1st Birthday Party!

We spent the last week doing house work and getting ready for the big day of bright pink and flowers. On Friday morning Makena and I went to Mother's Prayer breakfast. Makena had a great time playing with Jake, Mallory, Emilyn, and Charlotte. I did look over as Makena was playing with Jake and she was reaching up to him with both hands to come get him and pick her up. It was a precious moment.

Friday afternoon, Grammy joined us at the house so that Mommy and Daddy could go celebrate another birthday with a friend. Happy Birthday Matt! Papa, Grannie B, and Uncle T also came to stay with us on Friday night for our special day on Saturday. Before Mommy and Daddy left, Daddy shared a magnificent video with Mommy. He created a "1st Year" video of our baby girl. As the tears welled, I was putting on my mascara, which is kinda ironic. The video consisted of 4 fabulous songs... "I Saw God Today" by George Strait, "Arms Wide Open" by Creed, "All-American Girl" by Carrie Underwood, and "It Won't Be Like This For Long" by Darius Rucker...and the most precious moments in our little girls life captured in pictures and video. Thank you Don for capturing our baby's first year is such and awesome way!

Technically, Makena doesn't turn 1 for a few more days but it was time to celebrate with friends and family on Saturday, May 1st. So bring on the pink, the flowers, the family, and friends. We started the event at 1:30pm. Attendees included: Those mentioned above, Gramps, Aunt Amanda, Uncle Marcus, Great Aunt Nancee, Monica, Sydney, Cody, Theresa, Clayton, Casey, Maria, Aidan, Melanie, Tyron, Luke, Faith, Hannah, Laine, Dana, Jackson, Jack, Jenny, Colton, Caden, Michael, Lisa, Maggie, Maci, Jason, Bethany...hopefully I didn't miss anyone.

The video played for all to see during our time together. As our guest arrived we spent time hanging out and catching up. Then we moved to open gifts and ended with the cupcake extravaganza! Makena received some wonderful clothes, money, books and the greatest toys. We have already worn a dress and pa-jama-jams as we call them. Thanks to everyone for being so generous and thoughtful.

Here are some pics from our day...

Our precious princess in her Birthday Outfit!

Cute as a button!

Blowing out her candleNot exactly sure what to think of the icing and cake...Mom gives her a little taste.And then...As you can tell, it only took one taste. Then she thought Daddy needed some too! Aidan might be missing out on the yummy cake.Now it is Makena's turn to feed Daddy. I hope this is an indication that sharing will be no problem for her.Playing with the balloon with Granny.Makena sits proudly on display as quest arrive.Melanie and Makena. Friends and family...

Papa making faces at Caden... Are these two brothers? I think there was a lot of computer talk.

Theresa, Cody (cousin), Clayton, and Aunt Nancee

Makena and Grammy getting ready for the festivities.Pics of the birthday girl... Yummy cupcakes, cookies, strawberries (which is now Makena's favorite fruit!!), veggies and queso.

This was a display of pics of Makena each month for the last year.

We had a great day with everyone including the extra family time afterwards. A couple of milestones/firsts:

On Saturday, May 1, Makena let go breifly while standing. Not for long before plopping on her bottom, but it was one of those intial changes before other "big" changes.

Today, she walked behind her new stroller with no assistance. I believe we'll be walking by June. I guess we'll see.

Thanks again to everyone!