Birthday Girl

On Saturday, Nov. 17, we celebrated Emerson's 1st Birthday with a big party. We realize it was more for us than her, but we had to do it. Her father kept calling it "The November Extravaganza". At one point we counted 31 people in the house, all having fun with the balloons, other kids, toys and food. The menu was pretty simple: grilled bratwurst with fixings, chips, coleslaw, fruit salad, Chick-Fil-A nugget tray (a great hit with the kids) and lemonade. And sweet, crisp, cold beer for the adults....it was delicious.

The theme for the party was a "Post Halloween Costume Party". I know that Halloween was in October, but it seemed logical to me. The kids would have fun, would get to wear their Halloween costumes again (Emerson got to sport the Princess Leia costume again) and ALL the stuff (plates, napkins, party favors, candy, decorations, etc.) was ON SALE!!!! Plus, I found the sweetest invitations.

We had cupcakes for Emerson's birthday instead of a big cake. Each was hand decorated and beautiful if I do say so myself (cause I decorated them!) Here is Emerson blowing out her 1 year candle with the help of her Dad.

If you look closely, you can see a tiny tiny bit of frosting on her lips and hand. She had no desire to eat the cake or frosting and only came as close as putting her finger briefly in her mouth.

Here is Alex in his cool Biker outfit, complete with "MOM" tattoo shirt. We also had Little Red Riding Hood, Tinkerbell, a Stormtrooper, Dora the Explorer, a pirate and a princess.

Everyone hanging out in the backyard, eating cake!

The kids had a great time running around in the backyard. Thanks Aspen, for helping round up the little kids and organizing the races.

BUT, playing in a box in the backyard is the best fun of all!

Thank you everyone for making Emerson's 1st birthday so much fun. We can't wait for next year