How do you measure a year?

525,600 minutes, 525,000 moments so dear. 

525,600 minutes - how do you measure, measure a year?

In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee. 

In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.

In 525,600 minutes - how do you measure a year in the life?

How about love? 

During tonight's Zumba class, our cool down was to "Seasons of Love" from the musical Rent - it's a great song, so find it on YouTube if you've never heard it.  I sang it in high school choir, so I know all the lyrics and can't help but belt them out every time I hear the song.  Hearing it tonight, now that I'm a mom with one-year-old babies, the words suddenly seemed more true.  As I think back on the boys' first year, there really were 525,000+ moments that will always be so dear to me.  And those midnight feedings followed by morning cups of coffee?  I cherish those too.  The first year brought some sorrow instead of strife, but it also brought so much laughter and love.  Lots, and lots of love.

The boys are now 13.5 months, so the first year is already behind us, but I realized that I never posted any pictures from their birthday party.  Sometimes when there are too many to choose from, I end up not posting any at all!  The boys loved their smash cakes even though they were a little unsure whether or not it was okay to get messy (a huge thank you to my amazingly talented neighbor for making them)!  Overall it was a true joy to celebrate John and Andrew's first year; we have been incredibly blessed!

So here you go...some highlights from Andrew & John's "Winter ONEderland" birthday party!