party for the lumberjack

We like birthdays. Naturally we had to make a big deal out of his FIRST birthday. Many family members took time out of their holiday to celebrate our little guy. Who wouldn't want to get together to eat food and watch a cute baby eat chocolate cake for the first time?

His birthday should have fallen on Thanksgiving but because of the leap year, he skipped it! Fun fact: Atticus celebrated two Thanksgivings before his 1st birthday. Not many can say that! Anyways, the party. Due to the fall season, Tanner's beard (for the record, no he did not grow it for the party. He started growing that thing waay before we picked the theme), and the 50 cent shirt I got at Savers...a lumberjack was born. Lots of good ideas floating around and this is what we ended up with. Chili & cornbread, red & black buffalo plaid, gummy fried eggs, and a smash cake that looked like a log. Loved that most everyone came dressed in plaid. Hello mini costume party.

Many thoughtful presents were gifted to that little guy. I want to spotlight two in particular. When Tanner found out we were pregnant, he started carving a little wooden bear. He spent the next year carving four other little animals to complete the set (with only one trip to insta-care, tee hee). He didn't stop there. He made Atticus his very own wooden stacking tower (similar to the one from Land of Nod). Many hours were spent in making these toys for his son. What a good daddy. So adorable they are!

Now I've seen a few smash cakes (mostly from the nephews and nieces) and most leave me wanting. Babies just never seem to get into them quite like the crowd wants. I am not saying this because I'm his mom but, he smashed that thing. Started out casually dipping his finger in frosting and then would look at me for approval. Then he'd go back and get some more, and more, and more. When he realized neither Tanner or I were gonna stop him, this kid went head first into that cake. I've never seen his mouth open so wide. That little nugget, he'd clap in between each bite and make sure everyone was cheering for him. So he likes chocolate cake.

It wasn't until we were putting him down for bed that I realized we didn't sing "Happy Birthday" to him. So plaid to everyone that came!

(Sorry DaBell's for not getting your picture, I'm sure G was so sad)