We're gonna' party, like it's my birthday...

Eleanore's birthday was so fun! Probably more for me than anyone else. That's okay though, I really felt like celebrating. I am so grateful that Eleanore is part of our family and that she is a healthy, happy, smart little girl.

Shay, Saveyah, Shep and Major came down on Monday and we spent the afternoon at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota. It was a really nice day to be outside and it was fun to hang out there together. We got to look in the circus museum which displays a really elaborate miniature circus, walk through John and Mable Ringling's mansion and have a picnic on the patio over looking the Bay.

It was fun to have Shay and her kiddos spend the night. Eleanore loves, loves, loves having other kids around.

After after watching the inauguration we spent the day decorating for Eleanore's party and then we went to the park for a while (it was too cold to stay long).

Here is Eleanore opening the card that came in the mail from Nana and Grandpa in Utah. It was so funny how she sat and looked it. It was like she knew it was special just for her.

After we got the party all decorated Shep found a way to entertain himself until the party started.

So did the babies:

Here are some photos from her party. We ate pizza, played duck-duck-goose and hot potato, opened presents and hit a pinata before the main event of Eleanore's cake eating!

With cousins Shep, Saveyah, Major, Jordan, Audrey and Jacob.

Everyone took a swing at the pinata.

Even Daddy!

The heart-shaped pinata was hard to break, but it was worth it for some great loot!

This is the fancy cake made by the caterer I know from work. He remembered that I missed our gala last January because I had just had Eleanore and asked how the baby was when I was scheduling some things for this year's gala. When I told her she was turning one he offered to make a fancy cake for just the price of supplies. It was special to have such a neat cake! (Can you see the bubbles on top? They are blown sugar!)

Then Eleanore got to open presents. She got lots of fun things! I have to admit new toys make my days more exciting too...since I am her playmate. ;)

And then....the succession of a birthday cake:

Whew! What a fun day. Hope you survived this long post (at least it was mostly photos). Just want to say we feel so lucky to have family nearby. Thank you all for coming. It meant a lot to have you be a part of what was a very special day for Eleanore (and Bryan and I). :) We love you guys!