Charli's 1st Birthday!

My oh my!  This girl turned 1 and we had a big celebration!

It started with a Princess and the Pea theme and this invitation 

Our little Charli loves peas and of course, she's a princess so that's how it all came about it (in case you're thinking it's a very odd 1st birthday theme.Ha!).  Ansley was actually the one that helped me brainstorm the idea and I think it turned out pretty cute!  She is our sweet pea too, of course!  

Here's the adorable birthday girl!

The sweets table

I decided to not go as crazy on the cake this year.  I actually kept it pretty simple.  Her smash cake was buttercream icing in a ruffle pattern and the "themed" cake was a bed, with a pea of course!  It wasn't quite as big as I had imagined it being, but it turned out fine and it wasn't too high stress.  Some of the items on the table included...green grapes, different flavored poptarts (Princess mattresses), cake balls covered with green candy melts (Colossal Princess Peas), green sixlets (sweet peas), and strawberry lemonade drinks.     

Here's her little bed cake.  I used straws for the 4 posters and a crown Ansley had stashed away in her room. 

I was going to create layers of mattresses (like the princess and the pea book), but I would've needed to make more cakes and I just didn't have it in me.  Ha!

I made Charli's pennant banner out of scrapbook paper and little sticker letters.  I finally used some of the twine I've had for a couple of years (I'm seriously a craft supply hoarder!).  Charli's smash cake was my favorite and literally took me 15 minutes to decorate with a ruffle design. 

The cupcakes I made with little candy peas on top

Charli's 12 months of pictures.  I can't even believe where just a year can take you in the life of a baby.

A birthday banner just for her!

The centerpieces

Her highchair and balloon. 

That face is a favorite of mine....

This was her face while we sang "happy birthday".

Here comes the smash cake!

It was all smiles until she got her hand dirty.  It was OVER after that!  Somebody....I need a wipe, stat!

After getting her hands clean and eating some food, she was good to go.  

Eating time!

My fam hanging out

Marlee was so sweet with Charli during the entire party.  

Me and my birthday baby

Present time! She got a lot of help from big sis

And she blew kisses for all the fun toys and clothes

Daddy and his little princess

Our family picture

It was such a great day!  Charli did so well and we had our family and friends there to help us celebrate Charli's big milestone, which makes it so fun. This party felt less stressful than any other as far as preparation and party time.  Maybe I'm realizing what my limitations are and just not allowing it to bother me?  Either way, it felt relaxed and more enjoyable than ever.  Ultimately, I think I'm learning how to savor the moment rather than stressing my way through it.  It was such a relief!  So thankful for the blessings in my life and I want to really be "present" in these moments.  Charli Suttyn, Happy 1st Birthday sweet girl!  You are getting so BIG!