My mother-in-law made all of the adorable decorations. Check out the birthday banners, the pinwheel centerpieces, and the festive puff balls that brought the party to life.
My dear friend Christine baked some of the most delicious and adorable cupcakes you have ever put in your mouth. She was also responsible for the most spectacular dessert table display I have ever seen! The smash cake, the doughnut holes (aka strong man dumbbells), and the overall presentation would not have been possible without her. Everything looked so perfect I think people were afraid to touch it at first!
In addition to all of the sweet treats on the dessert table we also served pinwheel sandwiches (also prepared by Christine), fresh fruit in sugar cones that looked like clown hats, animal crackers, carousel cookies (prepared by Mimi), PB&J and cheese sandwiches cut out in the shape of carousel horses, circus peanuts, and hamburgers and hot dogs prepared by the Soda Jerks counter at the Carousel. Thanks for putting together a stunning table display, Tammy! ;)
Even though it was one of the hottest days of the year everyone enjoyed all of the activities and treats at the party. The carousel provided non-stop entertainment for the kids and adults. Everyone also enjoyed the talented artist, Max Espinoza, who created caricatures for all of our guests.
All of the kids left with goodie bags that contained mustaches, clown noses, and circus style rubber duckies. Carnival prize goldfish, personalized milk bottles, and tokens for ice cream cones were also on the treat table.
The party concluded with the smash cake and the customary signing of the happy birthday song to Miss Everly. In true Everly fashion she ate up all of the attention while in the spotlight and capped off the day by destroying her cake. I think it is safe to say that our little darling is going to love sweets!
I will forever have the memory of Everly sitting on the carousel horse smiling from ear to ear and cooing softly as her hair blew in the wind while we spun in circles on the carousel. On our last ride of the day she leaned back into me and nuzzled her head into my neck almost as if to say, "Thanks Mama for an awesome day!" You are welcome a million times over Everly Lily. You truly are the gift that keeps on giving.
It took several people to make this day come together and I humbled by all of the love and support our friends and family have shown to us over the past year. I cannot tell you how much it meant to have so many wonderful and special people there to celebrate Everly's first year with us. Even though we were missing a few of our favorite and closest family members and friends your presence was felt and your kind gestures and sincere birthday wishes were appreciated more than you will ever know. I hope Everly will always remember and have gratitude for all of the blessings and amazing people in her life.
I would like to give a special thanks to my Mom, Pamma, Christine, Tammy, Genell, and Kim for all of their hard work, generosity, and thoughtfulness. Kim, we never would have made it to the pier without the "sub". Thank you for loaning us the bus so we could transport everything (and everyone!) to the party! Genell, you did such a great job capturing all of the priceless moments of the day! Your positive energy always grounds me and reminds me to keep everything in perspective. Tammy, I would have never made it through the day without your calming spirit, humor, and organization. Every time I felt overwhelmed or stressed you reassured me that everything was going to be just fine (and it was!). Christine, your delicious desserts, creativity, and persistence that eventually convinced me to let go of some of the baking truly saved my sanity and added an extra dose of razzle dazzle to the event that would not have been possible without you. Pamma, your artistic touch and unconditional love shines through in everything you do. Thank you for taking the time to give such attention to detail with all of the decorations. It was truly a pleasure to work in the sweatshop with you! Mom, your adventurous, child-like spirit and innocence always makes me smile. Thank you for the fabulous party dress and for all the hours you spent perfecting those carousel cookies!
I would like to give a special thanks to my Mom, Pamma, Christine, Tammy, Genell, and Kim for all of their hard work, generosity, and thoughtfulness. Kim, we never would have made it to the pier without the "sub". Thank you for loaning us the bus so we could transport everything (and everyone!) to the party! Genell, you did such a great job capturing all of the priceless moments of the day! Your positive energy always grounds me and reminds me to keep everything in perspective. Tammy, I would have never made it through the day without your calming spirit, humor, and organization. Every time I felt overwhelmed or stressed you reassured me that everything was going to be just fine (and it was!). Christine, your delicious desserts, creativity, and persistence that eventually convinced me to let go of some of the baking truly saved my sanity and added an extra dose of razzle dazzle to the event that would not have been possible without you. Pamma, your artistic touch and unconditional love shines through in everything you do. Thank you for taking the time to give such attention to detail with all of the decorations. It was truly a pleasure to work in the sweatshop with you! Mom, your adventurous, child-like spirit and innocence always makes me smile. Thank you for the fabulous party dress and for all the hours you spent perfecting those carousel cookies!
When is the next party? The flop house is taking reservations now!!!
