Family Boat Trip

Picture source HERE

my papa was very excited about the trip

Bear and his backup dancers

Grandma love 

bubbie love 

One tired birthday boy

Uncle and Bear

Wearing grandpa's hat

As I mentioned before we had A WHOLE LOT of family come visit for Wolf's first birthday. Most of their trip was mainly helping set up and break down the parties but on Sunday afternoon we had a little time to spend sight seeing. We decided on the Willamette Queen afternoon excursion. And although not totally planned we took the nautical theme one step further. 

We ended up being the only people on the boat. The Captain was kind enough to let the boys steer and blow the whistle (which was a delight to Bear). We spent the next hour and a half  walking in and around the boat chatting and being silly.

I think my favorite memory of the whole event was watching Bear cut a rug with his bubbie and great grandmom. One thing you should know about Husband's family is they LOVE to dance. They can't even contain it if there is a good beat so it was only natural to have three generations dancing up a storm. 

Grandparents shared their time cuddling the littles and I was lucky to have so many people willing to help carry Bear back to the car as our birthday boy was exhausted and spent the last bit of the ride in his Ergo. 

party highlights {Kids co- op}

I cannot be happier with how the parties tuned out. All the kids seemed to have a great time especially the birthday boy. It doesn't get any better than that. 

Sail Away Birthday Decorations

The treat boxes had crayons, watercolors and a kazoo

sand buckets were filled with Swedish fish, Goldfish, and Clementines

balloon pit and newspaper hats

dollar section target boxes and stickers to customize

watercolor station 

Day 2 party the table was set a little different 

W high chair day 2 ready for some cake 

handmade banner made with burlap and hand painted 

So as I was going through all the images of this weekend. Trust me there are a ton! I couldn't pick just a few of  the entire event for just one post without completely bombarding you with pictures. I decided to break it up into two post. One of the decorations and the party plan and the second post about the actual parties.
First off I decided to split the party into two days. The first was 100% kid focused with only two little guests invited for a total of four kids(and parents of course). It was only scheduled an hour long and early in the day before the kids afternoon nap. As I have mentioned before I like to keep the guest list small for young parties as I like to be able to do a little extra and have a little more focused play time.
The original plan was to have a water play party since it was nautical themed but the morning ended up being a bit chilly so I decided to do a balloon pool pit instead. I also got the idea from my MIL to set up a watercolor station. I served a light snack of goldfish crackers, sliced apples and peanut butter and clementines. It was a total success as all the kids loved both activities and  also enjoyed running around in the backyard chasing each other.
The second party was the family party. Although we had the same activities set up for the little ones this party was more focused on all  the adults getting together and passing W around and swooning over him (both set of grandparents were here, there was a LOT of swooning) we BBQ'd and actually cut a cake and sang happy birthday at this one.  W was so thrilled to have so much attention and as a parent I think there is little that can make you happier then seeing how much your little ones are loved by so many. Such a blessing to see so many people travel so far to celebrate with us.

I am sharing this on : Two in Diapers Mommy Brain Mixer , True Aim Mom's Library Link Up and Crayonfreckles Tip Toe thru Tuesday 

Birthday Weekend

Well, we are almost done with this hectic weekend.  It has been exhausting but oh so worth it to see this sweet boys face light up all weekend long. He is enjoying all the extra attention and love from all the family and I am enjoying the extra help. More picture to come. 

Birthday Planning inspiration

Well it is official. We are having a nautical themed party for this little Wolf. Above is the invitations I made (sans the address and info). We have both sets of grandparents coming up for the occasion, and we cannot be more thrilled about it. They are coming a few days ahead to help out with last minute touches as well as some much needed catch up time so the blog might be a little slow this week. 

I have most of the decorations purchased and made but that still hasn't stopped me from hunting down some last minute inspiration on Pinterest. Here are a few of my favorites. I am not sure if I will be able to capture something this put together but I really only have to impress a one year old right? 

 

1. Source     2. Source    3. Source

Wolf first birthday present

I can't believe that W will be one in just a couple of weeks! This time has gone by so fast and our lives have changed so much since he was born. We moved from California to Oregon when he was only 6 weeks old. Insane! Now here we are wrapping up the first year of his little life as well as our first year back in OR. It is a little bittersweet. When B was turning one I was sad to see the baby stage go, but I was pregnant so I knew that I would be doing it again soon. But now with no plans for baby #3 yet I am even more sad to see it go. But in NO rush either. Just to be clear :).

Monday morning had a few interesting surprises (read more here) but this was one of the best. W received his first birthday present from my brother and his family.  Please note how eager B is to "help" W open those cars :) BOTH the boys have been very excited to play with W's new toys over the last few days. Thanks Uncle B!!!!!