Birthday Party Re-cap

 * Click on any photo to enlarge it. *

The food table

Note the penguin shaped pineapple juice ice cubes.

I was told they were a little over the top... but I didn't care. LOL!

Cupcakes!

My brother took the penguin hat photo about a month ago with the plan to somehow incorporate it into the party.

Mia's hot pink and black with white polka dots penguin birthday ensemble to go along with our theme.

We took the presents to the deck since it was a beautiful, sunshiney 75 degree day.

I love how cousin Tess has her arm around Mia. These two are so cute together.

Griffey had to get in on the action, too.

Aunt Carla and Mia

I couldn't help myself. There was also an adorable headband to match but Mia is going through a "I won't wear anything in my hair" phase. So it was tossed to the floor within .02 seconds of being put on her head.

One of my besties, Lisa, and her daughter, Peyton

Livi who came with her mom, Kendra

My other bestie, Dominique, slaving away in the kitchen

Most of the boys thought they'd have a better vantage point  from a 2nd floor window.

In case I'd have to literally hose her down, we took the cake outside, too.

The girls assisted with blowing out the candles.

Mia eyeballing the cake and formulating a plan of attack.

And immediately dove in as soon as it was placed in front of her.

Notice the look of concentration..

Once she got a little taste...

things got crazy!

It was a great day spent with family and friends.

In spite of a slightly hectic, behind schedule start and a birthday girl who refused her afternoon nap, everything turned out beautifully. I was once again reminded how much the little village I've built means to me and my daughter. 

Thanks to everyone who helped pull it together and pitched in to clean up after. I was so thankful to be able to relax after putting Mia to bed. And miraculously, she slept really good even with the sugar overload.

Although Mia likely won't remember this, it'll be a wonderful memory for me and one that I'll tell her all about some day. Thanks to all those who came to celebrate with us. It meant a lot. 

I'll always be eternally grateful that I got to experience this first birthday with Mia. But I still can't believe my baby is 1 year old already! Time really does fly on the other side of The Wait.