Celebrating Cassie

For several reasons, Cassie's first birthday celebration had to be postponed from her actual birthday.  But this past Sunday, we were finally able to give the little lady the party she deserved.  Grandpa and Grandma Campbell, Aunt Cynthia and ALL FOUR KIDS, Ingrid, Eric, Andrew and their Grandma, and Christi and the Picker-INGs joined in the fun.  (I did not take a single group shot and I am a little disappointed in myself for that.  But what am I gonna do about it now??)  As is customary, the birthday girl's favorite food was served: scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit, hashbrown casserole, and bacon (for the rest of us).  I'm not generally a breakfast for dinner kind of girl, but I can make exceptions for cute baby girls.

 The original party plans included a pumpkin patch theme.  I got rid of all the actual pumpkin activities but kept the decorations.

 The birthday girl's own cake:

After eating, we moved downstairs for presents.  Big brother Benjamin made himself the official card reader.

As with most one-year-olds, Cassie was not a fan of sitting still to open presents.

She did calm down a bit when we let her hold some of the paper.  (Can you guess who was told she couldn't help with the gift opening??)

She was pretty excited about this kitty book.  Hundreds of kitty pictures. She just might go hoarse while reading it!!

She's never had shoes before so this seemed like a logical choice for what she should do with them.  Her friend Jayme is sure they tasted like chicken but she wasn't willing to try them for herself.

After gifts, we moved back upstairs for cake.  Grandma Page bought her a special bib just for the occasion.  We stripped her down and let the fun begin.

She was a little hesitant at first...

but eventually, she gave it a try...

and then a bigger try...

and determined it was GOOOOOOD!!!

Grandpa and Grandma Randolph were unable to make the trip for the party

 but, thanks to Skype, they joined us virtually.  (Cassie loves talking to Grandma on the phone!)

 I DID manage to get one picture of Cassie and a guest - cousin McKenzie home from the Army on leave.

The aftermath.  She kept herself pretty clean, hunh?

Abby and Benjamin made some birthday decorations

and so did mom.

 A collage of Cassie pictures from year one.  (Benjamin asked if he could keep it in his room after the party. I told him it was Cassie's so now he wants to make another just for him.  So sweet.)

  We can hardly believe our baby is ONE!  At the beginning, we weren't sure we would survive the first few months, or seven, but eventually we all got it worked out.  Cassie is such a joy and she brings many smiles to our family.  So glad God picked us to be her family!!

 Happy birthday, sweet girl!!