Ethan and Lisa: Julia's Ladybug Birthday Party

We had a party for Julia's birthday party at our house. It was a ladybug themed party, so there was a lot of red, white, and black (and lots of polka dots). We hosted it at our house. One of the best things about hosting the party at our house was that it motivated us to finally finish up setting up our home. Ethan and I worked hard on unpacking the remaining boxes in our bonus area upstairs, so now it looks all tidy! Also, originally we were going to use our patio for eating, but then rain was on the forecast, so "Plan B" was to use the garage. The garage was a mess with boxes everywhere. So, we finally put everything away where it belonged and I even swept and mopped the floor of the garage! So, our house is the cleanest it's ever been and I hope to keep it that way. :)

Anyway, back to the party. It was so fun to have and excuse to have many of our good friends over to our home. Our house was the fullest it has ever been and we loved it. :)

Here are some pictures of that wonderful day.

Ethan's brother's family & mom came over early before the party to help. My sister-in-law, Lisa, did an amazing job with the icing for the cupcakes.

Ava was a great babysitter while we set up for the party.

Ethan blowing up balloons (with the help of Jared & Eric even though they're not in the picture).

The cupcakes! Ethan's mom and sister-in-law baked them and then we iced them that morning. I had made cupcake toppers for each cupcake. They turned out super cute and tasted delicious.

I made little ladybug labels for the water.

I also made ladybug labels for the cups.

The food (we ordered sandwiches later)

Her high chair decorated with polkadots

I made a timeline of Julia (a picture from each month) and put it up on the wall. I laminated each page so that I can turn it into a book.

My friend, Caroline, made this trail mix. Notice the red M&Ms, the black raisins & chocolate chips, and the white marshmallows. I thought that was a creative way to use the party colors (red, white, and black). Of course the marshmallows were a big hit with many of the kids. :)

Our family

The garage all clean for the first time :)

Uncle Jared and Julia

Teta feeding Julia

Lots of kids! :)

Awwww. Adorable Autumn.

Julia and Autumn

Caroline did face painting (of ladybugs) on the kids. Thanks, Caroline! That was a big hit. :)

Madeline

Caroline also brought mustaches, lips, and glasses for people to take pictures with. I thought that was a cute idea! This is Vineetha with her daddy.

Ava and Lisa

Vicki, Tyler, and Noah

Chad

Jared with a unibrow! :)

Julia with a mustache. Ha, ha!

2 very dear friends, Angie and Joanna. We have been friends since our first year of college. In fact, Angie was my roommate for several years. Who would have known that we would still be close friends and see each other often after all these years. I am so blessed by these ladies!

Joshua and Julia getting to know each other. :) They are only a few months apart so that will be fun to see them grow up together.

Angie's family

Joanna, tickling Julia's neck

Julia and Teta

Everybody gathering around to sing "Happy Birthday" to Julia.

Look how happy she was when she saw the cupcake. :)

Enjoying her cupcake

Ethan's brother's family

All of us

It was a LONG day and when it was over, she was a sleepy little girl. She has become quite the cuddler when she is tired and I love these moments... I could cuddle with her forever.

Michael, Emily, and Caroline. Caroline is the one who let me borrow so many things for the party. The 3 of them stayed after the party and we hung out and had pizza for dinner. It was so great to spend time with them and relax.