Makeshift Nunchucks or Rachel Can Hold Her Own!

"Mom,  look!  She do that!"  We all had a good laugh this snowy afternoon with Rachel's antics.  One of the boys had left a Chinese yo yo (a leftover party favor) on the ottoman and Rachel is now pulling herself up.  We're also learning that our sweet girl:
1. is quite a ham.
2. getting a bit of an ornery streak  
3. loves attention from her brothers.  
But I think this following photo series says it all....

Rachel is Quite the Party Girl...

We celebrated Rachel's birthday with 20+ family and friends that love her.  We had a brunch party that we pulled off with the help of Grandma and Grandpa DeYoung.  Grandma baked cupcakes and helped with decorating and Grandpa helped with the enormous task of entertaining the boys.  We had a lot of fun and Rachel seemed to enjoy herself.  We can't believe she's one already!  Where did the year go?  What's next?  Cell phones and boyfriends?  She's been a blessing to our family and we've really enjoyed every minute with her,  well the daytime minutes for sure! 
Rachel had a great party.  There was....

Grandpa Nelson to help with hairstyling....

A darling birthday outfit.  Grandpa's shoe is nice too...

Friends and relatives. On the right is Leah.  This is the only picture we have with Leah. She took over picture taking for us. 

Entertainment and beautiful NW November weather. 

More entertainment!

Friends.

Decorations

Prezzies!

Living room full of people.

Kitchen full of food and people.

more friends....

more friends....

and more friends....

 Uncle Ralph (and Aunt Lynda)  who drove from Portland just to come party like a one year old!

Rachel and Daddy's turn in the bounce house.

Grandma Helen

Aunt Lynda,  sandbox supervising and answering lots of questions.

The boys have been so good at helping Rachel play with her gifts!

Cake!

Someone get me a fork!

We're discovering that Rachel can be quite the ham. 

Cake topper from Etsy.  Ordered to look like the birthday girl.  Hey,  you only turn one once!