Lana's First Party

Since I was a bit buried in Christmas preparations on Lana's first birthday--two days before Christmas--we postponed her celebration until yesterday. It was a small party, with just our little family as guests, but still sweet. We started off with a little game, borrowed from Elder Perry, that we've done with each child so far on their first birthday. We place some food, a toy, some scriptures, and some money across the room from the child and let them select the item that most intrigues them. Lana waffled between the toy and the cupcake, but eventually chose the toy. According to Elder Perry's words, the toy represents the need to take time to add to one's personal worth.

Moving right along with our party we sang to Lana and had cake. I made carrot ginger cupcakes with orange buttercream frosting, allergen-free (recipe by Cybele Pascal in the Allergen-Free Baker's Handbook), so Clark could be included. Lana enjoyed the singing, but wasn't sure what to make of the cake. She dipped her finger in the frosting repeatedly and smeared it around awhile before trying any. She's not a real eat-with-her-hands kind of girl so I wasn't surprised at her dainty approach. 

And of course no party is complete without her famous crazy eye face (which I didn't notice she pulled until I uploaded the pictures!). Clark wasted no time in putting away his cupcake, then offered to help Lana enjoy hers by feeding her some. 

Even with help she didn't do much damage to her cupcake but she seemed to enjoy a few licks of frosting. Too bad she didn't eat more cake--they were delicious if I do say so myself! After cake we had a few presents and went on a walk. Happy first birthday, sweet Lana. We sure love you, little one!