We had a small group of 22 here at our house, including 8 kids under 5, who were all family and close friends. CC was fascinated by all the other kids, and had a blast toddling around after them. Everyone was impressed by how well she was walking, just a few weeks after her very first tentative steps.
CC wore the dress my mom smocked for her, which is gorgeous! And she was in remarkably good spirits, considering all the excitement of the weekend. Everyone wanted to hold her and play with her, which normally would upset her, but she took it in stride.
MJ's parents came in for the weekend, which was incredibly helpful, because I was able to let CC play in their capable care while I got everything ready. And although none of my decorations or plans were particularly complicated, altogether they kept me hopping until the moment the party started.
Decorations included:
- Pictures of CC from every month since she was born
- Tissue paper flower puffs in assorted colors suspended from the ceiling
- Balloon flowers out on the deck
- Miniature flower pails filled with skittles and flower-shaped lollipops for favors
- Helium balloons tied to the back of CC's high chair (that kids got to take home)
My mom also made the cake (the middle of the flower was a cupcake that was CC's "smash cake") and it was a hit. Not only did it taste delicious, but it looked like we'd spent a fortune having it made at a custom bakery!
Of course I didn't let CC wear the dress when it was time for her smash cake. Instead, she wore a little onesie and matching party hat that I made for her. She liked the cake, but was already pretty full from lunch, so she didn't eat the whole thing. She ate some and played with the rest.
She received some great presents, too! Lots of adorable clothes, some creativity-inspiring toys (including "Band in a Box" which I'm sure she will LOVE making lots of noise with), and even some practical items like her very first matching bowl and plate.
It really was a perfect weekend. The icing on the cake was the presence of our tiny nephew, Bryson, who we hadn't seen since before Christmas. He's so much bigger now, and it was special to be able to cuddle him during the party.
I have promised myself that I will not go this all-out for future parties. Except for the twins' first birthday party, of course -- first birthdays are special. But after that, parties will be more relaxed!
2 comments:
It looked perfect-sorry we missed CC's big day! Great family picture with the cake- you upstaged CC you looked so pretty.
Yes, thinking the same thing after this first birthday party. Simple certainly doesn't mean easy!
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