Ayla's 1st Birthday Bash!

Wow! One year has already come and gone since Ayla joined our family. I've been so excited for her first birthday party ever since she was born and it was definitely the best party we've ever thrown! We didn't do a head count at the party, but we invited about 80 people, of which almost everyone came. Friday morning I started early with the monkey face cupcakes, which were going to be the main theme of the party. Unforunately, the cupcakes were a bit of a disaster, resulting in over 30 of them being trashed. Luckily, I was able to save the others with a lot of frosting. reeses, twizzlers, m&ms and wafers.
Here's the table deocrations that I finally completed Saturday afternoon just hours before the party. I was so glad that Milton's mom was here for the week and offered so much help or I would never have been able to pull it off.
Milton was the grill master for the party and of course Ayla was the center of attention!
The menu consisted of hot dogs, hamburgers, carne asada...

Flautas (a party favorite that I've made for every party this summer), sides, desserts, etc, etc.

Ayla's favorite was the hot dog dipped in spicy guacamole.

Here's a shot of the backyard while everyone is digging in.

We sung happy birthday and assisted Ayla in blowing out her candle.

I had to coax Ayla in eating her cupcake (weird, huh?) She's not a big fan of cookies or cake.

Ayla letting me know that she is all done!

After all the food was literally licked off the plates we got out the pinata. Ayla had been eyeing it all day and we couldn't keep all the other kids off it.

Me and my best friend Brittany.

Brittany's parents, Scott and Maxine with their grandchildren Riley and Marsella.

The pinata almost made it through all the kids before it's head was decapitated.

Even Ayla got down and grabbed herself some candy.

Ayla's first sucker, which she very reluctantly gave up come time to open presents.

Uncle Justin and cousin Spencer

Ironically, the Powell's gave Ayla and Care Bear bubble machine that was identical to the pinata.

Ayla was very excited for all her presents and gave them all big kisses and hugs.

Her favorite was the sock monkey! Very true to the theme of the party!

The party went on until the sun went down! It was such a blast and we are so glad to have such close friends and family to celebrate such a special occasion. Thank you everyone for coming, contributing to the awesome food and spoiling our little princess!

Here's a video of Ayla hitting the pinata.