Gretchen's 1st Birthday Party

If you're reading this then you probably know that Gretchen's 1st birthday is not until May 11th, but we threw her a 1st birthday party on Sunday, May 6th, because we wanted to avoid any conflicts her actual birthday might have with Mother's Day (for our guests).

For quite the rainy week, we couldn't have asked for better weather. It was sunny, but not too hot, with a nice breeze to keep it cool. Nate cooked delicious BBQ and I made some desserts (s'mores bars, brownies and cupcakes - vanilla and chocolate). Gretchen had her own cake (a "smash" cake as they refer to it nowadays) and enjoyed it quite a bit. 

She received a mountain of gifts, cards, and love. So many people that we care about came, and those that couldn't come sent their love and birthday wishes, which was equally as meaningful to us. 

Since we had over 2 dozen guests attend the party, we were nothing short of overwhelmed. Children played in the backyard and in her playroom while adults mingled in the living room, kitchen and deck area. Nobody really knew one another all that well other than our immediate families, so it was a nice opportunity for everyone to get to know one another. I think it was relaxing for the parents to have activities for their children to do while they looked on.

Today, the day after the party, I have some how managed to get all of her presents unwrapped, out of the packaging (set that in the recycling) and put away in her playroom. We moved her beautiful tea party table that she received from my aunt Lori into her bedroom, because it's a special "toy" that was custom painted for her and very nice. The kitchen is clean and we have containers of food stored in the fridge, I guess we went a little overboard, but I suppose it's better than coming up short.

Pictures will come, but right now I only have a few to share. We did not take any, but Jenn, from Darling Photography (she takes all of the fancy photographs I post) took some, and my mom took 85, which is awesome! She got a lot of candid photographs and captured the party. in action. 


We had a great time and it was a huge success. We wanted this to be a memorable party for Gretchen and it sure was. We love you, Gretchen! 


These pictures are in no particular order: 

Gretchen dug right into her cake at one point.

 Uncle Jason and Cousin Marissa snuggled while Gretchen looked excitedly at her bouncy horse.

 These are the Yo Gabba Gabba characters that I made for Gretchen's Yo Gabba Gabba birthday party.

 These are the awesome cupcake toppers that I envisioned and Nate made. I glued them to the party picks, so it was definitely teamwork.

 A view of her presents (what a lucky girl) after they had been opened.

 Another view of her birthday presents.

 Gretchen eating her cake, she was very polite about it and nibbled. She's holding onto my hand and smearing cake into it. :-)

 Gretchen looked very intrigued by her cake and happy that it was all her's!

 Gretchen kissed her new friend the donkey!

 She absolutely loved her bouncy horse that her mom and dad gave her for her birthday!

 "Look at me go!"

 Gretchen & I opened one of the many wonderful birthday gifts that she received.

 Gretchen glancing up at her Mimi.

 Gretchen and her daddy having a good time!

 Gretchen still happy about her bouncy horse!

As you can see, a great time was had. The wagon in the background was Gretchen's "big" gift from Nate and I. You can see the beautiful hand painted custom tea party table that Lori made for Gretchen, as well. We're so happy that she had such a good time and it means the world to us that people came to celebrate her life with us. 


Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!