Party Time!

On her birthday, Kayley got to enjoy the Imagine Children’s Museum and the Rainforest Café. A few weekends ago she had her first birthday party! Many family members and friends were able to join us for the celebration. Her Maimie, Grandpa V and Grandma V even got to be there for the event.

Since Kayley loves animals so much we had an animal themed party. Mark, Andrew’s dad, created a birthday sign, and animal wall and table décor for us to use out of a clip art file I found. I personally think the animals were super cute, but nowhere near as much as the birthday girl. Andrew, his folks, my mom and myself set-up for the big bash while Kayley took her nap, and I am so thankful for all of their help. Right before the party began Kayley woke up and we got her dressed for her party.

Pointing at her birthday sign. She was very excited about it

Some of the yummy food, and the cakes!

This little girl is a social butterfly! Even though she’s only one, she made sure she said hi to everyone who came to celebrate. She was so excited to see so many people she knows. And she seemed to really like all the animals all over the place. We had some of her stuffed animals, and her blocks for the kids to play with. And for the older kids and adults we even had a craft area set-up to color your own animal mask.

Kayley playing with some of her friends

Party time!

The craft room

After some socializing and munching of food we played a game that included all ages. Thanks much to Andrew and his mom, a box with a secret prize (Cold Stone gift card) wrapped inside was wrapped in about 35 layers. Each layer of wrapping paper had a message written on it. Some said “prize”, which meant you got to pick a prize out of the prize bucket, and others said things like “act like a monkey,” “name 3 Disney animated movies,” “give the birthday girl a hug,” “give 5 people hi-fives,” etc. It was a fun game, and gave everyone an opportunity to unwrap the gift once or twice. Plus, we made sure each child got to pick a prize from the prize bucket. Thus I don’t think we were dealing with any jealousy when Kayley opened her gifts later one. 

Ray acting like a monkey

Quinn having her turn at opening the gift

Beckie naming 3 Disney animated movies

Hiroe giving the birthday girl a hug

After the game we set-up Kayley’s high chair so everyone could witness her and her first cake. I made a HUGE cupcake (milk and egg free) chocolate cake for her. She was a little shocked when everyone started singing “Happy Birthday” and Andrew was holding this huge cupcake with a number one candle burning on it. At first she looked around at everyone singing, but then she just stared at the cake. She had no idea what to do when Andrew put the cake on her tray (candle-less). 

I do NOT want to wear a hat

What's going on? Everyone is singing

She barely touch the frosting right away, but then examined her hand right away trying to figure out what the stuff was. She touched the frosting again and looked at it weird – she doesn’t like getting super dirty. I tried to offer her some but she shook her head no, touched the frosting again, and then shook her hand to get the frosting off. This happened a few time and she refused to take a taste. She only tasted it and realized how good it was after she fed me a piece. I guess she wanted to make sure we weren’t giving her poison.

What is this stuff?

You eat it mommy. Gotta make sure it's not poison.

Alright, I guess I'll take a bite

THIS STUFF IS SO GOOD!!!

She really went at it after she finally tasted it. I’m a little surprised at how much of it she ate. And man was she on a sugar high after that! She was nowhere near wanting her early evening nap after the party.

Yeah, she ate a lot. And this was taken while she was still eating!

Had to take her to the sink for a proper cleaning

And on a side note to a few particular people (you know who you are!), I would like to say that Kayley did not have any friends or family members who tried to sample her cake before or after she had a bite. 

Kayley's cake

The carrot cake

The orange-coconut cake

After the cake eating (we had carrot cake and orange-coconut cake for all the guests) Kayley got to open her gifts. She really liked reading all the cards people gave her, and had a lot of fun playing with tissue paper. She was super excited about everything she opened though, and if it came in a box, she wanted to give it to her daddy to open. Thank you everyone who blessed Kayley with time to celebrate with her and/or gave her a gift. They are all much appreciated. 

Aren't the animals cute?

Reading a card together

Tearing off the wrapping paper

We are so glad so many family member and friends were able to come and celebrate our little girl turning one. You all made Kayley’s first birthday party very memorable.

Ps. If you haven’t done so yet, don’t forget to vote on if you think Cub is a girl or boy. The poll is located on the right near the top and will be open until June 8^th.