Taylor's Candyland 1st Birthday Party

Back in November, I was watching an episode of the Cake Boss on TLC and it centered around them creating a cake for Dylan's Candy Bar. She needed a cake that represented Candyland. They did an amazing job with the cake and I was so inspired. I looked over to Adam and said I think the theme for Taylor's first birthday should be Candyland. I cannot begin to tell you how excited I was thinking of the possibilities for her party.

I decided that I wanted to hand make all of the decor for her party. Sure it would be much easier to go buy it, but where is the fun in that? Being creative with my hands is something I love to do, so I was especially eager for the challenge. A child only gets one first birthday and I wanted to make Taylor's very first birthday party a memorable one.

I created a DVD for her first year and played it continually throughout the party. If I can figure out how to post it, I will, but it's a rather long video and a large file.

The Birthday Banner on our new, empty entertainment center.

The Candy Buffet

I took painting classes as a child and it was the first time I lifted a paint brush in 20 years

The table is all set and ready for the party

The Invitation Table. I had each guest at the party guess how many pieces of candy were in each jar. Whoever was closest without going over, took the jar home.

Taylor's Invitation

We also asked each guest to leave Taylor a sweet message on her picture collage.

Picture Collage

Lolly Pop Ball. I stuck Dum-Dum suckers into a styrofoam ball. This was Mason's dream and I had to keep an eye on him the entire time. At one moment I caught him taking the suckers out one by one, licking them and putting it back in. Good thing it was just for decoration.

The drinks.

Taylor's smash cake.

The Birthday Cake.

The front of the goodie bags.

I had to include a toothbrush inside the bags, so that the parents didn't kill me for giving their kids all that candy.

The goodie bags.

Lolly Pop Pathway

Follow the colors

Mason loved the pathway and kept running outside to check it out.

Cheese! One of the few pictures we got of him at the party. He didn't sit still the entire time.

The birthday girl.

Pulling out all of her books. One of her favorite things to do.

Sitting pretty.

Singing Happy Birthday

We let Mason blow out the candle for Taylor.

Eating like a lady.

This is more like it.

Yummy!

Do I have something on my face, Mommy?

I found icing in her armpit.

Sweetness. Amazingly, she didn't get a single bit of cake or icing on her dress. A girl after my heart.

Mommy & Taylor with Nicole and Ruby. Ruby loves babies and had fun following Taylor around the house.

I looked over and some of the kids were sitting on Ray watching Taylor's 1st Year Video.

Too cute.

Playing Candyland

Even Taylor wanted to play, it was her party after all.

Jayme & Madison making their guesses.

Taylor with her "husband" Luke.

Husband & Wife.

Opening presents.

Uncle Ray and the birthday girl.

Aunt Rissa and the birthday girl.

Daddy & his baby girl.

Mommy & Taylor

I love her face in this picture. She smiles with her eyes.

Mommy & Daddy with their Pinkalicious girl.