Our party theme that is…
And YOU are virtually invited…
First birthday themes are always tricky to me because little ones aren’t really IN to anything (at least mine aren’t). L-man had a sesame street party that I selected because I thought that the cake was cute. He never took a liking to Sesame Street. With our gal I did a “sweet Adeline” theme with felt cakes, cookies and the most darling homemade banner.
For Mr. Finn I went with a vintage circus theme – not because he likes circus’ – or clowns – or even knows what that means. But because we were going to have other kiddos there (in a range of ages) and not have games or activities for them. I wanted my attention going to the birthday boy!
But don’t worry, the kids didn’t even notice that we weren’t playing games because they were too busy with this:
And that photo doesn’t even show all of it (yes the parents loved me)!
ok not really. Dentists probably won’t either. Maybe I should have given toothbrushes out as party favors but I digress.
I had at least eight large glass containers, small candy bins and small dishes filled with all kinds of tempting sweets and then lots of popcorn bags for munching. I would have had peanuts but we had to have the party at the snow location, my parents’ house and I didn’t think they’d appreciate the mess (mom/dad, you’re very welcome)!
I also decided to go with cupcakes instead of a huge cake for something different…
with really cute vintage inspired clown picks…
OK so maybe they’re a little bit creepy and poltergeist but still cute, no?
But I do have a question to all of you bakers out there. I had a local bakery make these cupcakes because I was lazy and it was easy and guaranteed to taste good. BUT I didn’t like how they turned out (visually speaking which we all KNOW is important). I have much cuter liners (polka dots ones) that would have been adorable and would rather the icing have been piped on so I’m thinking that I need to find a really good buttercream and make my own in the future. Does anyone have a really good bakery style buttercream recipe??? Sorry Betty Crocker but I need something GOOD!
Anyway like I said before, they tasted really good, my little dude even enjoyed them. That’s actually saying a lot since the first time he was given cake (on his birthday) he wasn’t sure about it. Stay tuned for a layout about that experience.
I even tried a cake smash session for his first birthday. I gave the dude a cake and he wanted to leave the photoshoot after putting his foot in the cake (yeah he showed me). Stay tuned for that one as well.
Perhaps third time is a charm? Maybe it was the chocolate. Or the spoon feeding…
because in no time he was making sure that every precious crumb stayed in his mouth:
and thinking just maybe it would be ok to not use the spoon…
and actually enjoy a bit of the cake.
Who knew that you’d have to convince a kiddo to eat sugar! If only he had more than eight teeth and the ability to chew we could have tried the popcorn.
He wasn’t the only one having fun at the party though. His aunt and uncle enjoyed some Foosball…
The wee miss worked on her air hockey skills…
in fashion of course. And perhaps scored on her daddy judging from this expression…
although I think he may have let her win a little. She kind of has her daddy where she wants him. sucker!!!
One of my little nephews “played” pool:
While my other nephew lined up his cars and took a moment to flash me a smile (perhaps my payback for providing him with copious amounts of sugar)…
Some folks took bets as to whether or not a golf ball could be placed onto a tee..trapped in a snow globe…
I should have put money on my father-in-law.
At one point there was even a band formed. Two of the members?
Cute!
And cute (original no?)!
I think that everything went REALLY well. And Finn was well supported and loved…
I even managed to remember to turn the camera over just once for a photo of me with the birthday boy (yeah pick yourself up off the floor now). These shots are rare and that’s something I need to change.
So that was the circus. I hope you enjoyed your stay.
Next up, ChristmaS! And yes I know that’s behind us but I’m still getting caught up! AND a little scrapbooking thrown in for good measure.