Alaina's First Birthday - June 20th

We had a lovely time in Chicago celebrating Alaina's first birthday. My oh my does time fly by. Pete and Emily invited family and friends over to their terrace for a barbecue and cake. I think Alaina has more friends than I do as the whole crew came out - she's a popular girl if I may say so. It was a blistering hot day in the sun and we eventually moved the party back upstairs to the air conditioning so that we the cake didn't melt. Alaina was a trooper and kept her smile on even though she wasn't feeling perfectly well (she was teething). She enjoyed her cake (although we think the sugar made her tummy a little funny that evening) and she became quite adept at opening presents. Christmas should be a real hoot with her!


Look at her eye the cake!


Playing with her new toys.


Outside in the shade. I double heart this picture - it captures the essence of her - her lips - her eyes - her nose. perfectly perfect.

My attempt at a birthday cake. We had to punt with the food coloring. Mom came up with a great alternative to use the precolored gel that they had at the store to color the white frosting. Surprisingly they didn't carry food coloring. I guess not too many people bake their own cakes these days . . . sad.

Pretty party dress.