Party Time

You know those crazy people who throw obnoxious first birthday parties? Inviting a gazillion people, spending a mazillion dollars, all for a party that the kid will never remember?

Hi there! We are them.

Nathan's first birthday party was last weekend and, who-eee, I am relieved it is over. Planning the party is kind of fun for me; all these neat ideas and visions of children laughing and playing while the adults engage in fun conversation a la Martha Stewart Kids Magazine. Then the day of the party hits, and I turn into a crazed lunatic, cussing out vinyl table cloths and yelling things like, "Matt! If you don't put that ice in the cooler right now, I will rip your head off!"

It's all about family fun memories, folks.

Thankfully, as friends and family began showing up, I was able to relax (a little) and enjoy the afternoon.

The party had a car theme. We wanted it to be something Nathan likes, so it was either eating soil, clearing out cabinets, or cars. I thought it would be fun to have a little craft for the kids to do, so we bought these little wooden cars for them to decorate.

Christie's Mom trumped my idea, by suggesting that Christie's Dad build a race track that the kids could whizz their cars down. He did a great job. And Matt totally did not break the track an hour before the party, and I was absolutely not ripping my hair out, and my dad and uncle did not have to spend an hour of the party hammering it back together while I greeted people and said, "It is so good to see you!' HAMMER, HAMMER, HAMMER!

It was all easy as a breeze! And, no, the irony on my dad's shirt was not lost on me.

All the track stress was alleviated, though, when we watched the kids having so much fun racing their cars. Some of them were really into it.

And look at the cute little bunny that strategically placed himself in front of my daughter's crotch. I love nature.

As I was looking at the pictures, I began laughing because, of all the kids at the party - rough and tumble boys and all - the child who was most enthralled with the race track was pint-sized-petite-and-all-things-girly Makena (above, left). She is in almost every shot with the track, staring intently at the finish line.

"My cuteness will distract them as I snag, not one, but TWO race cars ... hee heee heeeee!!!"

Some of the more sophisticated attendees preferred gumming their cars.

Some kids played baseball; the sport of American Youth! ... And not youth ...

Whoo, good thing he used the tee!

Next came the Let's Watch the Baby Eat His First Cake Even Though His Mom Has Been Giving Him Cake Since Six Months of Age Moment.

Mostly, Nathan just looked from eager face to eager face, sometimes leaning in to the cake as though he was going to take a bite, but then taunting us by leaning back again. This went on for a good few minutes. In fact, I think I heard someone shout out, "Just eat the cake dagnabit!!!" Or maybe that the voices in my head. Anyway, he finally he dug in, and it was very cute.

But, I guess he doesn't like Costco cupcakes.

Lastly came the presents. I have a lot of pictures of him opening his presents, and they are all a variation of this...

Note to self: On the next kid's birthday party, when asked, "What do they want for their birthday?" do not give the same answer to EVERY person coming to the party. Let's just say that Nathan has quite a collection of cars and trucks. Which is actually great, because he really does play with them. When Grace is not hogging them all, and leaving her dolls and princess dresses to rot in a dark dusty corner.

I hope everyone had fun at the party. It really was fun to see everyone and share in the celebration.