Elise's One Year Birthday Party

On Saturday, October 23, we had Elise's birthday party here at our house from 3-5pm.  The weather was perfect.  It was warm and sunny.  We took a few pictures before all the guests started to arrive.

I ordered some decorations from www.birthdaydirect.com and was very happy with them!  The night before Elise's party, we had a mini craft-making session.  With help from my mom and Jason, I made some tissue paper flowers to add to the decorations on the snack/cake table.

The Menu

Black Bean & Mango Salsa with Tortilla Chips

Fruit K-Bobs made with Strawberries, Mandarin Oranges, Pineapple, Honeydew Melon, Grapes

Meats, Cheeses, and Crackers

Assorted Cookies

Chocolate Cake with Buttercream Icing

Everyone made their plates, and Jason and then I helped Elise open her presents.

Elise got some great toys for her birthday!  A Princess Coupe, a pink John Deere Wagon, Fisher Price Stride and Ride Dino, lots of clothes, Learn to Play Puppy, and lots of other great toys!  We are going to pack up some of her old toys to take to her Nana & Grandpa's house to make room.

After gift opening, we had to quickly get to the birthday cake because Elise was getting a little fussy and distracted.  I stripped her down and set her in high chair.  We sang "Happy Birthday" to her and gave her her personal cake.  While she was working on that, everyone else had cake and ice cream.

Before everyone left, I wanted our family and close friends to see a video I made of Elise's pictures throughout her first year.  I played it on our TV for everyone.  (Be sure to turn your sound up on the computer!)

I'd say the party was a success, even though it had its stressful moments!  It was a great celebration for our little girl's first year!