Sarah Avery's 1st Birthday!

This weekend was a big one for our family.   Our little Sarah Avery Mallory turned 1!    I know I'm probably supposed to say how I can't believe how fast time flew by, but if I'm honest, this year has been challenging and, more often than not, it felt loooong.    So Saturday wasn't just a celebration of Sarah Avery's birth, but also a celebration of our family's survival of her first year.   And as all of the sleepless nights and scream-filled car rides are slowly starting to fade into our memories, we are so grateful for this new stage with our happy, adventurous and adorable little almost toddler.    Here are the pictures from Sarah Avery's birthday week:

The girls and I spent one day at the zoo.   Here we are eating our picnic.

And playing at the playground.

This was more of a hit than the animals I think.  

The girls have had lots of pretend picnics with their baby dolls.

Sarah Avery loves playing with Susannah.  

Such a big girl!

Saturday morning was birthday day.   We let Sarah Avery open all of her birthday packages after breakfast. 

"What's in this one, Daddy?"

Some of the packages had things for Susannah, so I think she felt a little bit like it was her birthday too.   

Sarah Avery loved all the packing supplies.

Aunt Susan sent Susannah this neat dry erase book for practicing her letter-writing.  

And this sippy cup was Sarah Avery's favorite present by far.   It's the little things, right?

Susannah was excited about her new bracelets.

Sarah Avery scored lots of new clothes for Fall.   Thank you everybody for making her day so special!   She is so lucky to have such wonderful grandparents and aunts and uncles.  

We invited another family over for lunch to help us celebrate with BBQ and birthday cake. 

 Susannah was happy to be the hostess of  the kids table.   

Sarah Avery was a fan of the pulled pork.  

"Yum!"

After BBQ, it was time for birthday cake!!

I had to laugh at just how typical of a "second child story" this party was.   When Susannah turned one we had a huge themed party with thirty people, a photo booth, and a specially made cake with low sugar and no preservatives.   Sarah Avery had four guests, crock-pot BBQ and a grocery store cake.    Bring on the high fructose corn syrup!!  ;)

The only thing that matters, though,  is that our sweet girl felt loved and celebrated and I think we accomplished that goal.   When it was time to blow out the candle, she wasn't scared, but I think she was happy to have big sister there to help.

And Susannah was happy to oblige.  

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SA ate her entire piece of  the birthday cake, but left all the icing.   This behavior led me to question if she is actually my daughter after all.   ;)

After lunch we headed to the park to enjoy the beautiful weather.  

SA still tries to eat the sand on occasion, but she is getting better and loves to play with the sand toys.  

"Check out my big girl shovel!"

She is such a little person now and so fun to watch as she explores and learns.

The big kids enjoyed the swings.  

She is still a major Daddy's girl.   

She loves playing with the water features in the sand box.  

As do the big kids.  

Sunday after church we decided to take the U-bahn up to some hiking trails near our apartment.  

It was fun to get out of the city without actually having to drive out of the city.  

There is a great little playground out in the middle of the trails.

Sarah Avery liked the swing.

So did her big sis.

This is how SA rides in the stroller lately.....Like she is driving a chariot.   It cracks me up because I remember Susannah doing the exact same thing at this age.   

Here is a little collection of clips from Sarah Avery's big day.  

Sarah Avery, we love you so very much!   We had no idea how incomplete our little family was until you arrived and made everything fit.   You are adventurous,  funny,  and  affectionate.   Susannah, Daddy and I are so proud of you and can't wait to watch you continue to grow and learn.   

And to our awesome family....Thanks again for sending the packages and cards and letters.   We are so thankful for each of you and can't wait to see you soon!