The First of Many

We made it, we did it! We successfully planned and survived Presley Ann's first birthday party. After much planning and then re-planning we finally settled on a new location (Doling Family Center) because of the never ending rain!

 Presley arrive fashionably late in her new blue sports car, honking the horn and cruising in her adorable 50's outfit (Etsy).  The little onesie and bloomers were a simple solution to not wanting to overdo the theme with her outfit.

We had fantastic chefs and bakers for this event. Vickie Gilmore from Sweet Moments Custom Cakes brought us fantastic milkshake cup-cakes. We enjoyed vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate all garnished with a paperstraw and cherry on top! 

My friend Jennifer Campbell created these delicious cake pops in chocolate, vanilla, and red velvet flavor.  These were a huge hit and I highly recommend them for dessert or party favors at any party.

Then we had Chef Todd Bennett who cooked and served up 100 hot dogs.  Later that day, Todd and a family friend were discussing that he finally feels like a dad since he cooked up a large quantity of hot dogs!  I picture in the future many more ocassions when we will be serving hot dogs to the masses.

The kids made their own candy goody bags from vinyl record bowls filled with bubble gum, twizzlers, swirl suckers (personalized with Happy Birthday Presley from Oriental Trading company) and my personal favorite Starburst jelly beans.  These treats then filled their gift bags with pinwheels, sidewalk chalk, plastic swirl straw, and a thank you note.  I loved putting together these treat bags!

Everyone made their way into the room to make their own cherry soda, hot dog, and chips.  I consider these a staple of any party. 

I was so excited for everyone to sing Happy Birthday to Presley! When we lit the candle she was more interested in the flame than the icing.  It took a moment or two and little encouraging, but it didn't take long and she was diving into the icing eating handfuls---eek! Sugar Rush!

Presley was joined by all of her friends who were glad to help her open her presents.  That lil' girl was spoiled rotten!  She got a car for her first birthday from nana (which she was wheeled into the party with--sooo cute), a drum and music set, clothes and more clothes, a water table from my sister (Max was so excited for Presley to open it!) and one of everything from Toys-R-Us.  We could seriously go into business renting toys for the day there are so many of them.

We ended the festivities with a bow and Presley thanked everyone for coming and celebrating with her.

Though this party was a party and I had a blast planning and preparing, I don't want to forget that this day was more about celebrating with close family and friends the miracle that is Presley.  I look at her and I think about my kids at school and I have to just say "Wow!"  It is amazing that they are even here and that they grow up to be big, strong, and smart.  How did I ever get so lucky to have it all?  This day was absolutely magical and we would have never made it this far if it weren't for our family and friends.

Presley Ann, I know you won't remember this party, but I hope that one day you see all these photos and watch the video to know that you were crazy loved by everyone!

You lil' stinker!