Our little pumpkin's party

We had a pumpkin theme party for Tinley's first birthday.  After much planning, stressing, shopping, crafting, cleaning, and time in the kitchen, we had what I'd like to call a successful first birthday party!  Whew!

Poor Tinley had started cutting two molars, side by side, the day before her birthday, then come the morning of her birthday had 101.1 temperature, blood taken, and 5 shots. Talk about a nice welcome to the big 1.  I'm pretty sure she thinks being one is NOT fun. 

She was sleeping when her guests started arriving, but ended up being in a really pleasant mood the whole time (thank goodness).  She hadn't had much of an appetite since Wednesday, and Saturday was no exception.  She was not thrilled about the cake, it took quite some time for us to get her to not turn her face away from it and lock her mouth shut.  Eventually she got into it and gave us all what we wanted.

Tinley had been practicing blowing, and the moment of truth was just around the corner....when Dylan came up and blew out the candle for her.  I told his mom, it's a good thing he's cute!  Maybe you'll get your chance next year, Tinley, you have a whole year to practice;) 

At first she was much more interested in feeding others.

  And if you're wondering why they're called a patty cake, here is your answer:

Thank you everyone who came and made Tinley, and her parents, feel so loved on her birthday! 

In case anyone is trying to get tips for hosting a pumpkin party, I searched hi and low without much luck, so let me make it WAYYYY easier for you!  Here are some helpful links and ideas all in one place.  For food we had cheese balls, a couple different types of gummy pumpkins, peanut butter pumpkins, pumpkin dip, a pumpkin-shaped cheese ball, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin bars, sugar cookies in the shape of a pumpkin with orange frosting for people to decorate themselves, pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, oreo truffles dipped in orange candy melts with a pretzel in the top to look like pumpkins (also makes dipping easier, and for those who are looking at the recipe- I don't set aside any oreos, I use all of them with the cream cheese).  We also had two types of chili and cornbread since it was around lunchtime and we had some gluten/dairy free guests who we wanted to make sure had something to eat. 

We didn't do many decorations other than fall things and pumpkins around the house, a couple orange balloons and a sign, I found the letters here, and my mom and sister so graciously made it and put it up for me, thank you!

I hope that helps get your creative juices flowing!

*Special thank you to Susannah for creating Tinley's onesie and to Becca, Kathryn, Mom, Jes, Lana and Nori for helping make delicious food and helping with decorations/setting up for her party!