This was not just any birthday party. This was THE birthday party. It is my only first child's first birthday and I took it very seriously :) I knew I wanted to do a "little man" theme so with a collection of ideas from Pinterest (thank you!) and a bazillion hours on the computer designing, we had a really great party!
I began with the invite, I knew I wanted to showcase some events in his first year and thought this was a fun way to share them. So the front was the invite and on the back was the info! I love how they turned out and I think our invitees enjoyed the fun facts.
The set up wasn't exactly as I had imagined. My first plan was to set up tables and chairs at the park across the street from our house, that way everyone could socialize while watching the kids play at the playground. Then the weather indicated the temp would be in the 90s so i opted for a nearby pavilion for the shade (and then I wouldn't have to worry about tables and chairs!) so I reserved the pavilion last minute, thank heaven it was available! We got there an hour early to start setting up. After about 10 minutes the wind was just so horrible that I knew it wouldn't be enjoyable for anyone. The balloons were at a constant horizontal and all the stuff was just blowing everywhere. So in a frenzy we decided to take it back to our house and have it inside. (I am not good at being flexible, this is where I begin to freak out!) By this time we had lost a lot of time and people started arriving and I was NOT ready! Everyone was trying to help but they were putting things in the "wrong" place and I was barking at everyone to just give me a few minutes to throw this together! I had 50 17" round balloons, specially ordered, they were going to make such a great back drop to the table but we ended up with like 10 and I just HAD to be ok with it. Ugh anyone need balloons?? I was seriously such a mess, like way more stress than my wedding day (and lots more bridezilla!). But once everything was set up and all our loved ones were there we had a great time and I let loose and enjoyed the party.
My mom ordered the cupcakes from a friend of hers. They were bomb! Coconut cupcake with lime frosting! My one request was that they have white frosting to show off my little cupcake toppers. They were cute and delish!
The water bottles were probably the easiest element of the party. Besides design time, these wrappers took seconds to assemble and made such an impact! I have left overs and I enjoy drinking "Maddox water" daily :)
These were the party favors, cute little "shirt" boxes I made out of a template and cardstock with treats inside.
I love the interaction aspect of the photobooth/props idea. It was a fun way to document some of our guests!
Mr. Maddox was spoiled with so many great presents. I loved that he was into opening them and figuring them all out.
Since we're not around family this summer I thought I'd make him a book of all his loved ones. It is a board book so he can "love" on it all he wants! It turned out so cute.
And then it was the much anticipated cake time!! This was the first time my Maddox has consumed sugar. Ever! (even though I cheated him and got sugar-free frosting!). I was anxious to see how he'd respond...
"Now what am I supposed to do with this?"
"This. is. AWESOME!"
"I think I might be sick"
I wasn't taking that food-coloring-dyed-frosting-covered boy across our carpet so it was straight to the kitchen for a sink bath!
I worked so hard on this party. I spent weeks designing every element and then hours assembling it all. It was a lot of work but I'd do it all over again to celebrate my son. It was so fun watching him soak up all the attention and have a great time. I know it's so cliche but I can't believe a year ago this child was still in utero. It was fun re-reading my journal entry of his birth and remembering how very special that day was. We love this little boy almost more than our hearts can bear. He brings us so much happiness!
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