Lilli's party was not what I thought it would be, it was a little chaotic and I think a bit boring for some (though in all fairness if everyone showed up on time it would probably have gone smoother). Lilli took a good nap in the late morning into the early afternoon, so we cleared that hurdle. The party was to start at 3pm, but half the people did not show up until 3:30 - almost 4. Everything we read said that a 1st birthday party should last about an hour - it's really more for the parents anyway. So the thought was we'd be done by 4, but the last guest left around 5:30 (the one who was last to show). Needless to say, we worked with the hand we were dealt.
We got Lilli in her costume and she didn't care much for it, so that did not last too long - just enough for some photos. 
Once everyone was there, we did the cake. Lilli played mostly - not really into the cake just yet.
Afterwards, we did the presents to keep things moving. 
Once that was over, people slowly departed. Lilli was clearly tired from all the excitement too.
We are taking the day off on her actual birthday and getting family photos taken. Hopefully it will be nice weather so it can be outside...
