Happy Birthday, Ashlyn!!!

My little baby is growing up soooo fast! Yesterday was her first birthday! It was definitely a bitter-sweet day for me. I had a really hard time embracing the fact that my baby was turning one. At the same time, this past year has been so much fun. I have loved watching Ashlyn learn and grow. She is such a blessing in our lives.

I think she had a great day! We tried to fill it with things that she loves to do. We love birthdays at our house! We learned by mistake (with the older kids) that huge parties are just too overwhelming for little kids. So, we tried to keep things a little more low key for her. Here are a few pictures of the festivities (one year old style!)...

Ashlyn started the day reading stories, singing songs and doing puzzles. She had a bath with Hailey (she loves baths and was able to play with her new submarine from Emmy and Dave).



She also enjoyed a delicious lunch of macaroni and cheese, a nice nap, and playing with bubbles.

That night we went to Castle Park with Grandma and Grandpa W. and Leslie. Ashlyn loved swinging, going on the slide, playing with her new ball and just being outside. I think she also loved all the attention!



After the park, Cherice and Raylee joined us all for dinner. Ashlyn had her favorite food: ham, string cheese, finger jello, and rootbeer (we did serve the guests a little different menu!).

Ashlyn got some awesome gifts. Here's a run down of the loot...

Bathtub submarine from Emily and Dave
Cookie jar shape sorter from Corey, Cherice, and Raylee
Baby swing and book from Grandma and Grandpa W., Leslie, and Jared
Money (which we used to buy new shoes) from Great Grandma B.
A ball, bike, book, and clothes from Dad, Mom, and the kiddos

We figured out a fun way to use her new swing (until mom and dad find the swing set we've been searching for). She absolutely loved it!




She wasn't really into opening the gifts. But, she sure did love playing with them! Especially since some of her favorite people were there to play them with her.


The kids and I decided to have a bug theme since we call Ashlyn "Kate-r-bug". We had fun making her a caterpillar cake. She was all smiles as we sang to her and she really enjoyed sinking into all the yummy frosting (I don't think she actually made it to the cake).


All in all, I think she had a wonderful day. Thanks to all those who helped to make it that way! We sure do love our little Ashlyn and are so glad that she is part of our family.