Last night there was a party at Shady Acres!

There were presents . . .

 

Auntie Jess did some decorating . . .

 

Sue Swann made some cakes

All because . . .

Our little Love Bug turned one.

 I am reminded of the text message that her Mama sent to all of us when she first laid eyes on this precious baby:

“She might be the most amazing baby ever!”
(She was/is!)

And so, we celebrated last night with a few family members and friends who have been especially involved with her and her family:

Auntie Abi helped to put up ballons and arrange the food table.
She made a beautiful vegetable tray to share with the guests.

Some friends came from near and some from far.
Some dropped in for a few minutes, some stayed for the evening.

The food was pretty simple — but no one went hungry.  It was a really chilly evening, but the rain that had been expected all day held off.  So we wrapped ourselves in extra jackets and even blankets to keep warm and enjoyed supper with good company on the pavillion.

Halfway through supper, Charis got very tired.
George, Chuck and Nick from Dolce’s had given her this very soft Pooh bear for her birthday.
She made it into a perfect pillow, and put her tired little head down.

. . . and was out like a light.
She slept for a major part of supper.

Uncle Caleb and Uncle Joel

Aunties Sabrina and Jess with Mommy.  Auntie Sabrina will have her very own little girl in just a few short weeks, Lord Willing.  She and her husband Ryan have been honorary “Aunt and Uncle” to Charis.  Certain Man and I would gladly claim their new baby as a grandchild, but I’m afraid we would have to fight some very determined biological grandparents.  Maybe we can still be honorary Grandpa and Grammy.

Grandpa says “Go away!!!” to Grammy and her camera.

Great Aunt Freda came along with Great Great Grandma Yoder.  We are always glad to have her.

Great Grandma Yoder never misses a chance to engage in conversation with or hold Charis.
We were delighted that she braved the cold to come and celebrate with us.

Pappy and Achi Bontrager

“What shall we do with this???”

“Is this allowed???”

 

There was quite a gift opening melee!”

 

There was plenty of help.
 

Let’s see what is in this interesting package.

Oh, Goodie!!!  A water bottle!
Whoops!  Grammy is mistaken!
BUBBLES!

One of the privileges of being one!  The car seat can face the front.
Our little Love Bug is growing up so fast.