1st Birthday Celebrations

The day has come and gone. We are truly blessed. God has given us so much. A group of family and friends that love and support us, a little one year old who couldn't be more awesome, and the gift of a new life on the way. 

It has been an amazing year. Evelyn has changes our lives so much. She loves to smile and what is even more awesome is she loves to make her parents laugh. She is curious. determined, spirited, and HAPPY oh so happy.She is truly so much more but the adjectives would go on forever. Perfection!!! She loves dogs, grapes, turkey, books, blocks, solving problems, naps in her crib, and her Mommy. 

Her party was a success. We had a lunch time party at our house. I did NOT do a good job of capturing the festivities. There were a lot of people at our house. About 30 adults and 9-10 children. Most of those children under 3, and half of them were age 1. Talk about a lot of commotion. They played ball in the yard with Hanky, played in our new sandbox, some went swimming clothes and all against their mothers wishes, and some broke some of our old toys in Evelyn's room. Overall I would say they had fun. I served sandwiches, chips, a broccoli salad made by my dear friend Mikel Jaskula, and strawberries and yogurt dip. Cupcakes were vanilla bean strawberry cheesecake and Evelyn's cake was chocolate with strawberry cream cheese frosting.

Everyone visited and ate and then we did presents before cake because I knew I wanted to strip Evelyn before that event. Although, as it turns out she either doesn't like cake or is just very reserved with her smashing of smash cakes. 

She really loaded up on presents. Toys, LeapPads, clothes, bikes, music boxes, legos, dolls, stroller, blocks,    and nothing that needs to be returned. Again we are blessed to have such awesome friends and family.

Now onto the oh so cute cake pictures. I hope I don't bore my readers. But by now you all know how crazy I am with my pictures. 

She wanted to pick all the sprinkles off. She really didn't get very messy. She was a little overwhelmed by the spectators. 

 Our friend Addie B was there to encourage her along. 

 Her and her daddy shared a moment discussing icing.

Another great part of the Birthday celebrations was family time. My mom as I posted before was here about two weeks before to help prepare. Evelyn got really comfortable with her and Ben and I were even able to go out a bit. It is so nice to go to the store and shop without a small baby in tote. 

As the festivities drew closer, Friday Ben's parents and his brother and Kailey arrived. My Aunt and uncle from San Antonio also arrived. I didn't get any pictures of her with them as groups and wish I would have. I had planned on getting a picture with Evelyn and each of her party guest. It just didn't happen. Her cousin Emma Rene who is 9 months older than her also was here for the weekend to play. Most of these pictures will be of the girls.

Evelyn takes more and more steps each day. We do not have a "walker" yet, but I'm okay with that. 

As Saturday turned to night the brothers Warden stayed up too late with a bit too much effort put into finishing all the leftover beers. I think a little tiff was had in the wee morning hours. Needless to say they had to make up this morning. A good hug and an I love you brother I hope patched up some sour words. hehehe.

I had to add a little sparkle to the magic moment above. :)

I am sad the party is over, I am sad I now have to find a place for the tornado of toys in my living room. 

Future plans:

Wed Aug 15: Evelyn's one year check up and shots

Last week of August -Labor day weekend we are going to Austin. Call us if you want to meet up

September 6: Evelyn starts her CDO ( Children's day out) program at First Pres. Church. Tuesday and Thursday each week from 9-2. I am anxious for this.

I'll post again after these events.