party time

Today, we hosted our first party at our pad--Maggie's 1st birthday party! With 18 friends, 4 babies, and 3 toddlers, the house was jam packed. We feasted on Aron's grilled-to-perfection carne asada with the fixins and homemade guacamole. Somewhere in all our party prep this weekend, we completely forgot to get rice and beans! I've been thinking about this party for over six weeks now and I don't think either of those sides really crossed my mind! Nevertheless, the company seemed pleased. For dessert, I made chocolate espresso cupcakes and sugar cookies with a frosted "M" on top. Maggie tentatively tasted her cupcake at first, then daddy broke it into pieces and she dove in, full of smiles and laughs. Everyone enjoyed watching her and singing "Happy Birthday." She was actually quite the ham. Since we are back in Cowboy territory, we watched the Cowboy v. Lions game while we ate (Cowboys 28, Lions 27). Later, we played a game (what's a party without a game?!), a 10 question "All About Maggie's First Year" put on a PowerPoint slideshow with pictures. It was great fun to see how well our friends know Maggie and in the end we had a 3-way tie (which I was not prepared for; I only had one prize). So, we asked a tie breaker question and Patti won. Good job!

Thank you to our wonderful friends for celebrating with us (the Alexanders, Avants, Blackwell, Duckworths, Furmans, Greys [coming all the way from Heath!], Maples, Ortons, and Smiths)! The Furmans, who are currently residing in Arkansas, were in town for a wedding and were able to make it to the shin dig; I can't believe I didn't get a good family shot of you guys. We missed all those who couldn't be with us, so enjoy these pictures and know that we thought of you!
The grilling master

The table is set

I set out some of my favorite of Maggie's first things: an outfit, a beanie, some shoes, her baby cup, some photos. Thanks, La, for the inspiration!

The cupcakes, which I thought turned out quite nicely

The "M" cookies

Engrossed in the Cowboys game

Playing the "10 questions" game

Lots of babies!

Grayson, Hudson, and Maggie

The Maples (no, Dealey, did not get any of his daddy's drink, don't worry) :)

Renee and Pierce

Erin and Hudson

The Alexanders

The Smiths with sweet 5-week old Eliana Grace

The Ducks, eagerly awaiting Charlotte's arrival--January 8th! We can't wait to meet her, too!

The Avants' with M, who was feeling quite tired at this point!

"What the heck is this thing?!"

"It seems tasty..."

"Do I lick my hands?"

"That was SO good! Can I have another!"