a BIG 1ST BIRTHDAY party.....

Saturday, the 22nd of May, included a day trip to Chicago for the best birthday party ever.  Addison, our granddaughter had turned 1 year old on the 17th, but the celebration had to wait a few days.  The weather cooperated--a few showers, a nice breeze and then the sun appeared. What a great time we had!  Meredith and Kevin did a wonderful job of planning with great food, beer, games, music, balloons, decorations, and many photo ops (some of which are included here.)    Since Meredith and Kevin live in a rather small apartment, Joann and Kenny (Kevin's parents) were willing to provide the house, chairs, etc... for the occasion; and they were a great help to Meredith and Kevin as well. 

The birthday girl was all dolled up in a tutu provided by her grandmother,  Joann.  Addison was a little overwhelmed at first, but she soon got into the groove and joined the party with great enthusiasm.  Kevin has a large family, most of whom are from the Chicago area, so there was no shortage of people who wanted to hold Addison and she was a good sport.  There were a few out-of-town guests, Kevin's sister, Kristin, who lives in the DC area, Meghan and her friend, David, from Milwaukee, and those of us from Appleton. 

The first casualty happened before the party got under way.  There was a little "counter surfing" by Ike, one of Ken and Joann's dalmatians.  That cake just looked too good to pass up!  Ike was found in the dinning room just licking his lips and, Minnie, their other dalmatian, didn't even get a crumb.  While this was very upsetting initially, it was repaired with a little bit of extra icing by Joann.  This event will be something that will remind us all of Addison's 1st birthday party; and will be a "remember when" moment with lots of laughs.  The cake was delicious, by the way.

The "repaired" cake---good as new, almost.

Kenny with Addison in her tutu

Great Grandpa, Ed, with Meghan

Kristin, Kevin's sister, with her friend and son

Something is really interesting----Addison and her bestie,  Aunt Meghan

Kevin's father, Rich

"I'm having a great time, Dad!"  (Kevin and Addison)

Addison with her Great Aunt, Nettie

Reece, a friend, was a very good helper when it came to opening the gifts.

Addison could not be distracted when she was eating her first OREO ever!

What do you think of my tutu?

Kenny and Minnie---a true love affair

another view---am I cute or what?

This is the "smash" cake, made and decorated by Meredith.  Addison could do whatever she wanted with it.  Initially, she didn't think too much of it; but, as you will see----she "got into it."

Kevin's mother, Joann--- a great hostess

Getting her first taste of the "smash" cake----not too sure---it really feels funny

 "I'll see if Dad thinks that the icing tastes good."

"I think that I like it.  Might as well dig in with both hands and my foot!"

"I gotta tell you; I am not fond of the hat."

"Opening those gifts was a lot of work, but I loved all of them.  Thank you!"

Kevin's dad with Reece, Addison and Meredith.  We were glad that he could come to the party.

There were cameras going off all afternoon, and these are only a few shots.  We want to thank everyone for including us in the party.  We are sure there will be many more parties to come, but the first birthday is always special.  We thought for sure that Addison would surprise us all by taking her first steps sometime during the afternoon.  What is a better time to start walking than at your party in your tutu?   But----she is saving that moment for another day.

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY, ADDISON!!