Dakota's Birthday Party!

Well I know some grandparents are eager to see some pictures of our big 1 year old!  (and maybe some others are too :) 

So here they are!  We decided to celebrate at home with some of our closest friends which are like family to us!  We kept the party simple and fun and hoped that our guests were able to enjoy themselves and not feel over stimulated and exhausted as you sometimes feel after kids birthday parties.

We didn't go with any "theme" just simple streamers, balloons and pinwheels.  I got the idea from Erin (thank you Erin) and from what I hear/read.....she throws some awesome kid parties!

A Sample of Renae and Melody's Work!

I didn't invite a whole lot of kids because I wanted to be able to focus on the birthday girl.  But Renae was thrilled as punch that her friend Melody came.  I set them up with some canvas' and paints and they seemed to have LOVED this.  And I thought that it would be a great "party favor" to take home! This idea also came from Erin's Blog (which you can look at here.  Thank you again Erin!) We also had little jars of jelly beans, yogurt raisins, animal crackers and gummy bears that the guests could fill a goodie bag with to take home!  (Thanks Mom for that idea!)

Renae Lovin' the Camera

Auntie Jean and the Birthday Girl!

She is such a delight!  Even when she was getting tuckered out at the end of the party, she was still full of smiles! 

It was a beautiful day! 
.....Still hot......but beautiful!
The girls found ways to enjoy the sunshine! With a little dip in the kiddie pool! 


And then of course I couldn't resist.....the action sequence of Dakota digging into her very own cupcake!  (that Renae decorated for her!)

Yep......she loved it!

Thank you again to everyone that celebrated with our little girl!  Your gifts were all so lovely and thoughtful!  You all made her first birthday so very special.