Gracie's First Birthday

Happy 1st Birthday to Grace!

This is actually taken before Grace's birthday, but I like this picture and it is the same dress she wore for her Scoville Family Birthday Party.  Grandma Joy was so kind to invite us all over for a birthday dinner for Gracie. She had the cutest decorations up and had a delicious kid dinner featuring homemade Cheese Noodles--one of Grace's favorites. 

Joy made this amazing carousel cake. It was adorable!

Gracie enjoying her chocoate cake

To celebrate the big day--July 2nd--We went over to This is the Place Park for a quick look at the animals and a train ride.

Grace pointing at the Pigs.

Not quite so sure about the baby sheep.

Then we came back to our house to play with Johnny and Alex in the new kid pool. Grace is quite the water baby.

After the pool, we had a nice barbeque (first of the season) on the deck.

This is the butterfly cake I made for Gracie. The number 1 is blocking its eyes, but you get the general idea.

We discovered that Grace loves to chew on Corn Cobbs.

By the time we got to presents she was not in the best mood. (Of course on the day of her birhtday of all days she wouldn't take a nap so she was not her best self. Too bad.)

Aunt Shell trying on one of Grace's gifts. Grace loves to grab people's sunglasses off their heads.

Grace showing off one of her birthday gifts the day after.

Grace and Mommy on the 4th of July. It is so hard to believe that just a year ago on the 4th of July Steve and I were bringing Grace home from the hospital. I so clearly remember rocking her in her new room at our condo, watching the fireworks out of the window, getting ready for our first night at home. She has grown into such a beautiful, playful, smart, loving, curious and strong girl. She is so apropriately named. She is a gift from God. I still find myself looking at her in awe that she is really here, that I was actually able to get pregnant and have a child who is healthy and happy. I am forever grateful. She is the light of her mom's and dad's lives. She gives my life purpose and brightness. I am also so grateful for all the people in her life that love her so very much. She is one beloved girl.

Gracie, you have come a long way in 1 year, girly. You are growing so well. You are learning so fast. You are one fun gal to have around. Now, if you can only learn to sleep...maybe that will be your birthday gift to Mommy =)

Happy Birthday to my one and only!