Grace Turns One: Part 2

We're back from Mexico! We returned safe and sound to one happy little girl (and an amazingly together GramB). Coming back to her is truly the best part of vacation. As mentioned in Part 1, I struggled quite a bit with the idea of leaving her this time. Maybe because ultimately it was something we'd planned by choice as opposed to something (not really optional) related to David's job. Leaving fresh off a sentimental celebration with family and friends didn't help either! However, after Grace's double ear infection and the inevitable stress of pulling off a party (no matter how simple), Mexico ended up being exactly what it was intended to be...a relaxing, work-free, and child-free time together. That's a later post, though.

Grace's first birthday party turned out exactly as we'd hoped. David's one request (since before she was born, actually) was that it not be over the top. What can I say? He's consistent! No really, I agreed with him and did my best to keep it reasonable. We had it at our house, invited our immediate family and closest friends, and ate barbecue. David smoked an assortment of meat (ribs, brisket, jalapeno sausage, turkey) on his big new smoker and I have to say I was impressed...especially being that it was his second time! Our moms made the potato salad and baked beans, which we greatly appreciated, and of course we had to have some chips and queso. :) The only things "splurged" on were the owl invites, banner, thank yous, and party dress - all from Etsy - and her adorable owl cake. Well, and accidentally the jellybeans for the party favors. I went to the candy store at the mall (not the brightest) and totally misread the sign (just plain dumb)...what I thought was price per pound was actually per quarter pound. Got a good laugh out of that one.

I put Aunt Kimmie in charge of taking pictures during the party and she took it very seriously. We ended up with over 200! These are obviously not all of them...there are more on Facebook. Thank you to everyone who came and for your sweet gifts, but more than anything for just being there (and part of our lives in general). I promise our official thank you notes are next on the list! Love you all.

The invitation (not ours, but you get the idea)
The fun stuff
Mommy & Grace
Daddy & his masterpiece
The silly birthday girl
The fabulous guests (the ones we got pics of, at least)
Our little family
Sweetest moment of the day...for me
The much anticipated cake experience
"All this fuss over me?!?!"
The opening of presents
The after-party fun
The next morning (a bit like Christmas)