Little Feet: dani

What is it about the 1st birthday?

I know I went overboard with Eddie's 1st birthday and Dani's was no different...by the time Eddie's 2nd birthday came around I was not nearly as concerned. We still had a great time at his 2nd birthday, but I didn't go crazy thinking about how I would decorate.

Whatever the logic, I had a blast planning Dani's birthday. I searched the internet for ideas. What theme should I go with...Princess...? Owls...? Pink...? I settled on bees.

Yup, bees.

When I told Mark, he got that look in his eyes that usually means he doesn't understand, but fully supports my decision. (I had been leaning heavily toward owls...bees was a surprise.) I didn't want just any bee, I wanted cute bees. Specifically, these bees:

they were on some scrapbook paper that I was using for Dani's album. Aren't they cute?!?

Here is what Eddie & I came up with...

He is very proud to say he helped.

Here he is helping with the last minute preparations:

Actually, he was really sweet. He helped color the shrinky dink bees, sign for Dani's door and stood on the chair by me as I hung things from the ceiling. He is a very caring big brother.

The party-goers arrived for lunch on Sunday. I made my friend's Baked Ziti (it has become my go-to dish!), garlic bread, and our wonderful guests brought everything else. (Love helpful family :) Dani was allowed to eat anything white. Not sure what I was thinking when I bought her a white dress...but it is cute.

After dinner, we moved to presents. Eddie was quite excited. After hearing about the green-eyed monster from the other day, both grandparents brought something for Eddie. So sweet.

Eddie was interested in all the gifts and showed Dani how to play with them.

Next up...CAKE!

(Big brother stepped in to blow out the candle)

Dani wasn't quite sure what to do with it.

She didn't even get too messy! The picture on the bottom right is right before I took the sugar away.

The cake is a bee hive. Kind-of. My grandma thought it was an igloo. I can see where she got that. I hoped to make it more 'hive-like', but I was having issues with my piping bag...aka, ziploc bag with the end cut off. One of these days I'll buy an actual cake decorating bag. Maybe before Eddie's birthday)

Whether it is a hive or an igloo, it was tasty. It is the same as Julie & Jon's wedding cake. I thought it was fitting (not only because it was white!) because I craved it when I was pregnant with Dani. (vanilla and almond) For the chocolate lovers, I made oreo truffles...so easy & sooo good!

After cake, Dani's sugar buzz kicked in.
Really, this little girl was wired!!