When my Mother in Law asked me if I’d like her to host a first birthday party for the twins my response was an immediate “YES”. This response is part of my new habit of trying not to bite off more than I can chew and then feeling crappy about everything because I never quite get to complete things with ample time to plan and see them through. When Sue asked me who I wanted to be there the response was easy “just the family”.
So that is what we did on Saturday. We went to Grandma’s house for a birthday party. I got to take part in the actual party side of it because I wasn’t out in the kitchen or rushing around making sure that everyone was OK. Robert and I sat with our kids on our laps and opened their presents with them. It was a very special time and I know in the deepest part of my heart that I will be forever grateful that someone else hosted their first party because I didn’t miss a moment of it due to being the hostess. A true Celebration, which is, as you know, my Word of the Year for 2011.
Nye sat on my lap for a bit and we opened her cards first.
She’ll learn to appreciate cards over time I think. Right now, as she can’t read, they don’t mean a great deal so we had to move swiftly on to presents.
Which she took much more of an interest in. It would seem that she shares a Love Language with her Mother!
Especially when it comes to clothes!
That’s my girl.
Ned was a bit more laid back about the whole affair. He only really gets going when he finds something that fascinates him. If he does he stays content for hours….and I mean hours. Literally, a whole day will go by and he will stick with one toy, especially if it has wheels.
Which this toy did.
Bye bye Ned, see you soon……….I hope.
It was a day that was very similar to the parties we used to have at my Nana’s when all of my cousins would come. We’d run off for the day, make up plays that we’d show to the adults, and then head home with a belly far too full of jelly and ice-cream.
I’m very glad that our kids will get to experience that sort of day with their family and extended family too. As life unfolds before mine and my husband’s eyes I think we are both currently hanging on to what is good and true. Life does that to people from time to time. In the form of a shock piece of news or something that makes you desperately sad. The situation you find yourself in forces you to throw yourself in to life in a way that you knew to be right but you never really bothered pursuing. Take it from me, we’re currently pursuing those gorgeous, small, wonderful moments that come from a day on the grass at grandma’s.
Robert the Husband and my Dad put up the children’s birthday gift from Grandma. We joked that my Dad never goes anywhere without his tool kit. This is probably true, handy, and very true.
While they built, the rest of us, about twelve people in all, hung out. The adults ran barefoot on the grass chasing the kids who screamed and yelled and hollered in a way that can only be done when in the garden. My kids looked up at their cousins and it won’t be long before they too are on their feet and joining them in the frantic games of chase! But for now I’m happy to have either of them climbing all over me if it means they won’t eat the soil. They always head for the dirt, what is it with that?
Finally the gift was assembled and my children took their seats in their first swing set.
The sensation that swinging creates was clearly one that Anaïs took to straight away. We swung them gently to begin with…….
And then they picked up speed. Ned LOVED it. He whooped and giggled and tried to swing the seat HIMSELF when it slowed down even a little bit.
My daughter?
I think her face says it all really. I lifted her from her swing and we walked back up to the house. I began to tell her about all of the lovely summery outfits that she had been bought by so many very kind people. She looked at me and then nuzzled in to my neck.
She was happy.
And therefore, I was happy.
Thank you so much for reading today and thank you also for the birthday wishes on Friday. My kids will read them themselves one day. How great is that??
Love, Cherry
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What a beautiful day! So glad you were able to have such a wonderful day that you will remember forever. I love your style, Cherry!
what a special day, even more so that everyone in your family was there to share it. mine love looking at photos of birthday parties gone by and talking about them.
They are the most perfect pair, Ned and Nye! What a wonderful day for their first birthday party. I agree with Sadie, Cherry. A birthday party should be family and friends, good food, a cute cake or two and useful presents, just as you did it. Some parents go way overboard and hire a circus, or a racetrack or you name it. Then it gets very expensive each year trying to top last years party and worse, the children expect “entertainment” that is more and more elaborate each year. My children were always very happy having a family dinner and inviting some of their friends. Or..sometimes we would go camping and let each child bring one friend. They loved that. One mom I know lets the child invite as many friends to the party as she is old. Of course for the twins that gets multiplied by two! Just think…for their eighth you could have 16 noisy children at your home! You are on a fantastic adventure with your children. I know you cherish each moment.
Cherry,
If you haven’t seen this, you’re gonna love it! Especially the children’s section.
http://www.ikeahackers.net/
Oh…my…word! Anais’ face while veiwing her adorable dress is priceless! You’re gonna have a little fashionista on your hands! Glad they had a happy 1st birthday weekend!
My my Cherry, the twins are ONE already? Goodness where has the time gone.
Happy 1st Birthday wishes to the babies. May all their little wishes come true.
Much love, Martha. NY x
Just how a birthday should be. It looks like you had a wonderful day. Life can be so over-complicated these days that it’s great to bring it back to the basics of simply sharing some food and good times in the fresh air with the people you love.
Bex.x
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
to Ned and Anais 
I am happy that you such a wonderful day
best
polka
Oh it all looks like so much fun- it always amazes me how different little boys and girls are, even at age 1! Thank you for sharing it all with us. xo
I’m still smiling at Anais’ reaction to her new outfit! What an absolutely, adorable picture!!! Also, the picture of Ned in his new swing is precious.
I can tell by the pictures that everyone, especially the honorees, had a wonderful time.
I agree that simple, fun birthday parties are the best. Your children were surrounded by the people they love, and who love them back. What could be better than that?
Marilyn (in Dallas)
Loving the photo of Anais with the dress, made me chuckle! And I adore Neds’ car!
Looks like they had a wonderful day.
The picture of Anais with the dress made me burst out laughing! My eldest granddaughter wanted to know what I was laughing at? Then she joined in laughing and oohing and ahhing. Ned with his car is too adorable. He suddenly looks like a little boy, not a baby boy. Babies in swings are one a great source of entertainment just watching their expressions. I think having a family birthday was the most brilliant idea ever.
Just a little late with my happy birthday wishes! It sounds as though you have had a lovely, memorable week-end filled with all the things that really matter! Yes, those two will soon be on their feet chasing around after their cousins.
Anais expression is priceless…..she knows a beautiful dress already. She is officially a little Diva!!
Oh happy day! The looks on your children’s faces throughout are priceless.
Looks like you had a beautiful day, even better that the weather held out so you could enjoy the great outdoors and that fantastic swing set : ) happy Birthday Nye and Ned xxx
I’m so glad you all had a good day, the twins look like they had a fantastic time. How great that someone hosted it for you, bliss!!
Sending big hugs to you as it sound like you need them and I hope that what is troubling you and yours, is soon behind you.
Love Marge
xxxx
The photo of Anais seeing her dress is just wonderful, as is Ned having a whale of a time on the swing. Looks like a lovely celebration.
Ahh that’s so lovely especially the end bit about how happy you all are. Sounds like a perfect day xx
I just LOVE the joy on Nye’s face as she sees her pretty new clothes.
The Party looked like lots of fun ~ pleased you had nice weather for it!
Hope the Twin’s second year is every bit as happy as the first.
P xx
Looks like you had a really wonderful day. First Birthdays should be just as you made this one, just family and fun. Keep it simple. Pleased you got to enjoy it too. Grandma’s are great! Love the pics of the children on the swing. Looks like they’re going to have hours of fun on that this summer. x
Looks like you all had the best day ever… what fun! And I’m so glad you got to enjoy it without having to worry about everyone else being ok as the host usually does!
Utterly wonderful. Just how a party should be. We’ve just had the 5th bd, and that was a simple affair. Just us, the girl, Toys R Us, lunch, then her best friend round for cake and some dressing up time. The first birthday was similar to yours, just family in the garden. Lots of bunting and a cake. That’s all you need really! It was a sad time too, as my FIL had passed away 4 days earlier, but I’m so glad he got to see his newest grand daughter for almost a year.
And now I find that parties are not usually such a simple affair. Lots of gatherings at McDonalds, face painting, clowns etc. Fun I’m sure, but a lot of hassle for the mums, not to mention cost. I prefer ‘our’ way Cherry. Where it’s more about love than money.
Mind you, I hit the big 4-0 in October, and I am so plotting a day to London Tahnn, that will be less about the age, and more about the shopping!
thanks for showing your photos. Always real, always genuine, and always full of love.
xx
Dear Cherry,
What a wonderful collection of photos. It looks likes you all had a fabulous time. Thanks for sharing it with us all.
Hugs
Mandy xx
What a fantastic post, really has given me a lift. So pleased you were able to enjoy your little ones first party, such special times. Their faces say it all, gorgeous happy children, with a wonderful family. xxx