Sunday, October 21, 2012

Look Who's ONE!


 Happy First Birthday Baby Girl!!

I know every parent says it, but WOW -- that first year flew by! Gwen's birthday fell on a Saturday this year, so we were able to have her party on her actual birthday, October 6th.
The days leading up to Gwen's birthday was a bit of a mad dash. The weekend before Gwen's birthday Aunt Nancy and Cousin Hailey came to visit (the boys stayed home). They watched Gwen while Mike and I helped with Lauren (Russell) Miller's wedding -- we're so glad we were able to enjoy in the festivities. Gwen, Nancy and Hailey played a lot and went shopping!
On Monday, Mike and I headed to Chicago - I had a work conference and Mike got to fulfill one of his longtime dreams of watching the Cubs play at Wrigley Field -- it was an awesome time. We came home on Thursday afternoon, Friday was spent getting ready for the party and welcoming our company. Busy, busy -- but a great time.
We went with a caterpillar theme for her party, she has a big stuffed caterpillar that she really likes to cuddle with, so we went with it.

  
 
Her monthly pictures on the caterpillar.
   

Time for presents!

Gwen's favorites while opening included - tissue paper, a card that had a mirror inside and money! Since the party, she's enjoyed playing with her other toys and wearing her new clothes. 
  
 
 Bring on the cake!


  She didn't waste any time sampling her cake.
 She especially liked the black icing.
  Loving it!
 
Getting a bit messy. :-) Looks like this girl has a sweet tooth like her mom and dad!
Things were going great until she decided she needed to rub her eye . . . it was downhill from there!
 The yellow and black icing mixed to make this lovely army green color.
 Getting kisses from her friend Bre -- so cute. 

More caterpillar decorations.
The party was a success -- Gwen had lots of special visitors for her birthday and throughout the weekend.
She especially had a good time with Aunt Dallas and Uncle Gary who came up from Houston to spend the weekend with us. 
Here's Gwen with Uncle Gary -- that's the card with a mirror in it.