Sunday, October 25, 2009

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



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12 comments:

Allison said...

What a wonderful post. I have tears in my eyes for some reason. Maybe it's because we've been on this amazing journey together over the past, oh what, 21 months (pregnancy included!) and it's so special to be able to spend 1st birthdays together. Gotta run, Nate's going up the stairs. Love you!

Stephanie said...

SO cute! Reminds me of my daughter's birthday party...and in a year I'll be planning our son's 1st birthday. (Yikes!) I just might have to steal some of your ideas! ;)

Hannah said...

What a great party and a great post! I just stumbled on your blog today and loved it! You have a beautiful family :)

Elyse said...

oh my goodness...what a precious first birthday party! I will have to remember this birthday theme! Jackson looks so handsome even if he has a cold though :) What a great craft too. I am extremely impressed :)
~Elyse

Burtons Blessings said...

It looks like the party was a huge success. Everything looked great! I'm glad it was a memorable one!

Caroline said...

Great party & great post. Looks like lots of fun & you did a great job planning it. Hope he feels better soon. Great pics and thanx for sharing.
Caroline :)

Holly said...

I really like how you did the cake! It is so cute!! Sorry that Jackson ended up with a cold. :( Sometimes you try so hard to avoid it but it happens anyway. Sounds like he got some really great gifts and that video sounds awesome. What a great keepsake!!

Happy 1st birthday Jackson!

Paige said...

Ha! I laugh because when I was 36 weeks pregnant I too decided I wanted to attempt the rainbow cake. I quit before I even started though and settled for a 3 layered birthday cake for callyn. I just added pink coloring to strawberry, did regular strawberry and then white. Wasn't REAL pretty, but tasted good. Everything looks just perfect and I love the caterpillar head cake and snacks-- and from a kindergarten teacher you are ONE BRAVE momma for paining at a birthday party!!

Kelly said...

April, everything turned out so beautifully! Great job! It looks like y'all had a wonderful time. You have such a great family!

Unknown said...

You did awesome on all of the decorations! Looks like the party was a huge success!

HeatherOz said...

Oh April! It looks perfect. You REALLY did a lot of work! I am so impressed. 1st Birthdays are so special and you did a great job with Jackson's!
You should be so proud that it took a year for him to get a cold. Must be a healthy boy! Bummer on his 1st birthday though! He doesn't seem too affected by the cold (from the pictures).

Veronica said...

Wow! You did an amazing job! I'm sure everyone who attended will be talking about the party for a long time! I love all the detail you put into it and the cake was just awesome!