The invites:
Emma woke up at 8:00 (the exact time she was born 1 year ago) on her birthday, which is extremely rare for her to do. Because she was up so early, we got started decorating! We had enough time to decorate the strawberry light fixture, and #1 on the wall before Grandma called and invited us to go to Big Surf.
Emma was in such a good mood (probably because I was), so we hopped into our swimmies & off we went. I had to fill out paper work for Emma's season pass at Big Surf. It was so weird to write down her hair color, eye color, age, and birthday...and then date the bottom with the date, which WAS her birthday! :)
Emma loved Big Surf, but after 3 hours of fun, she definitely needed a nap, and I needed to go back to decorating. Madi came and helped me decorate the front of the house, and babysat Emma while I ran to the grocery store.
Jana was the first to arrive at around 6.
Then came Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Loagie, and Jess with some condiments and fruit...which was a big help!
We ate dinner (Ammon grilled hamburgers & hot dogs) and then we started opening up presents because Madi couldn't wait any longer. Emma did a great job of opening up presents by herself (not at all like her mom).
After opening up a present or 2, Uncle Ty, Aunt Jenn, and Cousin Cam came to the party!
Cambryn did a great job of letting Emma enjoy her day. She only played with the gifts that Emma wasn't playing with at the time.
Emma got a pink & white barking dog (that barks when you pull it) and clothes from Logan & Jess; an alligator bubble dispenser, bubbles, and a baby doll from Ty, Jenn, and Cam; legos, a popper, color shape & number flash cards, a book (brown bear), and clothes from Grandma, Grandpa Brown & Madi. She also got soft books from Great Aunt Lynnette, a pop-up toy from Great Grandma & Grandpa Barker, and a tide pool, books, and cell phone from Grandma & Grandpa Barker that she opened a week ago when Grandma was in town.
After presents, we played a game called "How Well Do You Know Emma". I asked the following questions:
1) What date was Emma born? 6/16/08
2) What was the day of the week? Monday
3) How much did Emma weigh at birth? 8lb 13oz
4) How long was she? 20 1/4 in
5) What was her first word? mama, dada, baba, wow
6) What time was she born? 8:00 AM
7) Who was she named after? Emma Smith & a distinct impression I got while in the temple.
8) What is her middle name? Doesn't have one
9) What do you love most about Emma?
10) What do you want to tell Emma when she can read this?
After presents we sang "Happy Birthday" and blew out the candle. Then we all ate the amazing cake that I made from scratch(I forgot to bring the ice-cream out! dang it!). Emma got the biggest piece and ate every bite!
Then we played outside with her toys until everyone had to go home. Emma was such a trooper. She got a little upset in the middle, and just wanted me to hold her. Maybe a little over-stimulated? Otherwise, she had a great day! Thanks to everyone who made it special!!
Happy 1st Birthday our little Emma Shortcake! We're so glad that you decided to join our family a year ago. You are such an amazing spirit & have truly blessed our lives! LOVE YOU!! :)
