Connor's First Birthday Party

As I talked about in my last post, we decided to have a small family birthday party for Connor. I had fully intended on having a bigger party and inviting lots of our friends and extended family, but after Christmas I was worn out and we decided to just do a small family party.

 

I shared the decorations with you yesterday. I really enjoyed getting things ready for his party.

 

When everyone arrived around 2:00, Connor was finishing up his nap and I think it was timed perfectly! Thank you Connor!! I never really know about that boy and his sleep schedule.

 

After I changed Connor into his 1 shirt we tried to get a picture of all the kiddos. I'm surprised Austin (our 14 year old nephew that is 6'4'') agreed to get in the kid picture, but he did! What a fun group!

 

Connor and his cousins.

 

We got one picture of all the one-year olds. Both little ladies were wearing cat shoes and shirts. We called this Connor and the kitties.

 

Connor warmed up to his Nana and Aunt T right away.

 

Cinco was determined to teach Connor how to walk #unsuccessful

 

 

Miss Turner looks so much like my brother in this picture I had to add it.

 

We all hung out and chatted

 

Then we ate some Mexican dip, chick fil a nuggets, and cupcakes.

 

 

These are my people.

 

Around 3:00 we headed outside to watch Connor enjoy his smash cake. I was excited!! If you remember......

 

Connor's first smash cake at his photo session was a BIG failure.

 

And he enjoyed his smash cake on his birthday, but really just picked at it.

 

I borrowed my Mom's antique high chair (I might have set in this thing - I never remember her not having it)

 

I set up his smash cake and I went to get the birthday boy while Leslie instructed everyone to gather around. haha

Also, Michelle was the best and took pictures for me.

 I put him in a white onesie, his birthday tie from Auntie and converse shoes (because it was a little cold outside and I didn't want to hear it from grandmas).  We sat him in the high chair and I carefully lit his birthday candle. Third cake, but first candle.

 

Boy was going after those sprinkles! He must have remembered them from his sprinkle smash cake on his birthday. 

We took some of our only family pictures from the entire party.

 

 I love him looking up at his Daddy here.

 

Then back to enjoying those sprinkles.

 

He was super happy as everyone sang to him.

  

Then we helped him blow out his candle. (He wished for a baby sister/brother).

Not an announcement. I'm wishing for it too.

 

He got super worried when we removed the cake stand. I think he thought the sprinkles were the prize  and not actually the cake. I just love those fingers gripping the cake stand so hard.

   

Time to start shoveling it in.

 

Smart boy soon realized he liked the icing and cake too.

 

 

I KNOW he was enjoying himself because he let us get a picture with his birthday hat on. And Connor H.A.T.E.S hats!

 

My mom split his cake in half so that he could get some cake and not just icing.

 

His girlfriend Aster got on her tippy toes to help him out

 

 

Zay and his crazy eyes got in on the action

 

Pops got in front of a camera with Connor

 

Zay took over the camera for awhile and took a few pictures for me. I just love this one.

 

He was a hot mess. We let him eat and eat and eat. Most people headed inside shortly after we sang, but we stayed out there and he chopped away.

 

Connor with his Aunt T

 

Aunt T and Austin.

 

We took one final family picture.

 

I got my favorite smash cake picture of Connor and then Cecil took him off to get a bath. Turns out that third time cake was a charm. He had a great time eating his cake and most likely would have stayed out there for another hour chomping on it.

 

After Connor's bath his Daddy dressed him....and I could tell.

Cargo pants and waffle knits are his favorite!

 

We sat down and did gifts next.

I thought I told everyone no presents (because we had just received so much at Christmas), but I must have missed Michelle. She brought the sweetest most thoughtful gifts - one from each of her babes. Amali gave Connor a book with his own name in it. I've read through it a little and it is adorable. Connor isn't ready for the length yet, but its super cute.

 

Cinco gave Connor a really cute boy scavenger book and Aster gave Connor a pair of her favorite shoes AND a puppy (since he will never have a real one)

  

 

 

Clearly, it was a hit!! 

 

Lots of Cecil's family members gave Connor some money for a savings account, Aunt T brought him lots of new cute clothes, and my family had NO problem abiding by the 'no gift rule' hahaha

 

We got a picture of Grams and her one-year old babies.

 

Then we tried to get all four grandkids (my Dad was asleep on the couch at this time) and we realized how difficult it it to have five people look at the camera and smile.

 

 

Amali came over and asked to get in on the picture and it CRACKS ME UP! Michelle says no, but I think she *might* have a crush on Noah. hahahaha 

 

Connor played with his balloons and his cousins.

 

Nana, Pops, Granny, Tammi and her crew were starting to leave. Cecil was cutting off balloons for a few of the kids and I asked if I could get a picture of Liam and Cinco together because they are only two months apart. This is what they gave me. Cinco was too cool with his arms folded and foot propped up. It was hilariously awkward for a of couple 3 year olds.  

 

The rest of the day we hung out with just my family and Michelle's crew and had fun catching up and letting the kids play.

 

 We heard some commotion and Michelle ran to the kitchen and Cecil followed with the camera. Apparently Connor got into Aster's M&Ms.

 

Cecil was scared to give him even one M&M before this because he thought he would choke on it. But Cecil said he saw Connor shove at least six in his mouth at once. hahaha

It was NOT easy getting all that green off of his hands.

 

Cinco is super light and Cecil threw him around a little.  

 

Then Zay wanted the same treatment, but he feels like a sack of bricks. So. No.

 

My family and Michelle and her kiddos stayed and hung out until it was time for Connor to go to bed. Then while I was putting him down they completely cleaned up the party for me. #keepers.

After Connor passed out for the night we all said good-bye and Cecil and I relaxed the rest of the night. It was just one of my favorite days ever. :)

 

We had the best time with our favorite people in the world celebrating our sweet little boy. I know the amount of pictures in this post is obnoxious, but its my first kid party and *just maybe* I'll get more casual as time goes on. #crossyourfingers

 

We love you sweet Connor.