ONE! ONE! ONE!

The Animalia turned one with great fanfare, family and friends on Sunday, October 5, 2008. It was a luncheon affair, with carne asada, rice, beans, macaroni salad, salsa, and tortillas. Also served was a delicious cake from Le Caves, white cake with strawberry filling, whipped cream frosting and a lovely Elmo theme illustrated in red frosting. Elmo was a real presence at the festivities, appearing also in the form of a giant, difficult piñata wearing a zapeta with a chupón in his mouth. The guest list consisted of many family members and some friends, approximately 50 people in all. The gifts were overflowing: clothes, toys, gift cards, etc, plus approximately 300 diapers that will be donated to the Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona. The Nina gave her gift early: a shiny silver metal roadster that will last the Animalia forever. No games were played at the party, though a small play house and parachute were set up for the little children to play with and in. In addition to this, for entertainment purposes, the Animalia's Nino appeared wearing a giant Clifford the Big Red Dog costume and everyone laughed, including the Animalia. The last guests left at 6pm even though the invitation said noon til 2pm. We were exhausted.

It was lovely.