Avery's 1st Birthday Party!!!

Whew, we are worn out from a very BUSY weekend! We had 2 BIG birthday parties this weekend. On Saturday Cole celebrated his 2nd birthday party with a petting zoo! It was sooo sweet, there were a bunch of baby goats, chickens and bunnies. They were all so tame and calm. The kids had a blast! Avery even petted a few bunnies and enjoyed her first horseback ride. Unfortunately, I didn't bring my camera, so I have NO pictures from it :(

Saturday morning we also got everything ready for Avery's 1st birthday party at the house! Josh was outside doing some yard work and Avery was so cute watching him.

He came up to the window and she gave him kisses.

Later that day she was in a goofy mood and was totally cheesing it up for the camera. Josh got some really cute shots.

Sunday morning we got up bright and early and Avery was ready to celebrate!

We had the whole house decorated. In the living room I set up her cake table with a candy buffet. All the goodies on the table matched the hot pink, black and white Minnie Mouse theme. The candy buffet had hot pink M&M's and Ring Pop's, black Oreo cookies and white yogurt covered raisins. I also put out a bunch of pictures of Avery from the past year.

Here is her cake and smash cake. Albertson's did a great job, I had to call a few days ago to tell them to change the color of the icing on her smash cake. I could just imagine her digging into her cake and being stained hot pink from the frosting. I am sure glad I did because the hot pink did stain!

The birthday girl's special seat.

In the dining room I set up the food table and Avery's birthday banner. Chelsi, Josh's cousin, did a great job on the banner and her invitations. We had lots of good food including jambalaya, muffalettas, homemade finger sandwiches (by Josh), a veggie tray and fruit tray. Ms. Aleta also brought a bruschetta dip and shrimp dip, they were so good!

Avery was definitely spoiled rotten with all these gifts!

We had a great turn out! I was really surprised how many people came to celebrate with us!

The weather was also perfect, almost 60 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. We rented a bounce house and the kids (and big kids) had a blast in it. Avery on the other hand did not! Josh put her in it for about 5 minutes and all she did was crawl onto him and start crying, oh well, maybe next year!

The little kids also enjoyed playing with Avery's toys in the house, here is Miss Savanna lounging in Avery's bouncy seat.

Jonnilin and Julian totally surprised me! They had come in to LA for a visit so JuJu got to celebrate his niece's birthday with her. Here he is loving on Grandma with an Oreo :)

Little Miss Avery was fashionable late for her own party! Her party started at 2, so I laid her down for a nap about 1, so she would be well rested when everyone got here. Miss Thang decided to knock out until almost 3 o'clock! I finally had to go in a start getting all of her clothes together to finally wake her up. She was so funny though, I was changing her and getting her all dressed and she was being a fussy butt. She was really starting to get a good cry going when I brought her out into the living room. As soon as she saw everyone here, she got so quiet and just looked around the room. It was almost like a surprise party for her :) Once she got good and awake it was present time!

She was very interested in all her new goodies! She got an umbrella stroller, a wagon, a big girl chair, lots of toys, some books and LOTS of clothes. Miss thing will be very fashionable this year.

After presents it was time for cake! We got a quick family picture in before we stripped her down! Ahhh, we have a 1 year old! Where had the time gone? It seems like only yesterday we were checking out of the hospital on a cold January morning with a tiny little 7 lb infant all bundled up in her car seat. We were so nervous and excited to be parents. We have learned a lot this past year, and Avery has been the BEST baby we could ever pray for. It seems like she has handled all the changes and transitions of the first year so easily. We thank God everyday for the amazing little girl he has blessed us with!

Happy Birthday to you Miss Avery!

We have been working with her on blowing, but she was in no mood to show off, so the big kids helped her to blow out her candles.

Then it was time for her to dig in! She was being so dainty at first, she would only take a little pinch of cake and icing and eat it very ladylike.

Then she figured out it was much more efficient to just take a whole handful of cake and shovel it in! We finally had to take it away from her. I really think she would have tried to eat the whole thing! As it is she made a huge dent in it!

I have said it before and I will say it again, we have been blessed with the best family and friends you could ask for. Avery had such a good turn out and so many gifts! She is truly a loved little girl and I am glad that we could share this momentous occasion with so many of the people who love us.