The one year birthday party is something that we put some thought into. Because we had a theme for Edmund's (you can click here to see his little bear theme), we also wanted to have a theme for Nathaniel's. Thinking about the past year of his life and what characterized him, what people noticed about him, and what people commented on, it was clear that there was one thing that stood out.
All. That. HAIR!
He was born with a perfect head full of luxurious locks. That's not something that most babies can boast of. We weren't quite sure how to throw a party related to hair. We came upon the idea of a mustache bash and thought what better way to represent his most envious trait?
There are tons of ideas on the internet since this theme seems to be pretty popular right now. We tried to keep it simple since being the mother of two children under 3 years old, Anna has little time to herself, let alone to craft a party.
Here is what we did to celebrate.
The Invitations
Using Photoshop, mom designed an easy and cute invitation to send out to family and used Facebook to send an invitation out to friends.
The Decorations
Nathaniel's Name Banner:
Mom sewed Nathaniel a birthday name banner. The pattern can be found here.
Mustaches to Wear:
For those of us who can't grow our own.
Edmund needed a little help.
These men did just fine on their own.
Edmund has this thing down.
Smash Cake:
Sugar Free Banana Cake
Link to Recipe
The Party:
Mom and dad's families traveled all the way from Minnesota and Indiana to celebrate Nathaniel's big day. Funny enough, both boys were born on Friday evenings so we were able to have their parties on their actual birthdays. We had a fun time hanging out with everyone at our house, which was crazy with all of the extra people staying with us. Both Edmund and Nathaniel enjoyed it since they both like attention.
Nathaniel loved his party. He seemed to really enjoy eating his cake after he figured out what it was. He especially loved the frosting and licked almost all of it off first. He was not super excited about the presents. He was much more interested in running around than unwrapping the gifts, although he loves playing with his new presents now.
It was an amazing day filled with good friends, loving family, excellent conversations, and lots of catching up.
Click link below to view slideshow of pictures from the party.
(Pictures are by Ryan Grashorn and mom)
Link to Slideshow
Thanks to all who were able to make it and have invested in our lives again over the past year. We would not have made it through the craziness that is life with two kids without you! Nathaniel (and Edmund) loves you all and we do too! We are looking forward to hopefully many more years with this big guy with you by our side.
Love, Eric, Anna, & Edmund
All. That. HAIR!
He was born with a perfect head full of luxurious locks. That's not something that most babies can boast of. We weren't quite sure how to throw a party related to hair. We came upon the idea of a mustache bash and thought what better way to represent his most envious trait?
 |
| i mustache you a question |
Here is what we did to celebrate.
The Invitations
Using Photoshop, mom designed an easy and cute invitation to send out to family and used Facebook to send an invitation out to friends.
The Decorations
Nathaniel's Name Banner:
Mom sewed Nathaniel a birthday name banner. The pattern can be found here.
 |
| name banner |
Picture Banner:
A banner that has a picture of each month to see how much Nathaniel has grown each year.
A banner that has a picture of each month to see how much Nathaniel has grown each year.
 |
| picture banner |
Birthday Sign:
A birthday sign that we can put up for all of his birthdays.
A birthday sign that we can put up for all of his birthdays.
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| birthday sign |
For those of us who can't grow our own.
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| wearable mustaches |
 |
| mustache boy |
 |
| grashorn mustaches |
Mustache Straws and Drink Sign:
Another option for wearable mustaches was to use the mustache straws. Either way, it was important to wet your whiskers to keep hydrated.
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| wet your whiskers |
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| mustache straw |
The Food
Grilling Out:
Not sure if there is anything more manly than grilling meat. We served bratwurst and hot dogs for everyone to enjoy from a local store that makes their own.
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| brothers grilling |
Cupcakes:
Smash Cake:
Sugar Free Banana Cake
Link to Recipe
 |
| happy birthday to you |
He loves it!
 |
| cake |
The Party:
Mom and dad's families traveled all the way from Minnesota and Indiana to celebrate Nathaniel's big day. Funny enough, both boys were born on Friday evenings so we were able to have their parties on their actual birthdays. We had a fun time hanging out with everyone at our house, which was crazy with all of the extra people staying with us. Both Edmund and Nathaniel enjoyed it since they both like attention.
Nathaniel loved his party. He seemed to really enjoy eating his cake after he figured out what it was. He especially loved the frosting and licked almost all of it off first. He was not super excited about the presents. He was much more interested in running around than unwrapping the gifts, although he loves playing with his new presents now.
 |
| birthday boy and mama |
Click link below to view slideshow of pictures from the party.
(Pictures are by Ryan Grashorn and mom)
Link to Slideshow
Thanks to all who were able to make it and have invested in our lives again over the past year. We would not have made it through the craziness that is life with two kids without you! Nathaniel (and Edmund) loves you all and we do too! We are looking forward to hopefully many more years with this big guy with you by our side.
Love, Eric, Anna, & Edmund
