A girl doesn't just get a birth "day" she gets an entire weekend!!!!

              Ava has already learned at 1 that if your a girl you don't just get a day for your birthday you get a whole birthday weekend! :)
              I took the day off on her birthday and my mom and I spent the day playing with Ava and getting ready for her party. In the evening we took her to Gymboree where everyone helped to celebrate her big day. On Saturday we had her party, which turned out to be a lot of fun. We kept it pretty small with just close friends and family. I was worried if we had too many people Ava would be overwhelmed and anyone who has been to our house knows that it doesn't hold more than about 20 people! :) Sunday was a pretty mellow day. We were all pretty tired from the party (actually it was the party preparations that had me warn out), so we just hung out at home while Ava played with all of her new toys. I had the day off on Monday as well so my mom and I took Ava down to the promenade and the beach. Grammy had to soak up the good weather before she headed back to negative temperatures in Chicago. Everyone has been so generous sending Ava gifts for her first birthday. I think the week leading up to her birthday and even a few days after something arrived in the mail for her almost everyday. After this and Christmas the girl is going to think that getting presents is a regular occurrence.

Here are some pictures from the weekend.

Such a daddy's girl! Pancakes the morning of her birthday. 

Playing with Grammy while mom finishes the cupcakes for the party

Fun at Gymboree

Special bubbles just for the birthday girl

She couldn't wait to open presents, so she took it upon herself to head over and start ripping off the paper

This is her, "Uh Oh I got caught," face

Ok, I know the tutu is a bit over the top, but I had to do it for her birthday

Playing with her Great Uncle Mike

Playing with Grandma while the guests arrive

She loved the nacho bar! 

Not sure about the candle

But she was definitely into the cupcake. 

My dad was on facetime on the ipad and she was so excited. Her face here is priceless. Ava loves her Papa. 

Loves the sugar just like her momma!

Visiting the beach on Grammy's last day in Cali

Look at those teeth! She has 8 that I can see and a few more that I know will be in any day now.