A Whale of a Party!

Last Saturday was the big birthday bash for Master Luke (I'm kinda liking that nickname that Callan's dad has bestowed upon our little man).  We all trekked it out to the burbs for his party.  Believe me, I've dreamed of having a backyard birthday party complete with lots of kiddos running around, hot dogs, burgers, beer and kool-aid but we're not quite there yet.  I think there might be some kind of fire hazard if we were to have everyone over to our house for a party.  So we chose a nearby suburb that we've been to quite a few times, has a big 'ol Embassy Suites with a pool and all sorts of ample (and FREE) parking.  (jsyk - I can't wait for the backyard party someday)

I wouldn't be telling the whole story if I didn't talk about how much of a stressed basket case I was about Luke's party for the last couple of weeks.  It probably would have been longer if I hadn't been so crazy busy with work that I didn't have time to even think about his party until the week before.

I had this great idea that I'd MAKE all of the decorations for Luke's party.  Awesome, right?  I mean, it's baby boy's FIRST BIRTHDAY and what kind of mom would I be if I didn't spend time putting together awesome little favors for everyone and making signs for the party room?  Well, let me tell you....I spent more money buying things to make these damn decorations than I ever would have spent just buying everything on Etsy.  Sorry Baby #2 - you will likely not see anything cut from construction paper and glued together for your first birthday.

In the end though, I did it....I made cupcake toppers for the Sugarcakes Auntie Amber was so gracious to make and bring with her.  I made a sign for the room...little centerpieces for the tables.  All in a little blue "whale" theme to match his invitations.  No favors for anyone, but after 4 straight nights of cutting, gluing and silent cussing, I just couldn't do it anymore.  I do think it turned out pretty cute and I don't have any regrets for spending time on it.  I just really wanted his day to be special.

We had an awesome time - everyone was there, including almost all of our friends in Chicago and it was so special.  I truly didn't think anyone would (or should!) drive out to the 'burbs just for this, but everyone was there and it really meant a lot to us.  I should have made a point to get everyone in front of the camera, but here are a few shots of family and friends.

 

The kids had fun running around (just like I imagined - LOVE) and Luke did pretty darn good for a party starting just an hour and a half before he's usually in bed.

Luke was so lucky and blessed - he got a CRAZY amount of gifts for his birthday that he is already having fun playing with.  And Mama and Dad are very busy finding places to stash old toys because our house already looks like a preschool.

The part in which I thought for sure I would lose it, the part where I cry at every.single.other.kids.birthday during the Happy Birthday song, I didn't... I didn't even well up with tears.  I was watching Bubby and trying to take a video (duh, there were 20 other people snapping pics and video) and I just didn't get emotional about it.  Even right now as I type this, I'm teary thinking about when we sang to him, but I just wasn't at the moment.  And it was great - Luke wasn't sure he wanted to get his fingers messy.  Ironic, since every night at dinner his "sign" that he's done is when he squeezes every single piece of food you put on his tray through his fingers.

Daddy had a good idea of standing him up on his chair so he wasn't confined to his highchair and he loved it.  He did his little dance and bounced up and down - and he even stuck his face right up on the cupcake to try to take a bite.

It was such a good night.  I loved it and will always remember it.  Our sweet boy turned one and got to celebrate with so many people who love him.  What a lucky family we are.

**Thanks mom and Huge for taking such great pictures for Luke's party - I will always be thankful for what you captured.