"Sometimes first birthdays are extra special"

At least according to Meagan, and we agree. Friday marked one year since Daryn joined our family, and what a year it's been. Her name is special- it means gift of light, and she has truly been a light to our family. She has changed all of us in her short time here. So we really wanted to celebrate! The big day started off early with a trip to the pediatrician and a polio vaccine, but our sweet girl shed nary a tear. After a nap and lunch, it was time for presents with Lance's family! (And my mom and Evan on skype.)

 Time to get down to business.

 Daryn carefully read every card and examined every present.

 At the end of the day, I think the biggest hits were her ABC magnets.

 Then another nap before the real party! We threw a big casual bbq at a park for any of our friends and family that wanted to come celebrate with us. Other than the rain at the beginning, it was a smashing success. 

Daryn had nothing but 2/3 of a hamburger patty for dinner, and she was in heaven. Our little carnivore.

 This is what happened when she ran out of meat:

Finally it was time for singing and cake!

  I made Daryn's little smash cake myself (if you can't tell...), and it was quite yummy! At least according to all two people that ate some. They weren't the toughest critics, though. Daryn was a little hesitant at first, but then dug right in.

 Everyone else got Sam's Club cake, which sadly got partially smashed when we hit a bump on the way over. It was still pretty yummy.

 But not as yummy as the ice cream from the soft serve machine we rented! And we have a bunch left over in our freezer :)

Since it was her first birthday and we were at a park, I thought it would be a good time for her first slide. Sadly, her foot caught on the side and she was not impressed.

 Even going with Mommy didn't help.

 One happy? family.

 Two ecstatic cousins.

 The fun finally ended, and we all went home and crashed. It was an exhausting week. Neither girl had slept well for a few nights because of colds and teething, so we were all very tired. Tired but very happy to celebrate our sweet little girl. Thanks to everyone that came and especially to Lance's family for helping!