Happy Birthday!!!!!!

Anniston's first birthday was upon us...no matter how much we denied that our little baby was now a one year old toddler.  We had been planning for weeks, the nights leading up to it were long nights spent making last minute preparations, and getting everything lined up.

When  Anniston first came out onto the back deck, she was not sure what to make of all the decorations...and there were no people yet.

She quickly started to realize that all of this...was all about her.  And she loves it when she is the center of attention.

 The tables were set, the food was prepared, and the people were there...it was time to have some fun, and celebrate Anniston turning 1!

 She has really started to warm up to people other than mom, dad and the two grandmas.  She spent some time having fun with Grandpa Rhoads...making her happy face.  When she makes that face, we know she is a happy camper.

 She also got to try a lot of new foods...Grandpa thought she needed to try cheese balls...now she is addicted to them.  We don't let her have many, but every time she sees the giant bucket of them, she wants them.

 She had fun being the center of attention.  She walked all over the place, and everyone wanted to be around her...we barely got to play with her...everyone else took all of her time.

 She got to play in the ball pool with her cousin Rory, everyone loved the ball pool.

 Poppy Moore gave Anniston a car for her birthday...she loves it!  She likes sitting in it, being pushed around in it...just loves it.  It is the biggest toy she has.

 Anniston's favorite part of opening the gifts...were the cards.  At Christmas she was enthralled by the wrapping paper and tissue paper covering the gifts.  Now, all she wants is the card and envelope.

 Anniston has so much fun all day.  She was all smiles, and I tried to capture as many of them as I could.

 Another new thing for parties, is to have a "smash" cake.  This is a cake, all for them, that they get to smash to bits, eat what they want, and in general just make a big mess.

 Anniston was much more calm than I thought she would be.  Rather than just tearing into it, she tested it, stuck a finger in, grabbed a little frosting and tasted it to see what was up.  She did not tear into it like we thought she would.  She much preferred the frosting to the actual cake.  Soon, she was laughing and giggling on a sugar high.

 After most of the guest had left, Grandpa Rhoads was pushing her back and forth on the deck in her new car...I think they both had a lot of fun.  Grandpa was a little winded, but Anniston's laughter kept him going.

When it was all over with, Anniston was caught texting her friends while sitting in her car.  She had a great day, and we enjoyed the time with all of our family and friends that could be there to celebrate with us. 

For those that could not be here this year...wait till next year...I think Mommy already started to plan the party!