Kate's Very First Birthday!

On August 12, 2014, my little munchkin turned ONE YEAR OLD! Each stage is more fun than the last, and Jason and I try to soak up every moment! She brings us so much joy and we couldn't imagine life without our little sunshine and mess maker :). For her first birthday, Aunt Lissie and the kiddos surprised us in Anacoco! We spent the day outside enjoying the kiddie pool and last of the summer sun.

Such sweet buddies! (Grant had the most fun...skinny dipping!)

Best little friends.

Homemade birthday cupcakes with chocolate frosting was definitely on the menu! Here's Kate going in for the kill!

Van and Andrew eating cupcakes on the front porch! We had such a fun time together, and it meant the world to us that ya'll made the trip just for the day! We love youuuu!

That night we had Grams, Poppa, and Aunt Hil over for Smothered Pork Chops, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Salad, and Rolls for the birthday girl's dinner! Annnd Kate got to enjoy another cupcake. As you can tell, she thoroughly enjoyed herself :)

And then it was time to play peek-a-boo with her chocolate covered hands...

Boo!

The next Saturday, we invited the whole fam come to the country to celebrate the big occasion! All the great photos are courtesy of Melissa Ann Poole of Poole Photography!

Making the Pink Lady Punch with Grammie! and Grant!

For lunch, we had Wade's famous BBQ with his signature sauce. O. MY. WORD! It is the most delicious, most phenomenal BBQ you will ever taste in your lifetime! If you ever want some BBQ, skip Outlaws, skip whatever famous BBQ restaurant you frequent, I have Wade's number!

Plus Stuffed Jalapenos...

Plus Fruit Salad, homemade Macaroni and Cheese, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, and Strawberry Spinach Salad were on the menu!

And of course one giant cupcake for the birthday girl :)

The hot seat! (located in front of the fireplace...punny!)

Pink Lady Punch with fun straws!

For dessert, we had an Ice Cream Sundae Bar with lots of toppings for the kids to make their own! It was super easy to throw together, and the kids LOVED it! (I got the idea from here and printed off all the free printables at Kinkos! Seriously, so easy!)

Toppings Galore!

Me and Rylie girl!

Wade, from the aforementioned BBQ. (I have his number!)

Of course, no Ice Cream Sundae Party is complete without a homemade slip-n-slide! Nothing like a tarp, bottle of Dawn, and hosepipe for some cheap, cheap entertainment! The kids were obsessed.

Even if you forgot your swimsuit, nothing Aunt Hezzie's t-shirts couldn't fix!

The three older girls are so good with the babies! Sooo sweet!

The babies loooooved it....until....

we got a little soap in the eyes!!! Aghhhh!

My little stinker!

Love my little blue eyes!

We have gotten so much fun out of that $8 pool from Dollar General! Endless entertainment!

Getting ready to pray and devour some good foooood! The cornerstone of any Brinker get together is the yummy, home-cooked food. Just ask anyone who knows us haha!

Sneaking into the Ice Cream Sundae Bar!

Haha! So fun!

Grams ordered the BEST sugar cookies from a local bakery. It's definitely a tradition, now!

So many choices! haha The kids loved making their own sundae!

Best friends :)

Some more best friends! Love these girls with allll my heart and that we get to do life together!

Perfection.

Undoubtedly their favorite part of the party!

"Make a silly face!"

The patriarchs.

Grant chased the chickens for like 15 minutes! haha Country living is THE BEST!

Pearl. God love her. May she rest in peace.

Grant would agree that the older girls are very good with the babies!

My handsome honey.

Chasing the chickens became a family affair! I don't think Lola and Ethel laid for a week after!

Me and my birthday girl!

Singing happy birthday, and all the cousins gathered around to help blow out the candle!

Digging in! She was a very dainty eater.

Of course we needed a little help from Andrew...

Love that sweet girl!

Naked babies enjoying the ice from the cooler!

Caught ya, ya stinkerrrs!! But very cute little stinkers.

Thanks for that, Lis!

Kate has so many wonderful examples of godly women to look up to! So thankful for these sweet sisters!

I love you, my sweet Kathryn Jean! Who knew a little one year old could bring so much joy?? You are such an incredible blessing, straight from the Lord's goodness and mercy and wonderful love. We love you so much and pray that you grow into a woman who fears the Lord. I can't imagine life without you, and so glad I don't have to :). Love you, my sweet Baby Kate!