The Phelan Family Adventures: February 2012

I want to start off saying I really enjoy crafts, party planning and small details of parties. I always underestimate the amount of time things are going to take and the amount of time I have to work with. I am pretty sure I've been excited about planning Charlotte's first birthday party since I survived the first 3 months of motherhood. I realize this party was totally for us ( the parents) to celebrate the fact that we survived (and thrived some of the time) our first year of parenting! I have to give props to Pinterest and Jess's blog (http://themcclenahans.blogspot.com/) for my party inspiration. I also have to give a big shout out to my mom for helping me construct the decorations, my in-laws for helping the day of the party, my brothers for general help the day of as well and most of all Kevin for dealing with my craziness that always gets ramped up at these times!!! The party was a huge success. We had a huge turn out and got to see and visit with tons of friends and family. Charlotte had a great time playing with her friends and the balloons that were floating around the house. She sat with us and opened all her presents without any fussing or tears. For a final thank you, my friend Sarah saved the day by taking control of the camera. Lesson learned that before the party designate an invitee as "the photographer" or it won't get done. I wish we had more photos of all the attendees because it was so fun seeing everyone.

The theme: Highlighting photos of Charlotte's first year of life and "time capsule". In the invitation, I included a notecard for people to share their thoughts, love and prayers for Charlotte to be opened on her 18th birthday. I loved the idea and think we are going to do it for any future kids we bring into this world!

A few photos of the party layout

Dessert table

Paper garland made by my mother and myself

Table layout

Cupcake aftermath...

Opening presents with Cameron

More presents

New rocking horse

New washer and dryer:)

Kisses for new stuffed animals

Not liking the hat

12 month photo garland

Lylli loving the washer

and the horse!

New baby and stroller

Birthday plate

yummy candy

cupcakes:)

more garland

Pretty flowers from Daddy

Yummy food

more cupcakes

These ballons amused 9 little kids and some adults!

My mom and I

Candy favors

Happy Birthday!!

decorations

The marathon December continued and two days after Christmas Charlotte turned 1! Can not believe our baby girl is officially one year old. Kevin took the day off so we got to spend the whole day together just enjoying our daughter. We thought about going to the zoo, the mall to play on the indoor playground, or one of the other various fun things to do in Columbus and in the end we settled on fun, quiet playtime at home. We had some dance parties, some concerts, some gourmet meals ( :) ) and just good quality family time. It was great. We had our last monthly photo shoot:( I decided to spread out the photo shoots after the one year mark. So the next milestone is 18 months which I am sure will be here before I blink!