Austin's 1st Birthday~ Part 1

Saturday we had Austin's 1st birthday party (and TODAY is his actual birthday... crazy!). It was a lot of hard work but a LOT of fun! I'm starting with the decor of the party before moving onto picture overload of the party itself. =)

(We had his party at my parent's house because of space and the fact that the majority of our family lives in Barnesville so it's just easier for everybody. One day we will do parties for our children on our own... promise!)

Megan designed the invitation for us and did another fabulous job! Thanks SO much Megan for something special and unique and perfect!!

We decided to go with an old fashioned/vintage transportation theme. The party theme took a LONG time to come up with and finalize, but once we finally made a decision and got to work on the planning and decor it came together great. Terrell (and me too really, but especially Terrell) doesn't believe in throwing a character based first birthday party. We just think it'd be kind of crazy to give Austin a Thomas the Train, Sesame Street, or Curious George party when he has no idea what or who any of those things are. (Only our personal opinion of course.) We also don't really care for parties that walk straight out of Party City. I'm sure we'll go that direction more when the kids are older but for now we prefer something a little more unique and personal. (However, we're not made of money so everything is done in moderation and on a budget... we don't get crazy. Ha!) So we decided on transportation... finally, but wanted something with an old fashioned look and feel to it. I owe a huge thanks to my mom for all her help with ideas and decorating! Everything turned out perfect. =)

The birthday boy himself. He woke up from his nap just in time to celebrate his birthday.  

Garrison's antique Radio Flyer tricycle plus balloons welcomed our party guests (huge thanks to the big brother for donating to the party cause)

 

The foyer table was decorated with a mini Radio Flyer wagon holding Austin's baby book, the party favors filled with old fashioned toys and candy, and Austin's matte of "lion pictures" from every month on his birthday. The old Coke-Cola crate added a cool touch.

 

We made Austin's 12 month picture a couple of days before his party but since he was sick it didn't turn out as great. Today we made another one that we'll be replacing that one with. I can't wait to get this framed and to hang it up right beside Garrison's.

 

The dining room table centerpiece was an old fashioned wooden car that we spray painted red. So cute!

 

The kitchen table centerpiece was a wooden buggy that we spray painted navy blue. It turned out great too!

 

The sunroom/porch centerpiece was a wooden airplane that was spray painted just like the buggy. Spray paint is pretty wonderful when it comes to party decorating. (And the party entertainment out back was a big hit too!)

 

The cake table was decorated with the adorable cakes plus an old red truck and vintage airplane from Hobby Lobby for 50% off. (Hobby Lobby is also pretty wonderful!) And we added a tin pail/bucket for napkins and a mason jar for spoons. I love little extras and I love how the cakes turned out.

We used Garrison's wagon as the place for everyone to put presents. And Austin discovered it right away.

 

The happy birthday boy ready to get his party started. =)

We loved celebrating our baby boy's birthday with family and making lots of memories. We owe a HUGE thanks to my parents for providing the location, grilling the burgers and hotdogs, helping with the decor and set-up, and providing the backyard entertainment... Terrell's parents for picking up the cakes and helping take care of our firstborn during the party while our attention was pretty focused on the birthday boy.... Garrison, for sharing and contributing his tricycle and wagon to the party cause... and last but not least all of our party guests for celebrating with us and loving on and spoiling our little man. We are blessed!!

Happy Birthday Austin Selph!!