Birthday Fun, Part 2: The Party

Planning Benjamin's first birthday party was so much fun... I'm pretty sure I started thinking up ideas in July!  At first, I thought we'd invite lots of people, have music, food, games, etc ... maybe even make a craft with all the kids who would be there!

Yeah, I was totally out of control.  It was at that point that I remembered that my child doesn't like crowds.  When confronted with a large, noisy group of people, his MO is to curl up in a ball against my chest and peek out for the briefest of smiles when he's feeling particularly brave.  So, if this party was going to be any fun for Benjamin at all, then it was going to be small, and pretty low-key.  Nix the group craft. :)

But I printed cute invitations anyway!

I did attempt a couple of crafty ideas for decorating ... Here is the mantle in the living room (my favorite part)

and the cupcake toppers (which, I just have to point out, matched the invitations :)

I finally found a cupcake/frosting recipe which, while not being full of healthy things, was at least not completely full of awful things, and which Benjamin seemed to enjoy...

He also was a fan of the opening presents part, though, predictably, he was far more interested in the wrapping, ribbons, and packaging, than he was the actual contents. But it was sure fun to watch.

So, Benjamin's first birthday party was a resounding success.  He genuinely had fun with his sweet little friend who came - they looked at books, played with toys, and smeared icing everywhere :)  Will and I had a great time too, celebrating our first year as parents and the incredible gift that God has given us in this amazing little boy.

And so, we'll end this post with the lesson that Benjamin learned at his party ... 

BEWARE THE SUGAR SHOCK!