Darwin Evolves.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Darwin turned one this weekend, and it was a blast! I'm waiting on some photos from his doggy party, but I thought I'd share the family party... so this is installment 1.

I can’t believe how gradually the change was, this “tiny” 16lb puppy transforming into this "monstrous" (so I’m told) 62lb ball of fluff. I used to be able to pick him up easily… now well… not so much. Where he used to be small enough that he could fit on my lap in the car… now he can barely fit in the backseat! When we brought him home he was about 13″ tall, now he’s 25″ and still growing. Jacob and I have truly enjoyed watching him grow up, mentally and physically. (Don’t tell Darwin, but he’s got a lot more growing to do in the first category…)

I finally got the dog I always dreamed of, and he is seriously, the best. My entire life I wanted a dog, and now I finally have one. When I used to long for a dog, it was all frivolous things. What would he look like, what color his collar would be, what I would name him, etc. I had absolutely no experience, and the reality and responsibility of owning a dog is so much more rewarding than I would have guessed. I have loved learning the reality of taking care of Darwin, and have learned SO much about dogs that I didn't know.

So, his one year birthday was getting close, and I knew I had to throw a party. I desperately tried to work it out so that I wouldn’t look crazy…. But who are we kidding? Everyone knows I’m crazy. I just accepted it and went wild. I planned his party for months. I sent out invites to his doggy friends, and we set up a party at the dog park. It was really fun, and as soon as I get the photos I will post on that. Then, we went to my mom and dad’s house, and what did they have? A whole bag of goodies for Darwin’s birthday! Check out the cute photos. Oh, and Darwin was WAY too excited to see my sister to sit still, so it was hard to get very good photos. :-)

His Birthday Invite:

Just back from playing and getting dirty at the dog park party.

Darwin with my sister, who he LOVES.

Darwin made off with one of his presents, refusing to pose for a decent photo. :-)

Staring contest with my nephew over who is the cuter grandchild.

He had a GREAT birthday! We love you Darwin.

Stay tuned for part 2, the dog park party!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Happy Birthday Darwin :)

You know Starlit was almost named Daria ( after Darwin ) Great Name for Great Dogs. You look so handsome!

[Steve D]

Happy Birthday Darwin!!!! Those are such great photos and put such a big smile on my face :) What a happy birthday boy!! I love your profile pic too! So Funny!!

[Kathy Spyker]

Happy 1st Birthday Darwin, sounds like you had a blast!!:-)

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Gracie Doodle would have loved to come to Darwin's party. She is having a birthday next Tuesday only she will be 3 yrs.! Happy Birthday Darwin!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

These are wonderful photos.

[BG and Gavin]

I like how the birtlhday hat sits jauntily to one side. You got style Darwin, you got style!

[Anna and Achilles]

Happy Birthday Darwin. You deserve a great party!

[Debbie and Thomas]

Can't wait for part two...Happy birthday Darwin! What a great party!

[shelly]

Happy birthday, Darwin!!! You are one handsome birthday boy!!!

[Karen P]

Happy Birthday Darwin!! You are one lucky doodle!