Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Parker's 1st Birthday Party

One year ago a star fell from the heavens and landed in our arms...



The phrase and picture above are what I had printed on Parker's First Birthday Party invitations. The day was so special and it's safe to say it was an event I will remember for the rest of my life.

His party had a colorful star theme and one of the items I desperately wanted was a custom birthday shirt for my special birthday boy. My sweet friend Kellie has her own childrens clothing line and I knew that she offered birthday shirts. I took it one step further by requesting a coordinating shirt for myself as well. The shirts arrived a few days before the party and Greg and his family gave me all kinds of heck for not getting a coordinating shirt for Greg as well. I figured Greg would not have wanted to have a matching shirt so I didn't bother to ask him. I still don't think he would have wore one, but he's not letting me live that one down any time soon!




Aren't the shirts adorable? To place your own order, visit www.we3hoots.com!





Before the guests arrived we had a quick little photo shoot!







Friends and family began arriving shortly after our photo session. I had pizza and fruit ready and waiting for the guests. I didn't want a super formal party and that way every one was allowed to eat and mingle at their leisure. There were plenty of younger kids there and I made sure to have goody bags for them as well, filled with bubbles, sunglasses, and rubber duckies. They had a great time playing in the backyard! I'm pretty sure the adults had just as much fun as the kiddos since there was plenty of opportunity for conversation and laughs.












Once everyone had a chance to eat, I decided it was time to let Parker open his presents. The first gift I had him open was from me and Greg. Since he began taking his first steps we bought him his first pair of Stride Rite walking shoes. I also decided to get him a birthday card that sang a song when it opens. I remembered buying one for one of my nephews when he turned one and how much he loved it. Parker was no different. I eventually had to hide the card behind my back so he would focus on the other presents that he had to open! Parker was truly blessed with such great gifts from friends and family. THANK YOU!








He had to take a break from gift opening to give his cousin, Zoe, a kiss!



And, of course, he had to taste almost every single gift, wrapping paper, and bow!




This is Parker with his favorite gift: The Alphabet Train from his Uncle Russel and Aunt Sharon!



Once all the gifts were open, it was time for cake!



The cakes were made from Fancy Cakes. I thought they were awesome, although I thought the hand writting on them was a little sloppy, but oh well. Parker had his own white cake, and the cake for every one else was a delicious strawberry.




Everyone sang happy birthday which he loved! It was only after I got him situated in his high chair that I realized we did not have it recorded on our video camera. So, I asked everyone to sing to him once again!

Prior to his party I told Greg that I didn't think Parker would be the baby that would just smear cake all over his face. Greg disagreed, but, my theory proved to be true! Parker had never had anything sweet before so he wasn't quite sure what to think about the frosting. After several attempts to get him to eat the cake, I finally gave up and put some Cheerios on his tray, along with mashing a few into the frosting which he happily plucked out.




His facial expression says it all!



Can you spy the Cheerios?



Overall, the party was a huge success! I had a great time, and I think Parker did too! Here are a few other snap shots before I sign off!









3 comments:

Sheila said...

Aw, Love!!
Wish we could have been there. My heart breaks about that.

Dana said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Brad said...

Looks like fun! Grant's first birthday is this weekend. I can't wait!!