The last couple of weeks have been really busy with life and work. Last Thursday we had a big day – we celebrated our 10th anniversary and Carter’s 1st birthday. It was great to share a milestone anniversary with our son’s first birthday. Definitely a day to remember! We celebrated with a little lake party – little as in both sides of the family, which makes for quite a house full. After weeks (or even months) of crappy weather, we got the perfect day. My favorite part was watching Carter get his first taste of chocolate cake. I had to convince him to try it, but once he got going, he just buried his face in it. As you can see from the first picture, Carter wasn’t sure about all these people in his house. He wasn’t crying, just a little unsure about all these people watching him.
More on the quilt centerpiece – My Mom makes each of the grandkids a birthday party quilt. Each year the people at the party sign the block for that year. She has made several now (see here and here), as this is her eighth grandchild. She designed this one and it’s one of my favorite quilts ever!
Trends and Traditions 
What a cute idea to have a runner everyone can sign. What a crafty Grandma!!!!!
that looks like a perfect day
What an amazing little blessing from God!!! Joey isn’t half bad either!!! And you mom outdid herself on the quilt.
What a great tradition your mom has started for her grandkids! I love that idea – what a special keepsake! I see where you get your talent and creativity. Thank you for sharing this.
The first piece of chocolate is heaven! I was feeding my 2 yr old great nephew chocolate pie the other day. After each bite he rolled his eyes and whispered Chocolate!
Such lovely photos!! I’m glad you assured us that Carter wasn’t crying in that first photo…..I just couldn’t believe he is capable of such!!!! (just kidding-I think!) Appears that it was a perfect day, also. The weather has been so unreliable here, also (S.E. MN/south of Winona). I so miss the lakes of the northern areas, since moving here in ’74. The Miss. River doesn’t really satisfy me as it does others who haven’t experienced the beautiful clear lakes! Belated Happy B’day and Anniversary to all!!!! Blessings, Doreen
What a wonderful double celebration!! I absolutely adore the birthday quilt and hope that it shows up as a pattern or in a future book!
Looks like it was a great day! Love the cake pictures. The birthday quilt runner is great.
He’s darling Heather! Can’t believe it’s already been a year. Congrats on the Anniversary, too. The quilt your mom designed is adorable and should be published! Happy summer to you and the fam!
Congrats on your anniversary and happy birthday to your precious little man! Love the birthday quilt. Yes, you and your mom are going to have to publish that pattern. Too cute!
Really love the birthday quilt. What a great idea!
Love your Mom’s idea of making Birthday table runners! Carter looks a bit overwhelmed in the 1st picture, but that’s understandable since he is so young. Looks like he enjoyed the party immensely later on. He really got into the BD cake! Love the little girl’s skirt.
Happy Anniversary to you and hubby and Happy Birthday to Carter!
You are blessed with a beautiful son and gracious mother. I love all of it! The cake, the quilt and the sunset!
Best Wishes to you all. Love the runner and the idea, will have to keep it in mind if I ever become a Grandma.
What a beautiful child. Looks like he over came his wariness and loved the cake. May all of you spend dozens more birthdays together. Love the quilt.
Happy Birthday to Carter and Happy Anniversary to you and your sweetie. Love the quilt and seeing all the birthday pics.
Thank you for sharing. Love the birthday pictures! That quilt is awesome!!!!
Thank you so much for haring your celebration pictures! Loved them but I really loved the table runner idea. So where is the pattern being sold at for these?
Happy Anniversary! And Happy Birthday Carter! Looks like he had a blast! Love the idea of the runner. 🙂
Looks like a super day! Happy Birthday to Carter and Happy Anniversary to you!
What great pictures-i think the chocolate cake was a definite hit!
He’s so adorable Heather. Happy anniversary and first birthday! My son is a few months older than yours, he LOVES looking at pictures of Carter. I think they would be great friends, if we lived nearby. lol 🙂
Happy belated birthday to Carter. Heather, I started reading your blog because of your quilt designs however then you started showing your knitting which ill never do as well. But watching this precious child of yours grow up has just been a joy and I look forward to watching him grow up on your blog and seeing more of your beautiful creations.
So cute. Thanks for sharing. I love his grin after he got into that chocolate cake. Yea, this stuff is good!
What fun. I laughed at the picture of Carter with cake still on his little neck. Looks like it was a wonderful day for everyone.
Happy Birthday to Carter! It has been such a pleasure to watch him grow this year! He is so beautiful and you are such good parents! What a wonderful little family!
what a great birthday party! he is growing up so fast. I love the quilts your Mom makes for the kids – what a great idea! and happy anniversary to you both!
He is so cute .. looks like it was a great family time .. love the quilted runner.
Oh the memories the cake photos bring back….thanks for sharing. What wonderful memories your mom is creating with the birthday quilts. That’s such a great idea.
Your pictures are beautiful. They bring back memories of my blonde, blue eyed, curly headed 1 year old at his first birthday. Thanks.
You have such a wonderful family. You are such a wonderful person. I love getting emails from you! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY & HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you and Carter.
Hugs, Rose 🙂
Happy Anniversary & Happy Birthday. Carter is such a cute little boy. What a perfect spot for a party. I will have to agree with you this little train quilt is the cutest. I am going to pin this for an idea when I have my own grandchildren. Lucky little boy.
What a precious tradition your mom has started – I love this! What a special celebration!
If there is a cuter little boy wearing chocolate cake, I haven’t seen him yet! Adorable – especially the crumbs on his neck – I used to have to scrub my little boy after every meal! Your mom’s piece is a glorious heirloom – lovely family – lucky us (readers)!
I love that little train runner–absolutely adorable and the fact that everyone signs it just makes it all the more precious.