Year in Review-PART 1: Emerson's 1st Birthday Party

2012!!

Happy New Year! It has been over a month since I have updated my blog. I never thought I would become this far behind. A little thing called 2 kids, The Holidays...and okay, facebook- have taken up some time on my part. So these next few posts are about 2011- "A Year in Review." Kicking off The 2011 Review is Emerson's 1st Birthday Party.I was so thrilled and excited to plan her Party. I wanted it to be a BIG BASH- just like her Jacob's 1st- however; I was a bit concerned as far as space goes. Luckily, Jacob's Birthday takes place during a warm weather month- so with his, it was no problem- everyone celebrated outside! Emme's Birthday (much like mine and Daddy's) takes place during the colder months - and it needed to be done inside. I had (3) challenges:

1. All of our friends (and family) have reproduced atleast double since 2008.
2. With over 20 kids under the age of 5, we had VERY limited space for them to keep busy.
3. NO finished basement to compensate.

Solution: With a "Fall Themed" Birthday Party, I created a "CARNIVAL" in our unfinished basement. We put down some rugs, hung colorful plastic paper on the ceiling (to create a circus tent look), tons of balloons, extra lighting, and blocked off all other "dangerous" areas of the basement (ie. electrical areas, sub-pump, storage, etc) in a "creative way." I created a "candy table," play areas, and games for the kids to keep busy. We also had "picture areas to compliment the Carnival theme." Lastly, but most especially, we had neighbor girls come over- "Mother's Helpers" to organize the games and keep the kids busy with play, crafts, and face painting. We also had an old fashioned popcorn machine to add a little more excitement. It really did work out. We ended up having over 100 people that day INSIDE our home....and with my "homemade" idea, it really ended up working. Jacob had a blast with his friends, that I can say for sure!!! Little Miss Emerson JUST loved the attention, the excitement, the balloons, and eventually- the presents! Thank you to all of our friends and family who were able to celebrate Emerson Marie's 1st Year.

Special Recognition to my Grandpa Morkes- who also that day was honored for his service in WWII. He is our hero. We love you, Grandpa!

Special Thank you: My MIL-Olivia- who helped me with last minute set ups, clean ups, everything, Auntie Laura for help with decorating, Aunt Loren for her homemade AWESOME Baked Macaroni & Cheese, Uncle Sammy for helping us with the electrical/wiring, Aunt Marcela for blowing up ALL the balloons and help with decorating, Aunt Cara Morkes for taking pictures for me. Mandy St.Leger for taking and sharing pictures for/with me! My Mom, Grandma Joey for her fantastic homemade Chili!!!

Happy Birthday Miss Emme!