The Daisy Derby

I have finally sorted through all the pictures from our friend Daisy's first birthday party! I have to say, this particular first birthday party put to shame pretty much every other first birthday party I've been to, and three of my own kids have already had first birthday parties. This proves that Daisy's mom is crazier than me (Hi Carrie!).

Daisy's party was on Kentucky Derby Day, so it had a derby theme. Carrie had classic derby hats and embellishments for each person to customize their look. Mary also lucked out and found these gloves, which she loved. Michael was already wearing his spring hat from Grandma. I guess I should admit he's about ready for a haircut at this point.

 Carrie made these stick horses so all the kids at the party could have a derby of their own.

Each kid picked a horse and, after a couple false starts by Michael Jr and Daisy's brother, Caleb, everyone was finally lined up at the starting line.

As expected, the oldest boy took an early lead off the start and kept it throughout the race, but the rest of the field held a few surprises. Caleb looked like he might have had to wrestle with his horse a bit, but was clearly enjoying the challenge. Mary got off to a good start, but her hat blew off midway through the race.

I told her she could pick it up after the race was over, but she insisted on stopping to put it back on, obviously a bit perturbed at my suggestion. Her strict fashion priorities put her near the back of the pack at that point.

After her hat was righted and she was on her way, I turned my attention to the little boy who was bringing up the rear as he had suddenly decided he did not want anything to do with the Daisy Derby. After he was ushered over to his mom for consolation, I went to find the results and was surprised to hear that Mary had made a late move after the hat incident and managed to finish in second, passing Caleb, Michael Jr, and even Catherine. I guess all her galloping practice really paid off.

Michael Jr ended up last, but he still got to break (or re-break) the tape at the finish line. Plus he and his horse ran the course several more times after the official race, so if it had been a stamina race instead of a sprint, I think he really could have shown them something.

The family winners' circle.
Mary's 2nd brought her home a trophy, and Catherine and Michael Jr were quite happy with their medals.

I know Mary doesn't look that happy, but it's only because she caught me snapping a picture of her endlessly admiring her trophy and flashed me her "picture smile".

Since it was a birthday party, we eventually turned our attention to the birthday girl and the cupcakes. She was a little skeptical of the cupcake at first (or it could have been the audience).

But eventually she got into it.

Then Carrie brought everyone cupcakes! We had no skepticism to overcome.

Daisy apparently did not think her dad got enough of his own cupcakes and insisted on feeding him hers (after she licked all the icing off).

Thanks for all the time and crafting and planning that went into the party, Carrie! Perhaps Daisy cannot fully appreciate it quite yet, but we had a wonderful afternoon. Happy Birthday Daisy!

There are also many more pictures over at Carrie's blog.