Maarit's Birthday Party

We decided to celebrate Maarit's 1st Birthday with a big party and we planned it for one week earlier than her birthday for a few reasons:
1. The weekend chosen worked better for family and friends with October plans already in place (weddings, very soon to arrive babies and MEA break etc.).
2. We assumed the weather would be nicer earlier in October rather than later....we were remembering the blustery day last October when we brought her home from the hospital....

However, when Maarit woke up on her big party day she saw this:

She was very surprised and really didn't appreciate that snow gets stuck in her boots and makes it very hard for her to walk. She fell down, got a face wash. Didn't like it.

The wind was blowing and howling just like winter...and the man with the bounce house called to tell us he wouldn't set it up with snow on the ground because of liability and the rain barrel for bobbing for apples was covered with a good layer of ice....

So the party was moved inside and much fun was had by all.

There were lots of family and friends in attendance including Great Nana and Great Aunts Lisa and Linda from Michigan. Below: Great Nana, Lisa and Auntie Tarah and Cousin Chloe

Tarah and Chloe

There was lots of food (thank you Merry for the sandwiches!) and beverages for all. Maarit liked the empty cups, good for hours of enjoyment when you're almost 1 and celebrating early.

There were all things pumpkin: pie, cake, decorations.... Maarit was proud. She likes pumpkins.

We were so glad to have so many friends and family come to see us and celebrate Maarit's big birthday and there were so many people here we don't have pictures of everyone, but thank you to all who did come, we very much enjoyed seeing you.

Mel and Cori made the drive from River Falls, Wi.

Here is Leif showing us some of the eatables and Evan behind him.

Maarit had a pumpkin cake, she loves music and loves to dance when she hears anything that could even be mistaken as music. She LOVED hearing people sing happy birthday to her, she clapped and shook her little bottom the whole time!

Blowing out her first birthday candle....mommy cried.

Hooray Maarit!

A big huge Thank You to Lindsey for helping me set everything up for Maarit's birthday. I could not have done it with out her help. Here she is with Erin...and incognito...baby Prazak.

Uncle Bubs and Shanna, it was so fun to see you! Can't wait until you're with us again.

Great Uncle Jeff and Grandma Carol (and Grandpa) made the trip on the icy roads from River Falls, Wi.

Nana and Great Aunt Linda

Maarit was a lucky birthday girl and got many beautiful gifts...thank you to everyone. Here she is riding her Elephant! She was a very tired, very happy girl after her party. Thank you to everyone who helped make her day special.

Maarit's official 1st Birthday will be this Friday, Oct. 16. It's hard to believe that only a year ago we were just meeting our precious little girl. We are truly blessed and lucky to share our lives with her. I am continually blown away by how much joy she brings to every moment of my life.