Isabella's 1st Birthday Party

We had Isabella's 1st birthday party last Saturday at Chuparosa Park. We chose that park, because the weather is still nice enough to get wet, and they have a little splash pad that is always such a hit with the kids. The playground is close enough so that children can be supervised from the pavilion. Also, they have a swing for children with special needs that Ari adores. We didn't have quite as many guests show up to this party as we have to parties in the past, but everyone who did attend had plenty of great food and got to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. We served pizza, orzo salad, pasta salad, fruit salad, chicken salad croisant sandwiches, chocolate covered strawberries, cookies, and cake! The theme of the party was ballarina pink in honor of Isabella's nickname, "Bellarina" which was given to her because of her agility, flexibility, and love of dance. Everything was light pink and dark pink, from the roses, down to the flatware and paper dishes. She even wore a pink tutu over her bathingsuit for the cake eating. All the kids had so much fun playing at the splash pad. I forgot to bring Gabe's swimsuit, but that didn't stop him (or any of the other kids) from diving right in. Ari loved crawling around in the puddles and getting sprayed by the water. Isabella had a ball too. When it came time for cake, Isabella put on a real show. She started off slow and cautious (for theatrical effect, no doubt); only poking her single index finger into the cake. After a while, she got more daring and began to put more of her hand into the frosting, eating it quicker. Gradually, she got up the courage to put the entire piece of cake into her fist and shove it into her mouth (and nose and eyes). Very dramatic -- and very Bella. Bella's Nana, Papa, Grammy, Aunt Marci, Aunt Leah, and even her great-grandmother Frances came to celebrate her special day. Among the present highlights were Nana's red Radioflyer wagon and Grammy's gigantic stuffed triceratops.