the cake tasted SO good.



The monkey was into the celebration too.

His birthday was just as I hoped for. Small, intimate, with family that loves him dearly. Thank you all for making that possible!

Nathan trying out his new fleece from his Aunt Court! (And pushing his cell phone around on the floor like a car!)


Happy Birthday, Nathan Cole! Your daddy & mommy love you SO much. In fact, you are VERY loved by ALL of your family on both sides. Your smile lights up every room and brings warmth to a stranger's heart. The sweet sound of your laughter chases every bad day far away. I love your trusting heart, as you reach for every stranger we meet! Of course, assuming, "who wouldn't want to love me back?" So many lessons I can learn from you sweet child of mine.

Your name means "He will give" or "God has given". It comes from the Hebrew verb, natan, which means "to give." The derivations of this verb all mean gift: mattan; mattana; mattat. This is where your daddy's name comes from, Matthew, meaning "Gift of God". Pretty cool, right? In fact, a lot of resources also list your name as meaning "Gift of God" as well. But the difference in the meaning of your name and daddy's is that your name comes from the active form of the verb.

We know that God has given us to you, and we are so grateful for that amazing honor to be entrusted with your precious life. You have already given us so much joy and laughter and pure love. We've already seen you give these same things to all who cross your path. We can't wait to see how God continues to use you as you give the world a fresh dose of God's love through your joy. We love you dearly, sweet Nathan Cole!!!