Liam Lumberjack

Well, sigh, it happened.  Last week, our littlest turned one.  Somehow.  I am not sure, because it felt like he just got here yesterday.  And also like he has always been here. Time, you fickle minx, I don't get you at all.  But at any rate, it happened.  And though I am acting sad about the whole thing, it was actually a very happy occasion. So, obviously, we partied.

When I found out I was pregnant with Liam and due in December, I immediately wondered how we were going to do his birthday so close to Christmas.  Would anyone come?  How do you decorate?  And furthermore, how in the dickens do you pull off an indoor party?  Elliot was born in June, so her parties are always easy peasy.  Throw it all outside and hope for no wind.

We are Christmas people and we decorate early around here.  I decided to go with a theme that wasn't necessarily Christmas related, but that wouldn't clash with what we had up for the season.  So we went with lumberjack.  It turned out to be super easy because plaid, especially buffalo plaid, is so hot this season!

"Black frosting?" you may be saying to yourself.  And you would be correct.  This disaster brought to you by a food coloring experiment gone wrong.  Liam didn't seem to mind.

We had a hot cocoa bar, which was a lot of fun.  Not pictured: additional toppings such as whipped cream, sprinkles, and mini chocolate chips!

I also set up a trail mix bar in lieu of goody bags.

We asked people to bring letters for Liam to open when he turns 18.

And this is how you pull off the indoor party.  We had to temporarily remove our TV to fit enough tables.  But it worked out nicely.  The party was at lunch time so it was important everyone had a place to sit down to eat.

Menu:

Chili, with all the fixins

Corn Bread

Fruit Salad

Brocolli Salad

Meat & Cheese tray

Rolls

Chips

Dips

And of course, birthday cake!

A rare opportunity to get a family photo that is not a selfie!  Big Sis did well.  We thought she might get a little jealous of all the attention, which honestly, did flare up a little, but mostly she was excited to show him the birthday ropes.

Cake time!

He didn't seem to like it at all.

The aftermath.

It was a great day!  Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate.  Liam really felt the love!  (And so did his parents.)

Happy Birthday, my sweet Baby Bear.  We love you so, so much!