Dakota's First 1st Birthday Party

From the time we had our first child until present, my hubby has remained firm in his belief that birthdays should be celebrated on the actual day of one's birth (even if a party will be held at a earlier or later date to celebrate with others).  So, it is tradition for us to have, at the very least, a small family party with cake and ice cream on the actual birthday of each family member - a tradition that has come to be very special to us as a family.  Each family member, no matter how young or old is acknowledged and celebrated each year on the anniversary of their birth (and hopefully we also do this for each other throughout the year, as well).  So, #5's birthday fell on a very busy weekday a few weeks ago on a day in which we were uncertain if my hubby would even make it home before she had to go to bed.  Nonetheless, #2 and I baked a fast fudge cake and improvised with our ingredients to make a glaze/ganache frosting; it turned out to be delicious.  Papi ("Daddy") surprised us all and arrived home early so we were able to have dinner, birthday cake and celebrating, and a big family dance party in the livingroom before bedtime.  I wouldn't have had it any other way!

Our littlest princess on her birthday.

"What do they expect me to do with this cake?"

"O.K., I think I'm getting the idea.  And it tastes pretty good, too!"

Dancing with Mommy before bed.