Olivia's FIRST birthday party

We're mid-way through a two-week visit to Minnesota, and one of the major events of the time was Olivia's first birthday party. Olivia is Melanie's youngest, born Sep 24, 2009 when we were here last year.

About 30 people of friends and family came to Olivia's party. Here Melanie, the mother, is demonstrating how to build a scarecrow.

The building and stuffing of scarecrows in progress.

More scarecrow stuffing.

Aunt Angel came from Illinois and was put to work cutting the cake. Aunt Lori watches from background.

Paternal grandmother (Jason's mom), Nancy, and great-grandmother, Bev with Olivia.

Even at the age of one, girls can really get into opening presents.

Most of the kids, with their scarecrows.

The first thing Olivia grabbed to eat was the #1 candle.

Yes, there was cake!

Sisters and friends "helped" Olivia open the presents.

The greeting on the front sidewalk - art courtesy of Olivia's older sisters.