Friends are the spice of life and we were lucky enough to have many of them come to spend the day with us on Saturday. We spent the first half of the day celebrating Matthew’s 1st birthday. A whole year of kisses to this sweet little boy we have been given and laughs at all the funny things he does that make our life even better than before he came to us. A year that started (at least for me) with his birth and enveloped the marriage of our oldest beauty, welcoming our first grandchild and finding out that we would be leaving our homestead. I can’t think of a fuller year…ever.
The second half of the day was spent with friends and family remembering good times we have shared here, enjoying each other’s company and saying goodbye. We have had so many parties here. It was sad to think that this would be the last. Of course we will spend New Years here together but it will no longer be OUR house, it will be Lewis and Alex’s house.
If your remember by this celebration, Matthew (Mateo as we call him) turned a year old on the 11th but with Alexandra having baby Lewis just 4 days prior, we decided to wait until she was up to partying with us and then we realized there would not be enough time to have a birthday party and a goodbye party. Poppa had the idea to do it all in one day. One long but good day.
I again made his honey cake, as I made this his recipe. With still so much basil in the garden, the frosting was extra lemony and basil-y. This is by far the simplest party I have ever done. With everything being packed away and so little time, simple was better and since I had so little to make for the birthday, I woke up with the idea to make him a special birthday outfit…again.
Another pair of Farmer Boy pants were in order. Made again from another one of Poppa’s torn suit shirts. I remembered that I have had a piece of fabric with candles on it and quickly found the box of fabric in the garage. I added the pockets to the pants like I usually do but also had Poppa pick him up a new tshirt and added a pocket to that too. It took about 30 minutes and he was wearing a new birthday outfit.
I made him a little people candle holder, I think the hair should have been darker, but to me it looks like my little Matthew. The hand dipped beeswax candle his siblings made on his birthday was used and it completed once again, the honey cake. On the table is the painting I made right before he was born from our favorite bedtime story and we pulled out some of his favorite vintage Little People toys.
Friends brought food to bless us with and my beautiful friend Peggy brought flowers too 🙂 We are lucky to have these people in our lives. They have enriched us with their love and knowledge and we will miss them.
Nate and Charlie spent the whole day and night with us in our last official sleepover which could not have made the kids any happier. Charlie brought her camera and the following pictures are the party through her camera lense.
To all of our friends and family who spent Saturday with us, thank you! You are part of the fabric of our family.
Great post to read out.
Birthdays are for great fun and when it’s the case that you are planning for a first birthday party, then it should be the best party. I was also planning for my aunt’s kid on his first birthday. He has a baby boy like Matthew and his name is John. It was a surprise party as my aunt was suffering from fever and cold. I thought of managing a party for john as he is my cousin. I invited small kids from the neighborhood and some of the relatives. I arranged for a theme party and food most liked by children. There was separate arrangement of dinner from snacks. Music was there and some bouncy castles. I also hired a company for organizing events and games for kids, so that they can have great fun. My aunt was very happy with this and she has tears in her eyes after seeing this. Every kid was happy and we have taken a lot of photographs to make the moment memorable.
Thanks for sharing.
Wow how much I enjoyed each and every picture, Loved it! enjoy Your new hoem, I'm sure You're love it even more! how big the kids are…miss your visits, Love you all.
Your pictures are just beautiful. We have a first birthday coming up for our first baby and I hope to have something simple and full of love like yours. Good luck in your next chapter. I always thought Kentucky was one of my very favorite states.
lovely. continued prayers as your journey His next step for your family. may His peace fill you.