Sunday was a perfect Fall day for a birthday party at a park. The maple trees were just starting to change color and providing some shade, there wasn't a cloud in the sky, and the temperature was in the low 70s. My favorite sort of day. While Quinn napped, my parents and sister helped me set up pumpkin cupcakes, apple slices, cheese, and crackers to go with the iced coffee and apple cider. We hung red balloons from the trees and strung Quinn's monthly photos from a red ribbon. Dear friends and family began to gather and mingle. We feel so blessed to know so many friendly, sweet people that can all get together and chat with ease.

Quinn was passed around and entertained by loved ones. When it came time for her to eat her cupcake, she delicately pinched the frosting and brought little bits of it to her mouth. Quite a polite lady :)  We broke it into easy to grab pieces and then she got into it a little more. She was reaching for the cheese on the table so I gave her some of that and she gobbled it down. Next time I'm just going to buy a block of cheese and chisel away at it until it is the shape of a cupcake, haha. 

After eating, she had a lot of fun playing with balloons and her guests. We opened some presents at our house and then went out to dinner with our out of town guests. It was a very pleasant day. What a blessed girl to have so many people that love her!

On her actual birthday, we went to the park for lunch and after dinner. While she was swinging after dinner, we were chatting with some other families at the park. When it came up in conversation that it was her birthday everyone insisted on singing to her. Everyone at the park sang a hearty rendition of the birthday song and clapped at the end. This made Quinnie burst into a giant smile and start clapping herself. It was a very heart-melting moment. We feel so blessed to live in such a warm, welcoming neighborhood. Thank you, Lord!