Benjamin's 1st Birthday Party!

Ben's 1st birthday celebration was actually an all-day affair!  I am pretty sure (really hope) he had as much fun as we did.  I feel like I say this multiple times a day, but I just cannot believe Ben is a 1 year old!  I feel like he was just born, yet at the same time, I can't imagine life without him!  He brings us so much happiness and love on a daily basis.  We started off the day with a run/walk supporting the hospital that took such great care of our little man.  We had a team last year, but since Ben and I were in the hospital, we were obviously not able to participate.  I am so happy that we were able to join in the fun this time around!  The weather was PERFECT and we had a team of 30+ of Ben's biggest fans.  We are so blessed.

Although I could have used another month to get everything ready, thankfully my awesome mom helped bring my "Baby Fish" pinterest board to life.  I am happy with how everything turned out, but of course there are more things I wanted to do.

Possibly my proudest (and definitely most time consuming) DIY project was the piñata my friend Maggie and I made.  It was a labor of love despite the fact that it took a bit way longer than we were anticipating.  But, the end product was totally worth it.  It was a hit with the kiddos and I didn't even cry when it got destroyed.

I was pleased to learn that the fish theme was actually pretty easy.  There is a lot of fish stuff out there!  One of my favorite finds was the little tin pails I found (for 50% off!) in the $1.00 section at Target.  They even had little chalkboard squares where the kids could write in their names.  I bought some of those sitcky foam pieces, underwater themed, of course, so everyone could decorate their own pail for the piñata.

My mom had just given Ben his first frito, so he was less than interested in taking a few whacks with the bat, but he enjoyed watching the other kids and when the piñata was broken, he even got right in there and pretended that he eats candy just like the big kids.  Maggie and I had such good craftswomanship that the sturdy fish lasted until the oldest kid beat the ---goodies out of it.  I didn't want the moms to hate me too much, so I tried to throw in some non-candy things as well, but I am pretty sure everyone left with lots of sugar.

Ben was such a champ at his party.  Fortunately, he was able to sneak in a nice long nap between the walk and the party.  Maybe he is just used to getting loved on all the time, but he was as happy as can be the entire afternoon, or at least until it was cake time.  

I cannot say that I am surprised he didn't love the cake, but I was totally hoping he would.  I know it appears that he actually likes the cake in these pictures, but do not be fooled!  

My dad has the video, but these faces give you a glimpse of his ultimate reaction.  That picture on the left is my absolute favorite.  (Courtesy of Auntie Anna.)

While I was so happy that the weather was absolutely beautiful, I was even more excited that over 50 (!!!) of Ben's family and friends came over to celebrate with us.  I love how much he is loved, and it was such a wonderful celebration not only of Ben, but also of his fan club.  

All in all, the party was a huge success.  I think Ben's favorite parts were the balloons and the company.     Happy birthday, sweet boy!  You are our world and we love you more than anything.  XOXO