Life with Leila: Leila's Luau Celebration

Party Party Party

For the last month, My mom and I have been planning, searching, designing Leila's first birthday party. For all of you who know me and my mom, we like to do birthdays BIG! And this was going to be Leila's first so we knew it was going to be huge! In Hawaii, it is a big deal when a baby turns 1. They have a big Luau with Kalua Pork with all the hawaiian trimmings and celebrate with a traditional Hawaiian Hula. Being the native Hawaiians that we are, lol, we thought this is perfect to celebrate the first year of our amazing Leila's life. As the days got closer, my excitement and enthusiasm got higher and I was sure to let Leila know there was going to be a party ("PARTY PARTY PARTY")!

Leila doing the Hula

Saturday came, the day of the party, and it went better than planned. I was worried about Leila's nap because her sleep schedule was a little bit off, but Brian took her swimming and tired her out for her afternoon nap. She went down at noon and was up before 2, when the party started. The decorations were up, food was ready, sangria and beer were cold, and cakes were iced! Leila was dressed in her Hula attire and ready to shake it.

The Hula show was a hit with both adults and babies! We had a good group of kids, and new friends from the pool, gather around and dance. They did some traditional Hawaiian and French Tahitian dances. They even had a surprise monkey!!

Hula Dancers

Oliver showing us
his moves

Brett and Emma learning the new moves!

Bailey's doing the Hula!

MONKEY!!

After the Hula show, the food was ready and everyone dug in! We had the pork, hawaiian chicken, oriental slaw, macaroni salad, shrimp cocktail, and plenty of vegetables to go around!

I want to thank everyone who came or was there in spirit that helped make this day so special. Leila has been such a blessing in our lives and this year has been so amazing. She fills our hearts with love and amazes us with her discoveries everyday. Her giggle fills the room and brings a smile to everyones face. And the fact that so many people came to celebrate in her honor lets us know she is loved by everyone.