Bennett's Beach Bash--First Birthday!!!

A year ago (ok...before B was even born!), I would have SWORN up and down that I would not have a big first birthday for my child because a) They wouldn't remember it, and b) I hate planning parties!  Well, let me just eat my words because of course we had a birthday party for Bennett!  How could we not???  (Just love how becoming a parent can change your mindset!)

We wanted to get/make Bennett a sand box as his bday present from us, so out of that came the idea that we'd have a beach bash so kids could play in the sand.  We have a pool, so it made it that much easier for this pathetic party planning mom!  The sand box soon turned into a place to bury pirate's coins and fill with cheap, plastic sand toys that barely made it through the day!  :)

Then of course, I had to find a birthday shirt to match the theme:

Then, I had to search Pinterest and anywhere else I could think of for cute, easy to make, cheap beach party ideas.  Here's what it came down to:

Buckets with goggles, snacks, and bubbles for favors.

My version of a banner--color printer is out of ink, so my handwriting was the next best thing at 9pm when I worked on decorations!

Aunt Danyah made some yummy cupcakes and I put them on spray painted platters on top of vases filled with bubble gum...mmm.....  I even made a few cupcake toppers with scrapbook supplies!  Thank goodness I saved stuff even though I mainly do digital scrapping now!

And of course...the guests!  My sisters were both in town at this time, so all the cousins first got together for the very first time at the party!  Jeff's sister/niece came in as well to love on the birthday boy and help us celebrate!  This was the year of the babies for my friends, and most of Bennett's gal-pals and buddies were able to make it!

Cake time!  Side note:  do not get the colors orange, green, and blue put together on icing that will be smashed.  It looked like baby poop when all was said and done!  But, B seemed to enjoy getting his hands dirty--and then promptly washed off!

Bennett--you have been such a joy to love this year!  We're so glad you made us parents and we are always amazed at how much fun it is to be with you and watch you grow!  What, oh what will you get into in your 2nd year of life???