Marlee's 1st Birthday!

We had so much fun celebrating Marlee's first birthday.  It's crazy to think she has been here a whole year.   She has been so much fun to have around and we have loved watching her grow and develop.  She is a wonderful addition to our little family. 

Marlee woke up to balloons and streamers everywhere.  She really liked the balloons!

 First thing on the birthday agenda was one year pictures.  We haven't had any taken professionally since she was 3months, so we decided to spend a little bit and get some nice ones taken.  At first we couldn't get Marz to hold still for anything!  Soon she warmed up to the idea, and she was posing like a pro.  We couldn't get her away from the camera! We also want to say thanks to Grandma Croft for the cute dress!!  As soon as we get the other photo's back I will post them too. 

As soon as we got home we had Marlee open her presents from Mommy and Daddy.  I think I was the most excited out of any one for this part.  As soon as Marlee realized there was something under the wrapping paper she was all over opening them!  She is also wearing a birthday outfit from Uncle Jarod, Aunt Kristal and Fam.  I think she looks super cute in it, but you know I'm the biased parent and think she is cute in just about anything!

Marlee really liked all her gifts.  She especially liked the Lego's.  I think her dad liked them as much as she did!! 

It's Elmo!  Becky sent me a Pintrest tutorial on Elmo cupcakes and I think they worked out pretty good.  We only ran into one problem.  The tutorial didn't tell me that the food coloring waters down the frosting.  So at first the frosting just ran off!  Sam was so patient while I was slightly freaking out!!  We eventually got it thick enough to stay on the cupcakes and settled for that.  Marlee recognized them as Elmo, so that is what really counts.  

Next, it was time to let Marlee dig into her cupcake!!!

We stripped her down to a diaper so nothing got dyed red, except the highchair tray and Marlee of course!

We had Grandma Kathy, Grandpa Rod, Grandma & Grandpa Croft, and Uncle Andy on Skype.  We all sang happy birthday (there was a little lag but Marlee didn't mind). 

Then we all watched as she tore into the cupcake.  As you can see she LOVED it! 

The best part was when Marlee decided to run her sticky hands through her hair!!  She had a blast!






We were so thankful that part of our family could still celebrate with us from 1,000 miles away.  Thank you technology.   When Marz was done we quickly said good-bye to the family and (gently) threw Marlee in the tub!  It was full of chocolate crumbs and I think the water was tinted red!

After Marlee was cleaned and in her pajamas, Mom and Dad decided to enjoy an Elmo cupcake.  We all had such a fun day!  Thanks to all our family for your love and support!  Marlee felt your love and had a great birthday!!!