Nora’s First Birthday Fiesta

We celebrated Nora’s first birthday on Saturday, October 11 and paid homage to her homeland with a Spanish fiesta!

We decorated with red and yellow, the colors of Spain’s national flag. Everything was home crafted, and while we didn’t go all out, the things we did have made it seem more festive than a normal family get together. I wanted to make it a special for the little birthday girl (even though she didn’t know it was all for her!), and I enjoyed the crafting!

Olive oil favors that said “Thanks to olive you, turning one was lots of fun!”

Polka dot letters and fabric garland! The garland was so simple to make and could be done for all kinds of occasions!

Fabric garland around the highchair. It’s cuter with that sweet girl sitting in it!

In true Millie (and Luke) fashion, we had way too much food! (I think know that we still have paella frozen in our freezer.) In addition to a huge paella full of chicken, seafood and veggies, we also had: bocadillos de calamari, homemade tortilla Espanola, cheese, membrillo, jamon, bread, olives, arroz con leche, flourless chocolate cake, and of course, homemade cake with yellow frosting for the birthday girl. Beverages were flowing as well with vino, cerveza and of course, sangria, to choose from. (Don’t worry! There was lemonade and water for the young ones )

Luke welcomed everybody two times – once in English and then, upon request, in Spanish. (We just wanted to be sure everyone had an authentic experience!) We ate and ate and ate. We watched Nora open gifts and eat cake. (She was a bit timid and didn’t get too messy.) We played outside with new toys and enjoyed wonderful time together.

“Come on! I’m ready to get started!”

Helping Dad make a toast!

Nonnie’s girl

Getting little help from Shelb

^{Reading birthday cards with Coleman}

Birthday girl

“What’d you get?”

“Hmmm…”

“I’m not so sure about this…”

“You really want me to eat this?”

“Are you sure, Mom?”

“Okay. Here I go.”

“What is this stuff?!?”

“I’m going all in!”

“Que rico!! Me gusta!”

What? Your children don’t play with knives?

And a little help from Nonnie to finish it up!

Our family of 3

It was a perfect day celebrating our baby’s first year, and our first year as parents with the ones we love. Thank you to all who have supported us, encouraged us, and most importantly, loved our sweet girl! It wouldn’t be the same without you all!