Our little Top Gun is One!

Not quite sure how this day showed up on my doorstep so quickly, but somehow I blinked and we were having Cutler's first birthday party. Pardon me while I get a bit teary.

Truth be told, I am not a party planner. That belongs to either my sis-in-law Jacqueline, or my bestie Lindsay. Jeremy and I first said, let's make this thing small. Then we said, let's just invite everyone. Then we said, let's make this thing small. And my sanity thanked me for the final decision. See... back in February when I started brainstorming, my ideas were as plentiful as the weeds in my flower beds. But after dealing with a faulty plate order, a major invitation snafu (for those of you that received one, what you received was NOT what I intended to send; I'd rehash, but it might raise my blood pressure), cupcake icing mixup, and a diminishing bank account, my self began screaming, "Simplicity!!!" So with a special thanks to etsy, pinterest, Jeremy, Mom, Jacqueline, Michele, Dad and Prissy, I delegated and survived.

Cutler's First Birthday Party Recap
The theme was Top Gun. As I've explained to some, picking a theme from Jeremy's favorite movie ensured his more enthusiastic help with the party. Here's the invitation.

The bestie previously mentioned found an etsy page of a lady who'd created all sorts of graphics for her son's Top Gun birthday party. (Here I thought I'd been original in theme, but considering the cute graphics I got, I'm glad I wasn't.) I ordered them, of course. And through a few other hints from pinterest, the pictures below show the results.

 

 

To give credit where credit is due, the really cute ballon/sky banner with airplane streamers is the work of my ever-crafty sister-in-law. Thanks, Jac, for staying late and making it look so perfect.

There were also labeled water bottles, candy airplanes, and airplane sandwiches I would love to show, but this blog is already incredibly long and I still have other things to share. Bear with me.

We had lunch first. Much to the dismay of the can-i-have-a-cupcake-yet kiddos. The parents all deserve a reward for keeping the cupcake table intact until Cutler had his cake. Speaking of, Cutler wasn't quite sure of that whole experience. Not only was everyone at his house and playing with his toys, they were suddenly all staring at him. And for whatever reason, he chose to stay relatively clean.



Notice the crowd around the cupcake table in the back.



And presents! I believe this might have been the most chaotic time. He enjoyed it for a minute, then scooted to some calmer waters. I predict that next year, he'll happily be in the throes of it.

And of course, can't have a Maverick without a Goose and Charlie. Pretty sure the pic below is Take 27. I mean, who wants to sit still for a picture when there's a party going on?

The aviators!

Despite all the overwhelming excitement, I think my little Maverick had a great time at his party. His Pappa D and Mimichele drown down for the party... so that meant he had all his grandparents there. Surrounded by family and close friends, what more could a little boy ask for? (Besides another cupcake and a big nap.)

[I applaud you if you're still reading this ridiculously long post.]