celebrating the one year old princess

Ella Rose, my sweet'ems.
This baby had such a happy birthday.
Her special day was much like the others,
just doin' our thing.
But their was extra sparkle
and beauty to it.

But first,
a celebration with the family & friends
over the weekend.

A picnic out back,
homemade ice cream,
a water balloon & candy launch,
sparklers.....
awesomeness.

Ella's cake - whole wheat zucchini bread
with a wee bit of frosting.
What?!!! She is ONE, people.
She loved it.

But then there was her
b-day breakfast.
A chocolate donut!
The picture doesn't express it right.
She LOVED it.

Gadding about the park
with our dear friends.

Ella loves:
to swing,
be outside,
eat EVERYthing she finds,
especially loves"nanas" (bananas),
her paci & blankie,
to steal Wyatt's glasses,
play patty cake,
her dada,
and lots of attention.

An enchanting 5 minute dinner outside.
Mosquitos!
Makes a great picture, though.

Flashlights, sparklers, what's the diff?
Sparklers burn out fast, that's what.
Try it.
Slow shutter speed, tripod, easy.
But sparklers look way cooler.

I just cannot even tell you how fun & wonderful it has been to watch our sweet'ems grow & discover & learn. After having a child with so many delays and issues, it has been a healing balm to my heart to have Ella in our family. What JOY we've experienced just seeing her smile at us, pick up a cheerio, play patty cake, say "ba" (ball), and lay on our shoulder. To see the interaction between Ella & her siblings is sweet, SWEET treasure. I love her. I love birthdays. I love life. And cake. Especially banana cake with maple frosting. 'Cause the babe loves "nanas."