Ella's First Birthday

Ella's first birthday turned out to be a three-day extravaganza! On Friday night, her actual birthday, Ella opened gifts from Grandma and Aunt Sandra. Ella loved her Pooh Bear bubble maker from Aunt Sandra.



Grandma gave Ella some fun books. Ella is holding up her book of Van Gogh paintings . . . we like to start them early around here!

Aunt Sandra is pointing out the pictures in her book on America's famous sights.

But Ella didn't feel like reading just then . . . she wanted bubbles!

On Saturday at Ella's party, Aunt Tracey decorated the house with balloons, streamers, and party hats.

Ella gets a birthday hug from Sierra :)

Ella did not want to wear her party hat :(

Ella had a large cupcake for her main cake and then Mommy made several cupcakes to go with it. Here everyone sings happy birthday to the birthday girl.

She was careful at first . . .

But then it got a little messy . . .

And even more messy! I wonder what she's thinking . . .

Cousin Vanessa got in on the action too!

A birthday kiss from Aunt Tracey :)

Later in the evening, Ella opened a couple gifts. Ella was not so sure about the laughing, rolling monkey that Nonna got her.

On Sunday, Ella opened the rest of her gifts. At times she seemed more interested in the tissue paper than the gifts themselves :)

Ella tried on the hats for her new Pepito doll from the Garretts.

Ella squats down to get a good look at her new sock monkey from Heath.

Ella says hello to her new doll from the Hammers.

Aunt Tracey gave her this fun sound puzzle of zoo animals.