In my mind, this post has seemed like such a big project that I have stalled writing it for almost 2 months now. Better late than never I guess. It seems like so long ago, yet it took place at the beginning of the summer, on June 25th. Being the first kids birthday party to take place in our house, I wanted to go all out. I was well aware that Claire wouldn't remember anything and that it was purely for my enjoyment. Sorry Erik, she only has a first birthday once. :)
I started planning the event months in advance (obsessive, I know). The theme for our little "Claire Bear" was of course, bears! By the time the day rolled around, I had a lot accomplished, yet there was still a million things to do. I'm glad I planned for so long because little did I know there was going to be a huge fiasco to deal with. Just days before her party, I remember telling my Mom that I wanted it to go really smoothly and for me to be calm and collected. The last thing I wanted was to be the crazy hostess running around bossing people and completely stressed out. I'm not really sure how I came across to most of the attendees, but for the first hour, I was acting a little crazy. Little did everyone know that we had a major disaster that morning.
Did you know that there are two parks in Sandy, within 1 mile of each other, both with the EXACT same name?!?! Yeah, I didn't either and I found out a little too late. We got to where I thought the party was being held, at Union Park just west of Hillcrest High School, and started to set up. When we arrived, there was another party under the pavilion and I was so irritated because I had reserved it months ago. Turns out I was in the wrong place, had to load everything back up, drive a mile down the road to the other Union Park and set up again. With the party about to start, guests arriving, curlers still in my hair and a brief meltdown seconds before, we managed to get everything set up pretty quickly. Thank goodness! Apparently the pavilion I had reserved was Union Park with Sandy City and the park I thought I reserved was Union Park with Salt Lake County. Ugh! My heart boils just thinking about the whole mix up. Of course it all worked out fine and the party went well once everything had settled. I couldn't have done it without the support of my family. Thank you too all of the family and friends that helped us gather extra tables, setup chairs and deliver food to the location. I owe you immensely!
Now to the actual fun part of the day. Every year my two sisters and their families come to Utah for a week so we can all spend time together. Claire timed her birth perfectly last year and all of our families were able to be present. I think she just wanted to have all of her cousins at her future birthday parties. It worked out perfectly! Almost every member of our family was there to celebrate Claire's special day and that means so much to Erik and I. Claire didn't really "experience" much that afternoon, but I'm sure she enjoyed seeing all of you there. Hopefully there are many, stress-free birthday parties to come.
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| The Invitation |
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| The birthday girl wearing her custom-made bear ears sewn by her mother, bear onsie, gold tutu and sandals. So adorable! |
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| Decorations and Party Favors (bear coloring books) |
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| Activities included honeycomb/honey-nut cheerio necklace making, bear paw tattoos, hula hoops, toss game, coloring, bear crossword puzzles, etc. There was even a special area for Khloe and five of her best friends in the "paw keeper". |
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"Thank You" Card
Claire's birthday party was a huge success. We had so much fun and hope that those who came enjoyed themselves as well. See you next year at birthday party number two!
