Ronin's Construction Themed First Birthday

Ronin turned one last week, which meant that it was time to have his very first birthday party over the weekend.  It was such a great day celebrating with family and friends.  First birthday parties always cracked me up pre kids.  I always wondererd why moms would go all out and spend so much time (and money) on a themed party, which the kid is not even going to remeber.  But what can I say...I am totally that mom that I used to think was ridiculous.  I mean you only turn one once, so go big (in my opinion).  I decided to do a "construction" themed birthday party and I had so much fun planning it.

Here are a few pictures from the day...

Here is the birthday backdrop.  I used contractors paper, which I purchased at Lowe's and taped it to the wall using blue painters tape.  The bilingual (ha) caution tape was purchased from Home Depot.  I made the Happy Birthday Ronin banner out of paint chips.  Ahh I felt SO guilty taking so many of those but they are free (makes me feel better to say that out loud) and I figured I am not the first mom who has had a crazy paint chip project idea.  I bought pre cut letter stencils from the dollar store, traced the letters on the back of the paint chips and cut them out.  I punched holes in each letter and strung the string though.  So simple.

The main table setup.  I used a drop cloth for the table cloth.  I put the food on our center island in the kitchen and made this more of the snack/ decorative photo op spot.

I purchased the bucket and danger sign from Home Depot each for $2.  I bought the construction hats from Oriental Trading Co.  I put the silverware in a paint container purchased from Lowe's.  As I was in Home Depot looking like a hot mess with my kids I ran into the store manager and we struck up a little convo.  I told her about my party theme and she loved it.  She was the nicest lady ever and gave me tons of tiny Home Depot "Kids Workshop" aprons and dozens of Home Depot balloons for free!  My plan was to have each child who came wear an apron and hat.  Well that plan failed.

I did get one little guy who was willing to take a picture in the outfit (thank you Max).  I may or may not have bribed him with cake.

But before I could get a picture of us three it was off in a flash.  Note to self:  No costumes at next party.  Kids are apparently too cool now-a-days.

At least my friends and sister were good sports and amused me ;)

The birthday cake.  I got the inspiration after googling "construction cakes."  Who knew how many awesome cakes would appear with that search.  I made two small vanilla cakes, iced them with chocolate frosting, woopsie forgot to frost the two together in the middle but whatever.  I crushed up Oreos for the dirt and found the construction themed toppings at the dollar store. 

 A close up.  It was not perfect by any means but I feel like a construction themed cake should be slightly imperfect so it worked.

Test driving his new ride from Grandma and Papa, with his brother all up in his grill of course.  He loves this and has not stopped climbing in it and beep beeping the horn all around the house since he got it. 

 Not too sure at first...

Total cake fan.

Such a fun day and party!  And if you are reading this and you came, thanks again! Meant so much to have you there. xo