Our Lil'Man is ONE!!

I cant believe it, this day came so fast...too fast! I know that every parent feels that way, but I couldn't have imagined how fast this would actually go by. I could go on and on about him, how he has grown and how I am revisiting those first moments and days with him even days after the one year mark, but I am going to focus on the party in this post, just for the sake of getting the photos up here.
I started thinking about and planning the party after Christmas ended. I know that seems crazy, but the reason I started so early was because I was still on my Christmas vacation from school and I was anticipating the madness of 13 hours of classes not to mention this being one of the hardest school loads I have ever had. So, I thought it wouldn't hurt to get on the ball with planning. Being that I knew my house could not contain all of the people that attend I decided that the BEST place for this celebration was my dear friend Dianne's house. She is such a gracious host at any event and I knew that she (like me) loves to throw a party. After I got the location set I started thinking a of a theme. I really didn't want an actual theme. I just wanted it to be things that he enjoys. At first my fall back theme was airplanes, since it is his room decor and it has been my favorite thing for him but it just didn't feel right. I did a lot looking around at parties others have done and I saw a really cool Baby Einstein party that someone did. It looked so cool, but I didn't want a cartoonish party. So I decided to do a little bit of Baby Einstein, but mostly I focused on fun animals, hungry caterpillar, and just bright colors.

The cakes went more with the Baby Einstein theme. I think they turned out great!!

This was my first BIG cake. It was a ton of work. I had a half circle pan that I borrowed from Aunt Theresa. So I had to bake 9 separate cakes. Next time I will buy the whole circle pan. I did the baking at her house the night before. We had so much fun coming up with creative ideas for the cake. Our favorite invention was the antennas. They are made of black licorice that is cut in half. We stuck a sucker in the hole to give it the complete look.

I had the idea of making his smash cake the Baby Einstein logo. You know that little baby with glasses. But I completely ran out of time and had to hand that off to Aunt Theresa to decorate. I think she did a great job on it. Instead of drawing the glasses she put some real glasses on it. Very clever!

William had a good time at his party. He is a reserved little thing so having so many people around took a while for him to get used to. He also had a tough night the night before and refused his nap the afternoon of the party (of course). But overall he was great.

Here is a sweet moment of him and his Myma, when he first got to his party.


The best time was had by all the kids. We had 10 total. They played and played and played! All 10 kids were 6 and under.
Here are few our little guests....
William and Micah.

Isnt that a beautiful child!



One of the activities for the kids was face painting. It was a huge hit! My sister did all of the kid's faces. She did an amazing job! Thank you Nicki!
Sid's face the cutest to me.




One of the cutest things was while the kids were eating at outside at their little table,I came out to snap a few pictures and Aunt Theresa was blowing bubbles over them as they ate. It was adorable and the kids loved it.

William received some really special gifts. He got a red wagon from his Myma (Angela) and a wooden rocking chair from his MaMo( Aunt Theresa) and lots of clothes, toys and my favorite...BOOKS.
We are a blessed family to have so many great people in our lives.

He loved those balloons!



I made it into a picture! Can you believe it?!?


He was so tired by the time he was suppose to dig into his cake. He had no interest in the actual cake, he loved the licorise! I even took a peice from him to see if he would eat some cake instead and he cried so bad.


Look at that face....he thinks we are all crazy!
Yucky...I mean YUMMY licorise. (Shea and his mom love this stuff...I think it's gross)



It was a great party! A day that I will remember forever. I have so many people to be thankful for in making such a wonderful day for my boy.
Aunt Theresa and Dianne were there for me all day. They worked so hard.
Aunt Theresa, I never asked you to do any of the things you did on this day. You just did them! You helped with the food, you played with the kids, you served people. Thank you so much. Not just for this day, but everyday that you encourage me, that you hold my son and love him as your own. Thank you for all that you give, thank you for the way keep your heart open to us all. Thank you MaMo!


I must say thank you to Shea. You had no interest in having a party, you especially had no interest in one on this scale. But being the selfless, loving person that you are you sat back and supported my desire to have a day like this. You are so good, I cant say enough how lucky William and I are.

I especially have to thank Dianne. Once again you opened your home to so many people, you grilled, you cooked, you cleaned and you served. And you made a very joyous day for my little boy and his family and friends.


Thank you Dianne! You are an awesome person, a servant to so many I pray for nothing but blessings for you.
You made this all possible.

Thank you everyone for an amazing year. William has no idea how many people are out there that love him so much. You were all there, you have all been here for Shea, me and William since that day he entered this world. You are wonderful family and friends. Thank you for celebrating this precious life with us. We love you all.
Happy birthday my little man. I cant begin to tell you how amazing my life has become since you entered it. I love you my William. Happy birthday to YOU!
Here is a slideshow of the special day.