Saturday, March 13, 2010

1st birthday party - Construction Zone

Construction Zone was the theme we chose for Ryland's first birthday party. I looked and looked for something cute but boyish for decorations. When I saw the construction plates and napkins, I thought it was too cute.
I had a hard time selecting a cake, and this idea came to me driving between local bakeries. I called my mom and talked it through with her and the idea got more creative as we talked. We had "dirt" cupcakes out of the back of a Tonka dump truck. The cupcakes were iced with chocolate icing and crumbled chocolate cake was added for texture.

This scroll listed some interesting facts about what was going on in the world the day Ryland was born. It is pretty darn cool and made a perfect addition to his baby book. (No, I still haven't completed.) Ryland had his own little dirt mound cake with construction trucks on top; however, he wanted no part of eating it today.
The front porch was festive with a construction cone, balloons, and a birthday banner.
Every crazy and wild kid needs a hard hat.
The party favors were a take home "dirt" cupcake, a pop up construction book or puzzle, and a can of puffs.
It is obvious the birthday boy is not feeling well. Poor little man.
He was not happy in his high chair. He did not want cake, and he did not want to sit in the highchair.
Uncle Clint picked him up and made him feel a little better. I see a little smile.
Sarah and Morgan Leigh play with toys.
Matt tickles Anna Grace.
Lindsey and Jackson
Harker strikes a pose.
Uncle Clint, Ryland, Nana, and Grandpa Jim
We bought Ryland a little 4-wheeler for his birthday gift. We put him and Harker on for a ride around the house.
Ryland tried to elbow her off. He was not having her on the back of his 4-wheeler.
Harker was not going to let him get away. Ryland could not drive as fast as Harker could crawl.
She caught him. She was so polite to help push Ryland along. What a friend!
Harker gives Jackson a push.
Finally after pushing the boys, Harker gets her turn to drive the 4-wheeler. John Chris shows her how to spin out.
After a nap, the birthday boy is feeling a bit better. We decided to go ahead and open his presents. I have no idea why we all squeezed into the entry, but whatever works.
Stick a sticker or tape on Ryland, and you will entertain him for an hour. It is pretty funny to watch him try to get it off. It just goes from one hand to the other hand.
Ryland did not think it was fair for Uncle Brad to sit on the stairs. He tries to make a getaway, but is denied by that darn baby gate.
BabyBliss. We love it already!
Super cute aligator pull toy. The wood slats slap together to make a little noise as you pull the alligator. Thanks Aunt Chanda and Uncle Brad!
After Ryland saw this tricycle, he wasn't really interested in anything else. He can't reach the pedals yet, but he loves the blinkers, horn, and radio. Nana and Grandpa Jim knew just what he wanted.
Another music maker! Are we influencing a composer or rock star?
Ryland had a blast ripping off the paper.
Ryland loves books. He liked the Eric Carle first library set. This will provide many night reads.
Shake your morocco. The music set gift from Grandpa Dave was a huge hit. Ryland shakes the morocco, and Randy beats the tambourine.
What happens when you have a margarita machine for the grownups? Anything! Later in the evening the beer pong table came out and so did some competitors. Uncle Jeffery and Aunt Emily team up.
Nana and Uncle Clint try a new strategy. Try to get the ball in a cup.
If you spill your drink, we have bibs you can borrow. I gave him the bib as a joke, but he put it on. This is one picture I never imagined, me and my dad wearing a baby bib.
Aunt Kristi was having fun and being silly. I guess the Louisiana started coming out.
We had a great time with family and close friends. We feel so blessed and fortunate to have such wonderful people in our lives. It is hard to believe that Ryland is just about one. It has been an incredible year, and we appreciate every one's help and support.

1 comment:

A and E Hein said...

I know you don't know me, but our husbands work together and I follow your blog all the time and can't believe how old Ryland is now!! The party looked super cute and you did a fabulous job! All I can say is....time flies, right?!?