We had such a happy time celebrating Claire's birthday yesterday. I think part of the reason the celebration seemed especially joyous, at least for me, was that I resolved to keep it simple.:)
I did the unthinkable and actually used a cake mix for her sweet cake, as well as, gasp!, a can of Duncan Hines frosting! Dinner was spaghetti with homemade crescent rolls (a new recipe I tried which is so delicious, and I'll post later. It worked for even a poor baker such as myself!). There were 2 toys and a new book. The results....a happy, stress-free celebration with much laughter.
Claire especially loved the ballons that Scribe filled with helium for her. She was truly in wonder over it all.
Scribe did a pre-celebration mini-photo shoot with the birthday girl. You know, just to make us smile.
As we started to open gifts, Claire still couldn't get over the balloons all around her. Oh, to take such joy in the simple things..
Claire had no problem tearing into the wrapping paper...with a bit of help from Daddy.
She was so enamoured with this book....It's Time to Sleep My Love. (which I think has a bit of a silly ending, but the pictures are quite captivating.)
We then moved on to a fun bathtub toy.
And the favorite of all and highly recommended for the large family that has everything :), Tumble n' Twirl Top by Playskool.
We made our traditional birthday sign...a birthday card gone LARGE!
Then it was time for cake! Claire had miniature vanilla double layer cake with vanilla frosting.
She quickly caught on that the singing was all for her.
After cutting into the cake....it was TIME...time to watch the wonder of diving into the normally forbidden..to have everyone laugh as you take each bite, to carelessly smear frosting and cake anywhere you wish.
***Warning....there are LOTS of pictures to follow. It's just what the grandparents love, though, so here we go!
And then, certain older children thought it necessary to help Claire out a bit with cake on the face. Lest you think that was cruel, she was quite the sport, didn't get upset at all, and instead just enjoyed the moment and the extra icing.
Happy Birthday, Claire. You've brought us so much joy this past year, and we thank God for the honor of being your family.
