Aidan's 1st Birthday

Our "little buddy" turned one last week.  It was as much fun for Kate as it was for Aidan with all the celebrating, sugar, friends and family.  I spent the weeks prior baking, and making decorations.  I go a little over board for the 1st birthday, but all future birthdays will be small and simple. I felt at times like I was planning a small wedding reception.  It all turned out so nicely, and I wouldn't have changed a thing.  Thank you to everyone who shared in our day!  We are blessed to have wonderful family and friends. 

The theme I choose was a outdoor woodland concept.  It was loosely incorporated.  I used lots of greens and orange in my decorations (no pictures, bummer). Painted little birdhouses and placed them on tables with moss rocks and the dessert table carried the theme as well. We rented a cabin at a local park which had a cozy fireplace and wood grain throughout. 

Aidan is happy to eat his owl cake! 

My dessert table.  I covered the letter A in moss to keep with the outdoorsy/cabin theme.  I took the photos a few days prior and had them printed quickly at Walgreens (2 hrs). 

 Found a great way to use my raspberry sugar that I bought from Spice Merchants.  Topped on some shortbread, it is delicious!

 Owl smash cake.  Great idea from Parents magazine.  It was fun to create and easy!!  (I swear, I spent less than 2 hours on this, and cakes are not really my thing).

 S'more cupcakes.  A.Ma.Zing!!!

 

Whoopie Pies, always a winner!

 Sugar Cookies.  I had no time to spend on fancy sugar cookies this time around.  Simple, yet tasty. 

 Chocolate Bears! 

 I have perfected my chocolate chip cookie recipe!  I feel confident that it is the best. :)

 Cinnamon Roll Cookies.  Yes, these are cookies. I used an vietnamese cinnamon, from Spice Merchants, and the aroma was everything a perfect cinnamon should be. 

 Kate and cousin Q playing in the coat rack.