The Big Party

We had the big party to celebrate Mady's first birthday yesterday. We could not have asked for a more beautiful day. TJ and Trip spent the morning helping me get everything ready. They were both a big help. Then, Graham, Katie and Nicholas came a little early to help too. Trip and Nick are so fun to watch now, they can really play together and get along really well. Mady was so excited. She could tell this was all for her. And, Trip had a great time too because most of our guests were friends of his and their parents and siblings. Before the food came, the big kids played outside while the daddy's watched. We had a bean bag toss, putt putt, bubbles and side walk chalk. But, the biggest (and messiest) hit was our water/sand table. FUN! The mommies talked mommy talk and helped me get the food out. We had pizza delivered, my favorite! After lunch, we brought out the cake. Mady loved it! Her trial run last weekend with the grandparents helped. She dug in right away and made it through half the cake. I don't think it all ended up in her tummy, but a lot of it did. She was a mess! The rest of us enjoyed the cupcakes from Publix and the ice cream. YUMMY! Unfortunately, a few of our guests couldn't make it to the party because they had sick little ones, so we had lots of food left over, but I don't mind eating pizza and cupcakes for the next two weeks. Of course, even though we said no gifts, people can not come empty handed to a birthday party. We waited to open presents until after naps. Trip was a big help. He would bring Mady her present and then open it for her...and then play with it for her. Who knew that strollers, baby dolls and a tea set would be so fun for a 3 year old boy! All in all it was a wonderful day! I still can't believe she is one already!

This afternoon after dinner we took them to our neighborhood pool for the first time since it opened this summer. They both had so much fun. Mady didn't even cry at all. She just chilled in her float and watched all the big kids playing in the pool. And, Trip just swam around like a fish. I am really looking forward to spending lots of time with them at the pool this summer.