The theme of the weekend was relaxed and celebratory and I’m thrilled that it turned out just like I’d hoped. Nana and Papa John arrived Friday afternoon which sent Hailey into a tailspin of excitement. We spent Friday afternoon playing outside and baking cakes so we could have Saturday free to celebrate the birthday girl. And celebrate we did!
Saturday morning started with a trip to Patterson Farms to pick our own strawberries. While most of us understood the concept, pick and put in your basket…
Kaitlyn was more set on the method of- shove as many strawberries as you can into your mouth at once.
Although messier, her strategy did look fun! Because of that, we began the adventure all thoroughly covered in strawberry juice, but we powered through the mess to enjoy all Patterson has to offer, like baby goats, playgrounds and slides and cow rides.
The busy morning worked as planned and we had two tired girls once lunch time rolled around. They both crashed hard for naps, leaving time for us to get started on party prep as David arrived home from the airport.
Soon enough the girls were up and the fun began.
I don’t often splurge on cutesy outfits, but I couldn’t resist a special frilly number for Kaitlyn on her birthday. I may be biased, but my goodness she looked sweet!
We played (photoshoot) outside for a little bit, then it was party time.
I wanted to forgo the stress of a big party and stuck to inviting just Hailey’s best friend (and her sweet sister and cousin) over to make it feel like a party, which worked out so well. Conveniently her mom is one of my best friends too, so win/win! The girls watered the garden, picked mint leaves and just enjoyed running around while the adults organized dinner and chatted.
The birthday girl was the center of attention and she ate it up.
She also ate up corn… raw corn. Because what the birthday girl wants, the birthday girl gets and she’d burst into tears if I tried to take it away.
We all ate on the porch, happy for beautiful spring temperatures that lend themselves to outdoor eating that can be cleaned up with a hose.
Then, it was time for cake! We all sang happy birthday as Kaitlyn grinned and soaked it up, then with enthusiasm and focus, she dug in.
She was far more into it than Hailey was on her first birthday, but still was happy to share.
We all chowed down on cupcakes, then followed it up with a little more play and present opening and just like that, the party was over and I had a sweet and sassy one year old.
Though no matter how many birthdays she celebrates, she will always be my baby.
Happy birthday sweet Kaitlyn!
Do you enjoy throwing parties?
Or does it stress you out?
I always think I enjoy throwing them, but end up getting worked up about it. I’m working on it because I really do love having people over!
Erica {Erica@EricaDHouse.com} says
What a perfect way to celebrate a first birthday! I’m already dreading the ‘over the top’ kid birthdays in my future. I’m hoping our son likes to just do something fun with the family and eat a bunch of sugar!
Brynn says
such a sweet girl from strawberries to cake and her dress too! I love small parties to celebrate milestones, it feels intimate and special. What a fun weekend!
John J. says
A beautiful capture of a glorious day celebrating Kaitlyn’s first. So glad to be there with y’all.!
Keli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I enjoy throwing smaller parties a lot! I’m throwing one of my best friends a bridal shower on June 14th with about 25-30 ppl and that’s stressing me out! haha. Kaitlyn looked adorable for her party. Happy 1st Bday to her!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
I love hosting but get worked up about the process as well! I love Kaitlyn’s little dress! Happy happy birthday to her!
Kathy says
The pictures are so adorable (and so is she)! What a fun weekend!
Jenni says
That adorable little ruffle dress was well worth the splurge! She is too cute! I love low key parties that are easy to pull off with an occasional big party mixed in every year or two! Looks like you all had a great time with some delicious food!! Happy Birthday to your baby!
Sarah says
what an adorable birthday girl! We went strawberry picking this weekend, too, and my 1 1/2 year old decided mooshing berries would be more fun than picking them. 🙂
Heather says
What a sweetie! I love how much she dug into her cake! Ha ha!
I like throwing parties, but they always stress me out. I’m slowly starting to let things go, though, and enjoy the party throwing with less of the stressing about making everything “perfect.”
Amy @ Elephant Eats says
Sounds like a perfectly laid-back 1st bday! Little Kaitlyn is so adorable!!!
Brittany says
What a fun birthday! The strawberry farm looks like such a great trip!
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
Oh my, ONE already?! Craziness. She is just adorable. I love her pink frills!! I’m with you – I really do enjoy having people over, but it always overwhelms me more than I initially expect. Working on it! 😉
Beks says
I think I enjoy having my friends over more than having family over. I stress less with my friends than with extended family.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
So cute! I love the cake! And strawberry picking is so fun! I remember going as a kid!
Heather @Fit n Cookies says
Aww she is too adorable! I love the low key birthday celebration 🙂 That outfit- ahh I just love it!
Heather@hungryforbalance says
Oh my goodness! Those pictures are too cute! It is crazy how fast it all goes.
I agree with you- I like the idea of having people over and throwing parties, but the reality always stresses me out!
Natalie @ The Ravenous Mommy says
Happy Birthday Kaitlyn! What an awesome weekend 🙂
… and your kitchen is awesome!
Julie says
Loved this post! Thanks so much for sharing. She is so stinkin’ cute! Such a little ham! And the food all looked so good! I’d say you’re pretty awesome at this party thing!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
What a perfect birthday weekend. Please excuse me while I go and cry my eyes out through this whole post, because it just reminds me that my son’s first birthday is next week. Where did our babies go?!
Josephine says
It looked like a really lovely way to celebrate a 1st birthday and Kaitlyn looked gorgeous. I’ve got to admit I am excited for Arianna to start nursery school and make some friends so we can have a birthday party (at the moment there is no one to invite!). Her first birthday we had three children over and their Mummies with a homemade cake and presents but not really a party. 2nd birthday just Grandparents and cake and presents. 3rd birthday we were on a cruise so no real celebration. Fourth birthday I’m keen for Disneyland Paris or a birthday party with new friends from nursery school.
Lauren Brennan says
Aw, happy birthday Kaitlyn! It’s been so fun reading all about her in her first year of life. She is a cutie!
I LOVE throwing parties and get togethers, but I totally turn into a type-A stress-ball before everyone shows up (my husband dislikes this!). But then as soon as the first person shows up, I can turn on the hostess charm and relax.
Carrie says
I love her pink outfit!! Do you mind sharing where you got it? Thanks!
Brittany Dixon says
Thanks! It is from Mud Pie!