The Beach Party That Wasn't...

I was so excited to have a baby born in the summer - beach parties, pool parties, parties at the park - here we come! Except for the fact that I am now scarred and don't think I'll have another outdoor party. ;) I couldn't wait for Gracie's first birthday at the beach by our house but torrential rains the morning of turned the beach party into a house party for 35+ friends. :) Thankfully our friends are pretty chill and didn't mind the last minute change and slightly cramped quarters. And Gracie didn't mind the change.

So Grace and her two BFFS, Catherine and Daphne, sat on the floor and played with toys, ate food, and generally chilled and watched the chaos around them. You can tell they are all second borns. ;) Here they are with their mamas. This picture was taken at the end of the party which is why they all looked so dazed.
  
The boys took over the play room and duplos...
And all the older girls turned into princesses and fairies - lol. Thanks to Amelia and Lily for sharing their dress-up collection for the occasion! Here are some of the princesses.  
Enjoying the food...

Gracie was more interested into watching the people around her than in her cupcake, but she was pleased with all the singing...

"What's this???"

"I think I'll eat this piece of cheese that Margaret just shared with me instead, I know what it is and I KNOW I like it..."

Eventually she dug in and ate less than half. She definitely wasn't sold on it, which is fine with me. :)
We had a pinata for her and the kids as well. She was a little confused, but the other kids were there to help her out. ;)

Caroline was quite pleased with the pinata additions to the headband necklaces she was already wearing. ;)

Evie got one red lollipop from the whole pinata, but what more could a girl ask for??

Gracie and I had two excellent present opener helpers, thanks Kate and Amy!   
By this point, this is what my sleep-loving child was like... "please let's just go to bed, mommy!" lol...

Even though it was a last minute switch, it was a wonderful time - thanks to all the family and friends who have meant so much to us during Gracie's first year and made her birthday so special!