Football & Fairy Tales The McSwains: First Birthday Party!

Today was Madison Claire's first birthday party! We got everything ready this morning and the party started at noon. We had planned on a low key day with pizza & cupcakes. We invited a few of our friends with kids & from our small group (past and present) and had a lot of fun celebrating Miss Madison Claire. My family came into town - Mom, Dad, Sarah, Ryan, Meredith, Patrick, Ben & Mama Howard. Ryan's parents came too and of course we couldn't have a party for Madison Claire without Nanny Annie!!

I really wanted the party to be special, but I've been busy with work and life and just didn't feel any creative waves in my brain for this party! I had bought the cutest little paper invitations from a paper store that was going out of business here about a year ago and wanted to use them for the party. I procrastinated on getting them printed at home and when I finally decided I had to make the invitations and get them out, of course I couldn't figure out how to get the invitations to print from my house. My printer wouldn't accept the paper, I couldn't get it to line up right...basically everything that could have gone wrong, did. So - after one night with me in a very bad mood, Ryan told me just to order some online and it would be okay if they were expensive. So I did and got this cute little invitation from Shutterfly.

Once the invitations were done, I still couldn't find any creative energy, so called my friend Ashley Ethridge who is SUPER creative and asked her if she would help me with some decorations. She made the cutest little things - water bottle covers, cupcake toppers, little bags for the kids as thank yous, and a banner that says Madison Claire. She definitely exceeded my expectations!!! THANK YOU ASHLEY!!!!

This morning when we woke up it was raining but by the time noon rolled around, it was a beautiful day! We got some balloons for the mailbox and Madison Claire was mesmerized with them! We had a great time celebrating with our friends...thank you to everyone who came and made us all feel special. As Ryan said when he was asking the blessing - it was more than just a party for Madison Claire - it was a party for all of us - and we so appreciate the love and support from our friends and family! Here are some pictures from the day...enjoy!!