Party Decor

I was pretty proud of my decorating skills for this party:) I felt like a piece of garbage (as usual) but I had set high expectations for myself to make this party cute for Charlotte. SO, we stuck to the hot pink and zebra theme. I tried to incorporate it in every way possible.

We took all of the pictures out of the frames that we had downstairs and put pictures/snapshots of just Charlotte in them at different times throughout the year. I added pink or zebra ribbon to everything I could and stuff zebra wrapping paper inside of everything as well. I forgot to take pictures of over half of the decorations but you get the idea from the pictures. The screened porch looked super cute but, again, I was terrible with the camera this particular day.

Charlotte's "Smash" cake made by our friend, Alexis.

Deliciously fabulous cupcakes from Publix.

The dining room... well, part of it.

More desserts...

Animal cookies for the kiddos... Charlotte LOVES these.

Her high chair was a BIT white trash but that's how I roll :)

Presents GALORE. Our child is so loved.

Hot pink and black... and pictures of our favorite girl

It's not a party until the disco ball comes out.

I wish I had more pics of stuff. Oh well. I got some compliments and it made me feel good and made me feel like it was worth it. It was a fabulous day!

Charlotte's First Birthday Party!!

We celebrated Charlotte's first birthday a week and a half early on January 29, 2012. We had to celebrate on Sunday because Alex works every Saturday and we had to celebrate 2 weekends before her birthday due to scheduling conflicts with Ma and Pa Weber and Alex's drill. There are LOTS of pictures with this post so brace yourselves.

This is my beautiful Miss Sunshine the morning of her party. Hot Mess anyone??

 She cleans up pretty nice though!

The king of spices... shockingly enough, adding spices to something :)

So we combined three parties in one for us... We combined Charlotte's first birthday party, Alex's seafood steaming party, and the Weber Chili party (SC style). Alex had his steamer out steaming crawfish and oysters. Dad brought his new fryer that Alex and I got him for Christmas and they fried pickles, chicken wings, and onion rings. Then there was the large pot of chili... The kettle comes from my grandmother's farm, I believe. I think my dad or one of my uncles for it there. They made sure it was cleaned up and started using it to make huge amounts of chili over a fire. They found an oar to us to stir it. So, my parents have been doing chili parties for the last 10-15 years, my aunts and uncles have them, and now they bring the pot to their kids. After making chili, dad always breaks out the kettle corn. (Dad and his siblings have used the kettle corn to raise money for Relay for Life and other charities/organizations in the past...FYI). So that's the history...

My beautiful friend, Leslie, stirring the massive pot of chili.

Charlotte got a BIT jealous when GiGi started holding another baby.

"Hey! Anyone need a ride?"

I couldn't be more proud. A picture of her spread eagle at her first birthday party.

There's a normal one.

Charlotte was so exited to see Alysia. It totally made Alysia's day :)

Catherine made sure to dress Meredith in an outfit that matched the theme :)

Beans, beans, the musical fruit... (Kidding. So immature)

Grandpa Jackson made it!

The two dads manning down the chili.

Boys gathered around stinky, gross seafood. They LOVED it.

Oysters.

Charlotte loves her babysitter Leslie :) We were so happy she could make it!

Charlotte, Leslie J, and Laney :) Thanks for coming, friends!

Melissa, Scott, and Reagan... we love the Tice's... I should've gotten a picture of Reagan and Charlotte together... Dangit!

All dressed and ready to smash some cake! (She had an outfit change.)

Charlotte and her white trash high chair.

"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you..."

The Jacksons... minus Max (he was missing at this time)

Slopping the cake onto her tray...

Dainty little licks...

So I smashed her hands down in it.

Now we are getting somewhere!

What can I say, the girl loves to share!

So proud of herself for giving daddy a bite.

Love the chunk of cake on her nose.

She ate almost the entire thing. 

Sweet baby Mere in hat.

Charlotte and Jaxson were so cute together!!!

They LOVED her massive bear.

Love her hair in this one!!

Uncle Paul came to the party. He said he wouldn't have missed it for the world. It was so good to see him!!

Yep, they were laying on her new chair that folds out into a bed... So funny. Thanks Papa Weber for picking it out for her :)

Her morning after hangover look. She didn't sleep so hot bc she had too much cake and stuff the day before. Mom said this was her look the next morning. Perfect :)

It was such an amazing party.I forgot to take a bunch of pictures WITH people bc I was too busy talking and helping out with everyone's kiddos. There were around 40 people that ended up coming. It was a perfect turn out. The weather was in the 60's (warm in the sun, a bit cool at times in the shade). Everyone had a blast. It started at noon and the last people left at 6:30. I just wish I had gotten a picture of Charlotte with everyone that had come... oh well! Thank you, friends and family for helping make her birthday so amazing!!!

Birthday Photo Shoot

It's almost birthday party time so it's time to take a few pictures of our little princess.

Since I've gotten pregnant, I've felt so cruddy every day so I have not been good about taking pictures and experimenting with photography. But I took a few pictures of her in the backyard the night before her birthday party so I could have some updated pictures in the frames. She was a bit tired and crabby so there aren't many smiles. She just wasnt in the mood.

 She's a total rockstar... but I'm sure you already knew that.

 She's almost over it at this point.

 And she's done.

Yes, it was January 28th and she was probably a bit chilly... even though it was a really warm day. She looked adorable with or without her smile. Love this baby girl of mine!