The Carmack's: August 2012: It's Party Time!!

Yes, it's true! Adelyn turned 1 this past week, and if you know anything about my family, that means that celebration(s) are in order!! On Adelyn's actual birthday (Monday, July 30), we had the grandparents (my parents and Michael's mom was in town too), as well as cousin Brady and G.G. (great grandma) over for a small birthday dinner party. Adelyn got to open a few of her gifts, including this new kitchen set from her Gramma and Papa.

To say that she loves it would be an understatement!!! She LOVES to open and slam the doors, put things inside and take them out, and even stir her red pots that cousin Brady gave her with her wooden spoon! And of course, no kitchen is complete without some food to go with it, so part of her present from Michael and I was some fun wooden food to play with

After dinner and presents and playtime, it was time for the big debut of cake (well, cupcakes actually)!!! We all sang happy Birthday...

And then Adelyn cried and wanted NOTHING to do with this super yummy cupcake that was right in front of her!!!

I even tried breaking some of it off and giving her a taste, but after tasting it, she made a "gross" face, and refused her dessert!

Maybe that's what I get for trying to feed her super duper healthy over the past few months (hey - a mom can dream, right??). Regardless of our little meltdown, we had a great night celebrating our baby's first birthday.

The celebration continued on Saturday, when we threw Adelyn's "big" party with family and friends. We rented out the beach house at Lakeside park in Bayport to throw a beach themed party, and the day turned out absolutely perfect!!! My friend Suelynn made Adelyn's cake and cake pops...and they turned out better than I could have ever imagined!!! She is so talented and such a great friend to do this for us!!

The party room was right on the river...a great view!!

And of course, it wouldn't be a beach party without some sand pails, shovels, and lots of good food! We served burgers and brats, veggies, fruit, chips, and broccoli slaw (thanks to my mom for making that! It's one of our favorites!)...and thanks to pinterest for the shark fruit plate idea:)

The party girl arrived and stole the show. Even without a nap, she loved playing with new toys, getting so much attention, and being the life of the party:)

Once again, when it was time for the cake, we had a melt down!!! I think the 50-ish people singing happy birthday to her was a bit overwhelming, but Adelyn wanted NOTHING to do with the cake.

But of course, being the good parent that I am, I still tried to force her to just try the frosting (thinking she might really like it), but it was to no avail.

Even later on in the party, I would just try to give her a taste of the cake/frosting, and everytime she would taste it, she would make the "yucky" face. Crazy girl. I know I've said it before and I will say it again, I can't believe it's been a year!!!! We've made it so far:) (A special thanks to my hubby for not only being the best dad ever, but also for putting up with not just one, but TWO crazy girls over the past year!)

What a great party!!! Adelyn LOVED hanging out with her friends, cousins, family, and everyone that came! Thanks to all for the great gifts that you all gave (you were WAY too generous!). These are some favorite pictures of the party girl lovin' life at her party: