Jackson's First Birthday Party Revealed

I am exhausted, to say the least. I spent every waking minute this past Thursday and Friday getting the house in order for Jackson's First Birthday! As I have made it NO secret to you fellow readers, The Very Hungry Caterpillar decorations are extremely difficult to come by. So those little home maker did what she could to bring that element into the party. I was in the kitchen from 9am-3pm on Friday fumbling my way through giving Betty Crocker a run for her money. I discovered that the greatest invention ever made was the nesco and it's amazing ability to cook two full turkey breasts in less than 2 hours. I also made Jackson's birthday cake myself. If you have see this post - you will be a bit familar with my attempted creation. However, I was not so zealous as to bake and stack 6 layers of colorful birthday cake... 2 were just fine for me. One blue, one yellow. I followed this post to create the segmented body of Mr. Caterpillar.

I created a game for all the guests to participate in. I had these two foam boards up with several of Jackson's achieved milestones. Everyone was to guess according to the photo, how old (in months) was Jax when we accomplished each milestone. The person who guessed the most accurate, won a gift card to Subway Rest.

And the winner is...

Jackson's Aunt Emily!

My brother Brian took full charge of the children's activity. Brian explained to the children how Eric Carle makes his illustrations. He simply paints on pieces of cardstock, cuts out his shapes and aligns them to create his characters.

So each child was able to paint their own piece of cardstock. I will then cut out the appropriate shapes to create our own Very Hungry Caterpillar. This will be framed and given to Jackson as a gift from all the kids at his party. I will show you all that piece of artwork when I complete it.

Brian and his wife Emily did a wonderful organizing and instructing the kids through their art project.

Surrounded by family. To our left - my brother and sister in law. To our right - my parents, Dawn and Mark

Jackson was given many age appropriate toys (much needed and appreciated). He got "My Pal, Scout", a pull along telephone, Rumble N Ride steering wheel, clothes for the winter and spring. His grandparents gave him. My brother and his wife made us a tear jerking video compliation of all the videos I have posted online along with several photos from birth to 1 year. It was 30 mins longs, so cute, so funny and such a thoughtful gift. So much time, effort and love was put into it.





Jackson did a wonderful job of staying pleasant with a house full of chaos. He was striken with his very first cold. I was depressed when I discovered that all my attempts to not give Jax my cold had failed, he got his FIRST COLD on his FIRST BIRTHDAY. :(








Uncle Brian and Aunt Emily brought Jax a vegan cupcake. I wasn't about to make my son's first birthday cake with egg substitute with fear of it's turnout - and make everyone eat it :)




Grandma & Papa gave Jackson his first wagon! I can see many parade and park visits in this wagon! Thanks Grandma and Papa!


And to conclude the fun filled, busy day - a tuckered out little boy was read his favorite story by his favorite uncle ;)

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Happy 1st Birthday, Sweetheart