Hunter's Birthday Party

For Hunter's 1st birthday party, we chose to do a Dr. Seuss theme. I made this banner using the covers of Dr. Seuss books. It turned out really cute, in my opinion at least.

The cake for the guests was the Cat in the Hat's hat. It was also really adorable. I can't take credit for the cake though -- I bought it at the grocery store.

I did, however, bake Hunter's cake. Because he is allergic to eggs and milk (and therefore butter), I had to buy special non-dairy "butter" and a powdered egg substitute in order to make the cake. I just made plain white butter cream frosting for it. I learned my lesson after Peyton's navy blue icing on his 1st birthday cake dyed him blue. We didn't want a repeat of that. Anyway, I also had party hats, blowers, and treat boxes for the kids who attended.

Hunter actually missed the first hour-and-a-half of his party because he was taking a nap. That actually worked out well though because it gave everyone a chance to eat. Keeping with the Dr. Seuss theme, we made "Green Eggs and Ham," which were deviled eggs with the yolks dyed green and ham roll-ups. We also made "Pink Yink Drink," which was pink lemonade. We had chips, pretzels, and a vegetable tray. For the main course, Kyle braved the heat and grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. We also had macaroni, potato, and broccoli salads, cole slaw and baked beans. For dessert, there was birthday cake (of course!), death by chocolate, fruit salad, and watermelon slices.

When Hunter woke up from his nap, he quickly made the rounds to say hello to his guests. Then we sang Happy Birthday to him. He tried to grab the candle, so Kyle had to quickly blow it out when the song was over.

He didn't really have much interest in the cake. He started out by gently touching the icing.

When he wouldn't dive in any more, I smashed his hands into the cake, which he didn't seem to like at first.

But then he sort of played with the cake a little more, but he never put any even near his mouth.

Next, it was time to open gifts. Hunter paused a moment for some smiles for Uncle Jeremy.

Peyton was being silly.

Hunter got way too many gifts, of course. Now I will bore you with only a fraction of the pictures that Jill took for us. (Thanks, Jill!)

Hunter read his cards very carefully. This one was from Aunt Kate, Uncle Dave, and Noah.

Amongst other things, they gave him the Weebles school bus.

Uncle Jeremy and Jill hooked Hunter up with Snug Bugs, which are perfect for chewing on!

Nadean, Vester, and Austin gave Hunter three Drum Drop toys, as well as several other gifts.

Grandmom and Pop-Pop gave Hunter a bunch of Dr. Seuss books...

... some pajamas and a few cute outfits...

... a bath toy and...

... a musical walking toy.

Yay for wrapping paper.

Uncle Donald gave Hunter a fun laptop and bongo drums.

Aunt Bev gave Hunter his own Cars rocking chair. Hunter needed to take a rest from opening gifts to read his new book from Nadean.

Kim, Bo, and Dougie gave Hunter one of his favorite gifts -- Clifford! Hunter always has hugs for Clifford. They also gave him other gifts too, including some cute clothes.

Mommy and Daddy gave Hunter some books...

... and the Little People Animal Sounds Zoo.

Hunter got even more gifts from Peyton, Mom-Mom Annie and Aunt Marie, who were at the party. He also received presents from Uncle Ryan's family, Grandpa, Nana, Grandma and Grandpa Rohner, and his teacher Miss Heather, who couldn't attend. Hunter did a good job at ripping the paper off of the gifts, mostly because he wanted to eat it! He would get angry each time someone took the paper away from him. Ahhhh, to be one again!

Thanks to everyone that took part in Hunter's special day. He loves you all!!