Alyssa's "First" Birthday Party

Alyssa's first birthday fell on the Friday after Thanksgiving and most of our relatives who came to my parent's house for Thanksgiving, stayed for the birthday party on Friday. Shawn bought about every first birthday item that could be found for the occaision. Alyssa had a first birthday bib, a first birthday sippy cup, and a first birthday hat. Her highchair was decorated, including a plastic mat for the floor and helium filled balloons. There were balloons tied to the backs of all the chairs. Her cake was made at Sam's with a printed top that included a picture of Alyssa that we took while we were in China. The cake also had a birthday candle that we bought in Chongqing, as well. We had first birthday, plates, cups, and napkins. There was even a first birthday party sign in the front yard!


Shawn dressed Alyssa in a purple outfit that we bought in China and Alyssa showed-off to everyone by showing how she can walk.








Then Shawn helped her open all of her presents in the living room. I have to say that she got a lot of really great stuff, too.





Next, we lit the candles on her cake. The candle we bought in Chongqing is more like a firework, since it starts out by shooting sparks straight up from the middle. This lights all the candles on the petals of a lotus blossom that opens up as the whole thing rotates and plays the Happy Birthday tune.








We stripped Alyssa down to her diaper and bib before putting her in the highchair and turning her loose with a piece of cake. The cake started out on a plate, but she turned it upside-down, dumping the piece of cake onto the tray. She also drank milk from her sippy cup and enjoyed some homemade ice cream. She didn't get real messy at first, but after the ice cream, spilling her milk and coaxing from others, she got pretty messy.








As soon as we took her out of the highchair, she got a bath in the kitchen sink. The party went very well and it was great having so many family members there to celebrate it with us.