happy birthday, Hazel

I had Hazel’s birthday party planned for about a month. I knew what I wanted, the colors, the theme-ish, some of the food, and everything in between.  I spent about two weeks going back and fourth to hobby lobby every day using my 40 percent off coupon -because you can only use one a day you know.  Surprisingly none of the workers commented or looked at me funny during my trips, maybe it’s just something they are used to seeing. 

The week before the party we went and got her cake and cupcakes -which I thought I was going to make myself, along with the donuts -I think I was just over ambitious, that’s all. Plus it all looked so much more professional not having me do it. The night before the party I got together with my mom and SIL (big time hearting these girls) and we prepped. I made sure I had everything I needed for the next day and we got all the last minute details set.

I surprisingly slept really well the night before, which completely surprised me because I’m usually up all night thinking about the things that I need to do -I guess I had all my bases covered. We got to the park early to set up and I must say I love how it all turned out. I didn’t have a huge budget, I guess that’s what happens when your husband is in dental school, but I really couldn’t have been happier.  

We had the party at the neighborhood park -first come first serve! And this was practically perfect because all the younger kids went and played on the play ground while we had a one year old party at the tables. The weather felt great and it was such a perfect day to be outside celebrating my little one year old. 

The tables were decorated with flowers and pictures of Hazel throughout her first year of life. I had the funnest time going through all the pictures, looking at how little she once was, and remembering all the good times we’ve had -and getting excited for all the new ones to come.  

We had a little smash cake for Hazel, I was surprised that she didn’t dig right in, she loves cake and loves making a mess -when we are at home anyways.  Maybe it’s because the cake was vanilla, but she didn’t really seem that interested in the whole thing. She was all done not even a quarter way into the cake.  I also think she was confused as to why everyone was standing around her watching her eat. I mean, she’s a social eater, but she sure isn’t use to having that many people around while she eats. 

And the crown, probably one of Hazel’s favorite parts of the party, she called it her hat and she wore it all day and practically every day for the next week. I’m convinced she would have worn it longer, had I not put it away. I purchased this perfect crown from LaLaLolaShop -Kristen was great to work with and got me my crown super fast.  I loved it and it was one of my favorite accessories.