Hyrum's Monster First Birthday Party

A couple Saturdays ago, the 12th, we threw a party to celebrate Hyrum's first birthday!  I was actually tossing with the idea to even have one... part of me was sad to think about it, to think about all our family who wouldn't be there.  I also thought, he's pretty young, he's not going to remember if we do or not.  But I think a first birthday is very special... and I wanted to celebrate it!  We had a party for Brody's first- even though our budget back then was super tight and I didn't get to do much.  So I had to have one for Hyrum, as well.  I'm so glad I did- it was a very special time.

I had planned it for months... I googled first birthday themes for ideas and was drawn to a "monster" theme.  I was initially going to put on the invite "Our little monster is one!"  Or something like that.  But I just couldn't bring myself to say that because Hyrum is far to sweet for that;)  So here's the invite we had (I moved the party time up since we didn't have dinner... lame, I know :p ...
I just wrote it out, used stamps, and drew the monster.  Good enough.  So, I ran into a party online that someone threw and got the idea to make little monsters for my guests to take home.  Those took some time.  I started making them a month ago and made a few here and there until the night before. haha.  It wasn't bad though- I just have never made anything like that before and sorta just winged it.  I didn't make a template at first to trace their shapes and my first batch were all... special... with one leg or arm longer than the other- or one fat, one skinny.  Haha.  Templates, people.  I kinda liked them weird looking though.  They're monsters, right?  My kids are in LOVE with them. (Patting myself on the back as we speak)
Everything else just sorta evolved- like the pom pom garland happened with the scraps left over from my monster fabric, I already had the crepe paper & balloons left over from Tony's birthday this year.  I also used the leftover party hats no one used from Brody's 3rd birthday earlier this year and decorated them to match my theme.  As far as food (aka "monster munchies"... as I called them...)- we had a Nacho bar, drinks, layered jello in the colors of his party (green, blue, & purple) and limeaid (had to be green), and of course vanilla MONSTER cupcakes & chocolate cupcakes.  I'm sad though- I forgot to put out my green and purple grapes!  What kind of hostess am I!?  ha ha.  (No seriously it bugs me that I forgot.  Weirdo.)

It was so fun to put together!  Took lots of man hours for the decorating, though.  I have fun doing it (:  Enjoy some pictures I got of it...
We had several left over (I over planned slightly haha) and so here are some of the leftover monsters.  Not my best ones but you get the idea:)
I thought it would be fun to do a banner of his growth month to month (not to scale though fyi;)  And I put 1 month, 2 month, etc... and then had him sit under it wearing his 12 month hat!  I actually was super proud how that turned out.  I came up with that little saying on the chalkboard & I liked it.  :)

Thank you all so much for coming! Including Laura, Kailee, Lindsey, and Corissa!  (And all your families.)  Hyrum's party wouldn't have been the same without you.
And a couple more of mom and the big one year old....
If you can't tell by the millions of kisses I give you everyday, the squeezes, and tickles... that means I love you so much.  You are truly a blessing in all of our lives, H.  I love you.

25 comments

Suget said…
that is sooo cute and creative. Awe Hyrum is too cute. I love the chocolate cake all over his face. Nice monsters too. That is a great idea... I want nachos now hehe
Alie said…
So clever and well-executed. I LOVE it, and am totally stealing that month-by-month party hat banner for our next kiddo. I did a similar party hat idea for our own baby Jack's cupcake toppers, but how clever of you to use all of his baby photos!
Rebecca said…
This is the cutest thing I've ever seen! I love it. You must have spent so much time on it! What a great job. He will definitely appreciate looking back on this!
Amanda M. said…
Great job on the monsters! :)
Leticia said…
very cute my dear! very cute indeed!
Unknown said…
hes adorable! my son will be one Dec 29th. Time flies!
Love your party decorations.
Were doing an ABC party.
I dont think itll look as put together as yours haha
Mars said…
holy cutest party ever!!! You are amazingly talented. Looks like he enjoyed himself though esp. that chocolate cake ;) And now I'm craving nachos lol
Vanessa said…
You throw the most amazing parties! Seriously, this is precious! & I ADORE the monsters!
Megan C. said…
very cute! I love the idea of a nacho bar!
Carlie said…
Oh my gosh! I am in love with those monsters! That is such a cute party favor! When I have a baby I definitely want to do that month by month photo thing you did. Looks like a great party.
you went above and beyond. it was perfection! loved all the details. The eyballs on the cups... too cute.
Jessica said…
You did such a great job! I LOVE the monsters...what a creative idea!
Brittany said…
i loved the month to month banner!!! so cute! everything was amazing!
Erin said…
what a cute party it was! love all the ideas! I'm so sad that we missed it, dang me being sick!! I still have his birthday present I need to give you!
Kelly said…
That garland made me laugh out loud (for real). I wasn't expecting that - SO fun! What a little (cute) monster. Happy Birthday, H!
Vivian said…
Such a great party and you did an amazing job!! So glad you celebrated his 1st bday. It's indeed a special one. I've done it for all my kids and also their 2nd, 3rd...etc :) They won't remember but there will be pictures to prove it ;) Plus the most important that I KNOW I made them happy (and many others) that special day.
skippysays said…
What a freaking cutie pie!! I think the monster theme is great for a first birthday, and it looks like it was a great party!
www.saysskippy.blogspot.com
April and Mark said…
Fantastic birthday party, great decorations, well done! And super cute pictures as always. :)
Shay said…
You have truly outdone yourself. This is amazing- I especially love the photo banner!
Leenie said…
omg, soooooo cute! I LOVE the entire decorations and the monstery idea and and and and.... Looks like the party turned out so great! Hyrum definitely deserved it all. You're so awesome.
amy said…
You should seriously be a party planner. :) Adorable!
Lauren said…
Oh the smash cake! Great party!
Venassa said…
Wow you did such a great job! I love those monsters! Mismatched legs and all. I also love his growth banner. What a cute idea.
Jessica Lynn said…
This is the best party I've ever seen. Really, super great job!
this is the cutest thing EVER! amazing! :)