Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Ian Bray Has a Birthday

As many of you know, this past Saturday we celebrated Ian's first birthday with so many wonderful friends and family.  We all got to come around our little boy and celebrate his first year of life. Looking back now there are some things I wish I had done differently, but the grand scheme of things everything turned out pretty well.

I was praying to God that the rain would hold out and thank God it did!  It wasn't too hot.  A slight overcast, but just right.  However, I also learned that I will never have a party at 11am in the morning.  Holy mole, was I on crack?!  I didn't get any of the decorations I bought put up in time, and I was in such a crazed state by the time guests showed up at my door. Let's just say I was too chipper but that soon faded away.  I've never been so unprepared for a party and it sure looked that way.  Oh well, you live and you learn. This is all the decorations I was able to get up...

We had the party in our home so at least I didn't have to pack anything up and get it somewhere.  The hubby grilled some fantastic hamburgers and hotdogs and we also had some awesome dessert.  I wanted to go light on the desserts so I just borrowed my friend Cara's chocolate fountain and cut up some fruit.  I thought it would be something nice, fun and new.

We also had the cake and cupcakes I made.  I wanted the illusion of a big cake but not bake a big cake.  I must say the cupcakes I made were way too dry (not sure what happened with that), but the cake?  Awesome!  Was perfect!  Too bad most people just had the cupcakes.

After people got some food in their bellies and the kids had run off a little energy, we finally gathered around and sang happy birthday to the birthday boy.  I made him a monkey smash cake so that it was more messy when he dove into it (more fun for pictures). However, he didn't really dive into it very quickly.  It took him a while to get use to it, but then he started to get the hang of it.  Unfortunately by that time he was also completely exhausted so every time he would yawn he would also rub his eyes and get chocolate everywhere. 
When that was done we went out back and took a few family photo's that my sister-in-law took of us to remember the day.   In fact she took almost all the pictures you see and she did a pretty darn good job!  Thank you so much Katie for doing that; I will treasure these pictures forever!
There was no keeping Ian up after that.  That boy was tired out and desperately needed a nap so we just waited to open gifts when he woke up.  By then everyone was gone except a few family members.  I was shocked at all the things he got.  This boy will have summer clothes forever! What a blessing! 

All in all, it was a spectacular day filled with family, friends, food and fun.  I had to step back and really see how blessed we are to be surrounded by so many amazing people in our lives.  It may not be a birthday Ian remembers, but his mommy always will! 

20 comments:

nomo wino daph said...

Fun Fun Fun! Love the Monkey cake, too cute.
Great pics- and now, I need a cupcake!

Happy 1st bday to your lil man-
Xo

♥ Marcy ♥ said...

Absolutely adorable pictures!!! Looks like he had a wonderful birthday!

Deanna said...

Sorry it was so rushed that morning! But it looks like it was a great party to celebrate your little boy. :) He's adorable!

Unknown said...

Giiiirl, you got the baking going on! Beautiful cake, cupcakes, & monkey cake! I thought the birthday party looked well decorated and colorful! :) Happy Birthday Ian!

[Love the family pictures]

Unknown said...

I love the monkey theme! Looks like an awesome day :)

Unknown said...

I love the monkey theme! Looks like an awesome day :)

Unknown said...

I love the monkey theme! Looks like an awesome day :)

Lauren said...

What great family photos! I'm sure it was perfect for your little guy!

Katie @ Loves of Life said...

you are welcome! And as I told you before, it looked great and you couldn't tell decorations were missing, at all! 1st birthdays are SO special even when the kiddies can't remember them. So special for mommas :)

Melissa said...

His smash cake is adorable! I think you did a great job putting it all together! The cake table looks awesome!

Tonja said...

I love the cake! I think I'm going to hire you for my son's b-day. What are you doing around the beginning of December? :)

Kameron said...

We had Nate's birthday at 11am on Sat too! NEVER AGAIN! I was running around like a crazy person when people were arriving. 3pm for me next time. lol It looks like a great birthday for your baby boy!

Laura said...

Love the pictures. The cakes are just beauitful! Thank you for sharing.

I am having a relly hard time reading your blog with the light green letters. Is anyone else? Just wanted to ask. :o) Love reading it!

Moments and Impressions said...

looks like so much fun - the decor looked great. you shouldn't worry so much!

Erin said...

it still looks great and everything looks amazing.. the cake looks yummy.. hope he had a special day!

Brittany said...

Love the decor! And your family pictures are adorable!! You have a beautiful family :)

Anonymous said...

Since I enjoyed your flip flop swap so much, I decided to host a nail polish swap to get some cute new nail polish to wear with my new flip flops!! Thanks again for hosting that swap!

Also, happy 1st birthday to your little boy! You did a terrific job on that monkey cake! I wish I cake creative skills!

Your family pictures turn out wonderful too!

Michelle said...

Happy birthday Ian!

I am always running around crazed doing silly last minute things when we have a party.

What mixture did you put in your chocolate fountain? We have one but our chocolate usually has a darker hue. Wondering if you have a special recipe or secret you want to share.

Kelsey @ Seattle Smith's said...

It looked like an absolute hit!! What wonderful memories!

Trina said...

So cute! I love all the family pics of y'all!