Gracie's Birthday

I'm really late getting this posted, but I wanted to show some pictures from Gracie's birthday. Gracie turned 1 on Sunday, October 19th. It was originally just going to be our family with Grandma and Grandpa Newbry, my parents had come Friday and Saturday but couldn't stay on Sunday. As it generally goes in my family, things didn't work out quite as planned. My mother-in-law woke up early Sunday morning with a migraine and so they were not able to make it that day. Lucky for us, Kenny's sister Karen called to tell us she had won our corn game (we had a game going to see who would be the last one to find a corn kernel from our trip to Cornbelly's two weeks before) and Kenny joked with her about how he thought she had called to say she was on her way to Gracie's party. Long story short, they decided to come. We were so happy to have Karen and Cory and their three youngest girls here and were amazed that they would drive so far for a one year olds birthday. It's been nice having family around and being able to share so many things with them.

Gracie before her party with one of her many 'necklaces'.

Gracie had a wonderful birthday. She didn't really understand the whole open the present thing, she is only 1, but her siblings helped her with it. She got some wonderful gifts including a giraffe trike and a tiger xylophone (we learned that opening the xylophone last would have been a smart choice as that's all she wanted to do). She also got a lovely monkey from Kingstons which they picked up at the gas station on their way here. It makes a scary noise that she's not really fond of, but Hannah loves it and can imitate it quite well.

Playing the xylophone!

I wish I had this shot from the other angle, her smile is to die for.

Riding her giraffe tricycle.
Not too sure about this odd monkey, but thanks for thinking of me.
Who needs presents when you've got a remote control?

After the present opening we sent the kids downstairs to play while the adults played Settlers and cooked dinner. Luckily the weather was beautiful and they all got to spend some time outside chasing the neighbor's dog. We had a spaghetti dinner and then everyone got some cake. I made Gracie the traditional 1st birthday cake, a bear. I think it turned out good and the kids liked eating it so that's all that really matters. Gracie got the head (another tradition of ours, is that morbid?) and at first she didn't really know what to do with it. It took some help from Mommy, but she figured it out and made a mess of the head, her highchair, and herself. Overall I think she had a great birthday.

Gracie's bear cake.

Getting ready to blow out the candles.

We had to be quick cause she really wanted to grab the candle.

Tasting the cake on her own.

All of my one year olds have seemed a little hesitant about digging into their cakes.

After a little help from Mommy.

Hannah had no problem digging into the cake and eating her part without hands.