His 1st Birthday

After debating for several weeks what we should do for Maks' first birthday (as caring father, more than once I suggested we don't do anything), we decided to invite a few of our friends with their young kids for a birthday party in the park. The heat is on in San Jose, but we managed to find a park where we could escape the heat, eat some food (including my signature dish, Russian salad), and even open Maks' first birthday presents. Below is a photo story of the event.


Right as we arrived, most of his friends have not showed up yet, and Maks began to wonder whether he has any friends in this world and if this will be the worst birthday party ever.


Never mind. His friends are all here, and Maks continues to be popular among girls, even the older ones.


And here comes his first cake! I'm happy to report that his mom prepared it from scratch, and it was a good one.


OK, time to open up some presents and find out how much his friends truly value him. Or not.


Who gave me a brick for a present? Father, that's not funny.



Ah yes.. Did I say the cake was good? Some kids still like riding in a stroller.



And here is the whole crew. Maks may never again in his life have as many guests at his birthday party.

Thanks to Darbys, Ericksons, Hales, Ashcrafts and their kids for his best birthday ever! I'll send you the link to the full photo gallery in a few days.