The First Birthday Party

Last Saturday we celebrated Orelia's first birthday with a backyard bash surrounded by all our local friends.

The almost-one-year olds were sent home with pinwheels, paper crowns, organic O's, and goodie bags.

Champagne bottles were popped, and the babies downed celebratory water.

Everyone feasted on Orelia's favorite foods - soft pretzels, watermelon, strawberries, and Chick-fil-a.

Orelia spent the afternoon playing with friends with her Daddy by her side.  Her idea of a perfect celebration.

I was there too, of course.

I couldn't have pulled it off without Natalie and Mitch's help the morning of the party.  They came over early and prepared all of the food while I ran around like a crazy person.

I spent the morning decorating, so it was a huge relief to have them doing all the food prep.

The babies navigated tunnels, chewed on plastic delicacies, and splashed at the water tables.  They quite enjoyed themselves, I think.

Harper's friend Tiggy also came to wish Orelia a happy birthday.

Joyce kept Harper under control throughout the whole party.  The chicken nuggets were a little too tempting for a certain brown dog.

We were glad so many of our friends were able to come celebrate Orelia's big day.

After a couple of hours and a few dozen chicken nuggets, we figured it was time for dessert.  Raspberry, red velvet, and vanilla macaroons were the prelude to the red velvet cake.

Orelia was a bit confused as to the singing portion of the afternoon, but she didn't seem to mind.

She had her very own red velvet smash cake to do with as she pleased.

She was pretty serious about the matter.

Eventually she tasted a bit using her trusty teaspoon.

Evidently it was worth pawning off on Daddy, but not worth taking another bite.

She got pretty into the experience, and I learned why it's called a smash cake.

She thoroughly destroyed the cake like a good birthday girl should.

Once she realized there were balloons behind her, she would not rest until they were covered in cake.

The party ended with crowns and cuddles.

After the guests left and a nap was taken, there were many presents to open.

Orelia's new "bike" from me and John was almost as well received as the tissue paper inside all the gift bags.

Happy first birthday to our baby girl.  We look forward to lots more fun, lots more parties, and hopefully more cake eating in the years to come.