Sunday, February 07, 2010

Clara’s 1st Birthday Party!

When Clara got up from her crib this afternoon, Daddy had come home with a surprise. Clara was SO happy about her balloons that she didn’t let them go without me prying them from her fist!

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She held them while she ate . . .

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She held them while Mama tried to nurse her . . .

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She held them while tasting her first birthday cake . . .

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She even held them while opening presents.

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She loooves her balloons.

* * *

We had a wonderful birthday party this evening. I feel so blessed to have a family so loving and flexible that not one of my four men-relatives uttered a peep of protest for me scheduling Clara’s party during the biggest football game of the season. Oops. It was so nice to have a party in our own home. Even though 15 people in our apartment was a little tight, it was Clara’s home and I felt so blessed to be able to welcome everyone to my house.

We had a dinner of taco salads/straw hats, whatever you call them. They were easy, flexible, and a good food for Clara (and the other kids, of course). I had fun setting the table all pretty with pink and lace, glass jars of juice and water, purple and pink plates, and butterfly napkins, but I don’t have a picture of that on my camera.

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We enjoyed a cake made from scratch (Wilton’s recipes online are so helpful!) and my first attempt at decorating. I am SO glad I did. With mom’s help on the colorflow butterflies and roses, the rest of the cake came together really fast . . . and was actually a lot of fun!

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Then Clara opened presents by tearing pieces of paper off bit by bit and giving them to Daddy (a few ended up in her mouth).

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I was so glad that all of our local family was there. Here is James’ brother Jeremy’s beautiful family (and Clara):

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The kids got to have some play time too—uncles and cousins.

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Granddaddy Kuenning played with Clara and some of her wonderful new toys.

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Grandpa Smith is already teaching Clara how to work a camera.

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We finished off the evening with a goofy rendition of clay-Pictionary (courtesy of James) where everybody won!

(Here Granddaddy is doing a sculpting of a gorilla on snowshoes. Who thought of that? And who guessed it? : )

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Everyone went home happy (I hope!) and braved the icy roads to the Valley while we cherished our little not-yet-one-year-old for a little longer.

Mama nursed while Clara showed her moves.

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Then we cuddled and snuggled and kissed.

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How I love my Clara-girl!

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But Daddy rocked her to sleep. Our little princess was tired!

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What a wonderful end to a special year. What an unbelievable gift and blessing God has placed in our arms.

We love you, Clara Joy!

2 comments:

  1. that was so sweet Andrea, thank you for sharing :)

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  2. Precious! And your cake looked awesome! I am so impressed! Happy Birthday to your little girl! Glad it was a great time for you all! Grace and peace,
    Lucy and fam.

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