a first birthday party

ella's first birthday party was so much fun. here are some photos:

on the menu: carrot cake cupcakes, pumpkin pie, rhubarb wine, fruit salad, crackers and cheese, pasta salad.



elenora was so excited about the balloons. (we're still having fun with them.)



ella got a little tikes push and ride that was a big hit with the babies. she and aurora got on the back of it and took the wheels for a ride. elenora also enjoyed pushing it from behind.

it was tough to keep ella with me while opening gifts because there was so much going on. but here's a moment when she sat with me to open a gift from her mimi.



the wind blew out the candle the first time, and i helped the second time. ella enjoyed the sweets. "mmmm..."



notice aurora in the background. she's such a cutie.

a family photo:



with the grandmas.

with uncle j. and aunt h.

i'd do it all over again the same way. it was so much fun. our guest list included three other babies (aurora, penelope, and nathan), two grandmas, aunt h. and uncle j., auntie k., and a bunch of other friends. i felt so blessed to have everyone there, as i know how much they all mean to elenora. it was great for her to be able to look in every direction and see people who love her.