Lexi's First Birthday!

I can't believe it! Alexis turned one on Wednesday. The year flew by! In many ways she already seems like a toddler. She runs and climbs, points and pretends, and also throws tantrums and cries. Our pediatrician describes her as "a skinny kid with a big head." True, yes. She only weighs 17 lbs. 9 oz., putting her in the 4^th percentile while her head is in the 88^th percentile. But I like to think her head is so big because she is so smart!

Anyway, we started the celebration early in the day with a trip to the Treehouse Museum. Andy entertained the kids with puppets, they rode horses and bulls, milked cows, sat in a teepee, drove a firetruck, and much more. Of course, Brayden wanted to play with the trains the entire time, but we dragged him to other activities.

After that we had pizza for lunch and headed home for naps so everyone would be well rested for the party that night.

THE INVITATION

 THE GUESTS

Top: Brian, Grandpa & Grandma Mildon, Grandma & Grandpa Rhodes
Bottom: Brayden, Jen, Alexis, Mom & Dad, Makenzie

THE PRESENTS
Everyone spoiled little Lexi. She got lots of fabulous presents: cute outfits, shoes, toys, toys and more toys!

The twins seemed to think it was their birthday because they kept trying to open her presents and would steal her new toys to play with them. I realize they were just excited, but they were driving Andy & I nuts!

THE CAKE

I made Lexi a butterfly cake and cupcakes adorned with flowers and little flutterbies.

While trying to get a picture of the birthday girl with her cake, she decided it was time to dig in!

So I cut her a piece immediately and she wasted no time eating every last crumb.

While the rest of us were enjoying our cake and ice cream, Makenzie asked me why we didn't sing Happy Birthday to Lexi. Crap! I can't believe I forgot to light the candle and sing before we cut the cake. Blunder number one. Oh well, I stuck the candle on a cupcake and we sang. Better late then never.

Lexi wasn't as fond of the cupcake, however, and basically just mashed it to pieces. She was quite proud of her accomplishment.

THE BALOONS
After everyone left, I untied the balloons and let the kids play with them. Brayden told me that this was his favorite part of the day. He also informed me that I needed to buy more balloons for his birthday in July. He wants 2 green, 2 white and 2 blue. I'm sure I will forget this long before July, so will someone please remind me?

THE NEXT DAY
There were a few presents that didn't arrive via the mail and UPS until the next day. This actually worked out quite nicely, however, because the twins were still asleep. Lexi had a lot of fun opening them all by herself and playing with them without anyone swiping them. Hooray!

THE OTHER BLUNDER
With Lexi's birthday following Christmas so closely, I really didn't know what to get her. I wasn't sure what others were going to give her and Andy & I were out of ideas.  I hemmed and I hawed and I waited too long. By the time we figured out that we wanted to give her this fun little doorway playhouse, all of the stores were out of stock. I found a bunch on the internet but even with expedited shipping there was no way it would arrive in time. So, Lexi still has one more present coming. Note to self: next year buy all her presents before Christmas. Sorry Lexi! I hope you don't need years of therapy to forgive me for screwing up your first birthday! :)