Party Plans

I am reluctantly starting to think about first birthday plans. I always thought I'd eagerly await the day they turned one year old because that would mean we had survived an entire year with twins. But now that it is so much easier to parent twin babies (than the early days), I don't want them to become toddlers! I want them to stay this way forever (well, maybe rewind a little to puree eating days, because, man- 100% finger food is extremely messy! We had spaghetti last night, enough said, I think.)

I won't go all out since it will be a pretty small affair because our family all lives out of state. I considered traveling to them for a party, but decided against that. I am guessing that just our 3 sets of grandparents will come and maybe my sisters-in-law, but only if they don't have to work. I want to do some fun stuff regardless of the small number of guests because, well, it will be fun for me. I am thinking about doing a sort-of Dr. Seuss Thing 1 and Thing 2 theme and here's my reasoning: This is probably the only year I have sole input on the theme. I have plenty of years ahead of me of pink and blue; princesses, characters, bugs and monkeys. I like the red and teal blue combo because it will be bright in an otherwise dull March world. And, Sam and Anna's birthday is only a week after Dr. Seuss' birthday and the week before that at my job we go all out celebrating reading and Dr. Seuss books. Time-wise, it is very fitting.

I did invitations already, with a photo deal from SeeHere.com for 24 free cards and paid only shipping of $2.49. They don't exactly match and I didn't have fabulous pictures, but they are teal and bright and that's good enough for $2.49., especially when I could just forgo the invites all together.

I want to get these shirts for Sam and Anna, and color-wise use red and light teal. I'll use the same colors for plates, cakes etc.

And I might splurge and get one of these banners. But that's probably it for bought decorations. I'll bring my stuffed Thing 1 and Thing 2 and Cat in the Hat from school for added decorations too. (cost=free).

I need to put thought into the bigger cake and their personal cakes yet.

Since their actual birthday is on a Wednesday, I decided I'd start a tradition of taking their day off of work (at least until they are school-age) and spend the day with them. I know I would have a hard time sending them to day care, and I know I will be spending a large chunk of the day reminiscing about their birth and the past year of our lives so this way I can do so freely. My husband is also taking the day off. Not sure what we'll do yet (although I'm thinking about going to the nearby cupcake shop and have that small treat on their actual birthday, maybe a nice long walk if the weather's nice, etc.). I can't wait to have our little midweek celebration as just our family of 4.