Flitter-Flutter Fun!!

We celebrated Olivia's 1st birthday last Saturday, August 15th with the Ackerman family. We had a ladybug-themed party complete with a ladybug smash-cake, which I decorated the morning of the party. It was my first "character/theme" cake, and I think it turned out fairly well! On the menu for the adults were grilled bratwursts, potato salad, chips, veggie pizza, spinach & artichoke dip with crackers & french bread, fruit salad, fruit dip, lemonade, and brownie sundaes with hot fudge & caramel topping. Our Little Lady was quiet as the guests arrived, but she quickly warmed up, becoming the hit of the party, buzzing from person to person! Here are some pictures of the festivities.

Olivia's Birthday Door Sign

Welcome Ladies & Bugs!!!

Foyer wall sign welcoming our guests

Decorated Sunroom Table & Dessert Table

I decorated the dessert table with peanut butter-filled chocolate ladybug candies, pink swizzle sticks, mini oreos, red & black licorice, and ladybugs created out of red plates, licorice & oreos.

Ackerman Family

Cuddling with Jenna, Olivia's Cousin

Jenna and Olivia have become quite close over the past few months as they play together 1-2 times a week when Aunt Lindsay and I meet to run.

Birthday Lady

During lunch, Olivia enjoyed playing with some of the party utensils. She waved them wildly in the air and screamed with delight.

"Are These Presents For Me???"

Olivia spied the presents under the dessert table after we were done eating. Jenna tried keeping her away from them until they were ready to be opened.

It's Time for Presents!!

Olivia was quite attentive during the opening of her presents. Jenna did assist her by tearing some of the wrapping paper. She received a year membership to the Children's Museum, a Barnes & Noble gift card, a Charlie Brown onesie, several fun board books, a pink Detroit Tigers jumpsuit, a purple flower outfit complete with matching socks, a Leap Frog Table, a Sit & Spin toy, stacking rings, a savings bond, and a Playskool Poppin' Pals toy.

The Cake

Lit and ready to be presented to Olivia!

Presenting the Cake

"What IS this???"

Daddy letting her know it's okay to dig in!

First Tastes...SUGAR!!

Olivia was quite timid throughout the entire cake-eating process, which surprised us all. We gathered outside waiting for her to dig in, but she really only grabbed a few flakes of the coconut grass on her own. Not surprising, she did prefer to eat bites of cake hand-fed to her by Daddy and Grandpa. She would reach out her hand as if to grab some, but would quickly retract her hand before touching the frosting. When I attempted to put her hand into the frosting, she resisted and pulled her arm back; Olivia prefers to do things in her own time!

Red Face Cutie
Despite being timid, Olivia managed to get red frosting all over her face and body. She even ended up standing up in her high chair, smashing cake that had fallen on the seat between her toes.

After most of the spectators had gone back inside, Olivia got her hands on an oreo. She found this delicious. She definitely is her mother's daughter!

Contemplating

Loving the Licorice
After Jenna pulled out one of the Ladybug's antennae to eat, Olivia followed suit. She kept hold of the black licorice all the way up to the bathroom, where she eventually dropped it into the bathtub.

Thanks for Celebrating with Me!!!

Love, Olivia

We definitely had some fun as our little lady turned ONE!