Sporting her new purple dress from Auntie Judy while having some dinner outside in the backyard.

As we waited for the ceremony to begin, Gracen bounced around from one person’s lap to another, pointing and asking “Dis?” to all of the things around us.

Today we celebrated our beautiful little girl’s first birthday with a low-key backyard party under the Okanagan sun. Everything about the day was exactly as I hoped it would be. The company was fantastic. The sun was shining. The decorations were simple and handcrafted. The food was made mostly from farmer’s market ingredients. The cake was ridiculously big and deliciously sweet. And the birthday girl was thrilled to spend the afternoon outdoors with people who love her.

A HUGE thank you goes out to my Auntie Vivi for taking the photos so that I could focus on the doodlebug and being a hostess for the afternoon.

Also, this might be the most photo-heavy blog post in history. For real. But you probably already expected that. Plus – if you didn’t, you’re prepared now. :)

Here’s a look at Gracen Audrey Marie’s special day…

Cake.

Tonight Grae had a chance to get up close and personal with the cows living in the field next door. We were witness to mealtime, some roughhousing, and all kinds of bodily functions. And Gracen was enthralled. Ew. :)

‘Mama, aren’t I doing a good job of helping you bake my birthday cake? I only have flour on my head, cheeks, and hands… But no where else!’

Gracen and her furry friend having an afternoon visit.

Our favourite thing to do after a busy day… Go outside and sit underneath the giant oak tree.

‘Mama, I’m a big girl now, aren’t I?’

‘Don’t mind if I do!’

Our 18 days without Papa came to an end this morning when Gracen and I picked him up from the airport. Grae was so thrilled to see her daddy that she didn’t want to let him go – not even to come to me. Since we were there, we did a few things in Kelowna and stopped by Cactus Club for some lunch. The whole way home, Grae gazed up towards her Papa in the driver’s seat from her spot in the back. We’re both happy to have him home. :)

Today was another beautiful Okanagan day. Instead of eating lunch inside, we hauled Gracen’s high chair outdoors under the shade of a beautiful old tree.

This afternoon was so beautiful that we just had to get outside. I slathered Grae up with sunscreen, put her hat on, popped her in the stroller, and we headed to Corner Park.

Gracen with a giant chunk of watermelon in hand and juice dripping down her chin = Happy.

‘It’s so hard to just look. My brain says to look, but my fingers want to touch!’