Planning a Bug Party Parts 1-4

So we started celebrating Liam's first birthday on his actual birthday. Tuesday, June 3rd. We took a trip to the mall - oh yeah, sure we go there all the time, but this time started with a sitting for his 1 year pictures and then dinner at Quinn's favorite place (hey - when Liam can choose, he'll choose, but until then, it's up to Quinn). Liam had a nice time at Ed's and really enjoyed when the waiters danced on the counter. (This is something they normally do when it's crowded. There were a total of 4 tables filled while we were there. Quinn asked our waitress if she was going to dance and she gathered her friends and they danced for us! How nice was that??) Later - Liam enjoyed his first cookie. And by enjoyed, I mean, he kept saying More and signing Please while shoving pieces into his mouth.

Liam slept in the next morning and was so tired that he didn't wake up when I charged into his room thinking he was awake. Opps. I ran back out and grabbed the camera. He still didn't wake up. So I gave him a few minutes then had to wake him up for the day.Later, after getting Liam dressed, Quinn presented Liam with his only present from us. A present that we got at the mall the night before. Don't judge me, I've been busy and didn't have time to get him something other than putting together a birthday party and all that stuff.

And here it is. The cake and cupcakes. It didn't take too long to decorate but I was so happy I found bug icing decorations. I had gummy centipedes and butterflies ready to decorate the cake with, then stopped at Jewel for frosting and VOILA they had bug decorations. So much easier (and looked better) then the gummy candy would have. The cake was fairly easy to decorate - the hardest part might have been making the colors, but I really only tried hard on the blue and green - the colors for the cupcakes - I just went with whatever happened.

Liam got a hold of his cake before we started singing. Look at his face. He's not too sure about all the singing going on...

Yup. The song finished and this is what happened...

And actually, he didn't like the cupcake I gave him. Didn't like the cake I gave him. Refused to try the frosting. And threw it all on the floor. "No thanks. No cake for me." I couldn't handle the fact that he didn't like the cake so I went ahead and tried again, tonight... a little better outcome...

He enjoyed it a bit more. Possibly because we didn't just freak him out by singing, there weren't a bunch of people here, and he actually napped today. Oh? Did I mention he decided NOT to nap on the day of his birthday party? Oh? And did I mention that there were scattered thunderstorms in the forecast and that it rained/poured on and off all day? Oh? And did I mention that we have a tiny house? And a big family? It all worked out okay - I just wish the weather would have cooperated, but I suppose there's two things I can't control - the weather and whether or not my baby naps.

Okay. And other things about the party? I found some cute bug plates at Targer with sky blue, lime green, and yellow dragonflies on them - so went with those colors for balloons, napkins, etc. No pictures were taken of the balloons - which were destroyed by the 4 boys between 3 and 6 years old. I found some cute bug catcher things at the dollar store for party favors for all the kids. I ordered plastic bugs and butterflies from Oriental Trading and hid them all over the backyard - then the kids collected them, and then they each got to pick some to take home. Also? Bug stamps in the basement with paper. And the kids got to decorate their own cupcakes. They loved using the frosting and the sprinkles - who doesn't? AND - I made party favors for the adults too...check it out:

Stay tuned for a picture story of our trip to the zoo. Our trip to the zoo that was interupted by severe weather and us being forced to take shelter by the dolphins. The excitement just doesn't end, does it???