1 Year Birthday Party

I love planning a good party, so it should be no surprise that I started getting the creative juices flowing for Rylin's 1 year celebration almost six months ago. I know that I only have a few years before he has an opinion of his own about such things so I was really excited to put together something that I thought was cool...and that he could care less about! I decided that being close to Halloween, a Creepy Crawly birthday would be the perfect little boy theme.

Though my plans were perfect for a nice patio party, the weather had other plans. An hour before show time the sky opened up and unleashed a nice dousing of rain. I almost had a meltdown myself, but held it together and pushed on. I did manage to get a picture of the entry before the thunderstorm, so that's all that matters right?!

Each guest stamped their finger print and turned it into their own creepy crawly for Rylin's scrapbook. I think it will be a great way to remember everyone who came.

The end result

The birthday boy

My mother was my saving grace this week, as she came up Monday to help me get things ready (which translates into: she babysat!).

I had a fun time planning our snacks which included; ants on a log (peanut butter and raisins on celery), frog eyes (grapes), lizard tongues (fruit roll ups), insect shaped pasta salad, dirt cake (in a bucket with trowel), and creepy crawly shaped sandwiches.

I made a photo collage wall of Rylin's monthly pictures and photos I took with my phone spanning the length of his first twelve months.

My mom also worked hard on our table decorations that included all kinds of plastic insects in jars.

Jordan named the cake Murphy. He was quite the challenge for me to construct. Fondant is not for the faint of heart. I nearly pulled my hair out, but the end result was worth it. I'm pretty sure the guests will be seeing blue for a week, if you know what I mean:)

Rylin enjoyed his own little cake that he tested slowly at first.

It wasn't long before the sugar took effect!

Rylin had lots of his friends join him on this special day. Here are just a few.

James and Henry

Adelay

Luke and Mitchell showing off their bug keeper arm bands

Rylin and Mimi

Daddy, Rylin, & Gramps

Valerie and Bonnie

Emily enjoying Murphy!

Tess and her friends Leah and Ashley

After cake, Rylin opened lots of fun presents. He was more interested in eating the tissue paper, but I know he was appreciative just the same!

After all the guests left and Rylin had a good nap, he began to discover that he had a lot of new toys. He played for over an hour in one spot. Every direction he turned, there was something else exciting. Jordan and I couldn't believe how grown up he seemed.

Daddy showing him his fort from MiMi & Papa

Playing with the barn from Tess

Sitting in his basket of sliceable wooden food from the McFarlands

We had a lot of fun celebrating one year! Can't believe our little man is growing up so fast!