Chloe's 1st Birthday Party!

We celebrated Chloe's first birthday with a party on January 22nd.  Because we live two hours away from most of our relatives, my parents volunteered to host the party at their home.  I wasn't going to have a theme or spend an awful lot of money on the decorations, but while shopping at Hobby Lobby I came across a zebra print iron-on number set.  I have never been a huge fan of zebra print; however, I thought it would be really cute ironed on a onesie and coupled with the purple tutu I found for her at Gymboree.  I couldn't find zebra leggings on the fly, but I did come across some cow print Baby Legs and I figured those would have to do.  Here is the end result:

From there I picked up some purple table cloths, a roll of zebra print wrapping paper and some zebra gift bags.  We got some balloons last minute from the dollar store and whola... a birthday party!

I found this elephant cake pan at Hobby Lobby.  My mom is famous for making elaborate birthday cakes and I thought it would be a good skill to learn from her.  We made these "sister' elephants the night before the party.  It took just over three hours, but we had a lot of fun making them and chatting over a glass (or two) of wine.

Chloe had a lot of fun eating her cake!  I stole the banner idea from The Macs.  (Side note: If you have never heard of Jess Mac and you visit her web page be prepared to rifle through the last two years of archives.  You will end up sobbing at your desktop, but will walk away amazed and uplifted.)

It was tough to get a good picture of the family, but I do love this picture of Chloe giving me a big kiss. 

I don't have pictures of the amazing food that was cooked single handed by my amazing husband. Paul made fish and beef tacos with all of the fixings.  Everyone was amazed and stuffed.  Good job Dada!