Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

I can’t believe my little man is one! It’s almost too unreal to comprehend how the baby I carried for 9 months now stands before me pointing and screaming ‘mama.’ How the image in a sono machine is now this little person that gives a backward glance with a mischievous smile before completely emptying the contents of my cabinets.

And equally magical is how a day that was supposed to be the worst of the two-week period turned out to be so very perfect. Our first guest arrived at 2pm and it was as if someone up above just turned the sprinkler off. It stopped…and I don’t know who was more shocked…me or my wonderful guests who all arrived right on time to celebrate…regardless of the bad weather. What a great surprise for us all. I actually had someone ask me yesterday (we had another party to attend) if I had wished the weather was as nice (like it was yesterday) and I very quickly said NO! Saturday was absolutely perfect and to change anything would change that feeling! I wouldn’t want my son’s party to have been any different!

Before I go any further…a huge THANK YOU for all the FMs and posts full of good wishes for both the weather and my little man! You are all such wonderful people. I can’t say enough how much it meant to me and my family that you would take time out to think of us Saturday.

Since I have a bad habit of rambling when I am excited…I’ll try to keep this as short as I can and get to the pictures but I just had to say a few things about some of the vendors.

Piccolo Ristorante (Sunrise Hwy - Bellmore)
I cannot rave more about how wonderful this place is…the people, the food – absolutely perfect. We had Lucas’ Christening at their restaurant and everyone raved about the food so when it came time to the party we knew we had to go back to them. They took such great care of us and really listened to what we wanted…what we wanted to make the day. I was set on serving fried calamari…I love it and I know my family loves it and Piccolo does such a great job with it. But there was a real concern about serving it buffet style…so many people told me it wouldn’t work out. But Piccolo knew how much I wanted it and they did it perfect. The two heaping trays that we had went fast and even the last bite (which is what I had) was crispy and warm. They delivered all of our food piping hot, set every thing up – brought extra sauces, breads so much stuff. I am always nervous about sternos and if they can really keep food warm…so I am so happy to say that every since person had a nice hot meal and even later that night for round two we were still eating warm food!!!! I know I’m going on and on but I just have to say that if you are looking for a recommendation…you’ve got mine for this place! My guests are still talking about the food…and people actually wanted leftovers!!!


All American Tent (Massapequa)
The guys came on Thursday to set up in the hopes of getting dry ground so and keeping it that way for the rain expected on Saturday. The guys put up this huge tent super fast but what I appreciated most was the thought they put into it. We have a section of dirt where the new fence was put in along the back. The guys wanted to have a little space so that if it rained the run off wouldn’t come into the tent. When they asked my permission I wanted to hug them for actually caring enough to want to do right by us! It meant a lot to me that they weren’t just there to throw a tent up but they wanted to do everything they could to help. The tent was perfect – and we had the sides up with the windows – my guests loved the way it looked and so did we. We hung Christmas lights up in anticipation of the rain and how dark it would get. We didn’t need the light but wow did they look great inside the tent. It was perfect. They even came the next morning to pick up! Highly recommend them!!! Great company!






Twinkle Town (Entertainment)
We ordered a bouncer and along with that someone to do face painting and balloon animals for three hours. I was so excited about this…with 24 kids I knew it was a must. But with the rain it became clear that the bouncer wouldn’t work out. The called to let me know and I was surprised that not having the bouncy meant that we wouldn’t get the face painting/balloon animals. My heart broke when at 1:45 I realized we were getting nothing. Fortunately, in the end it all worked out. I called them back when I saw the weather clear up and sure enough they were able to get out to me by 3pm. I am so happy – the bouncer was a huge hit! The kids had a blast – it was probably the biggest one they have been to at a party. Every kids got to have their hand or face painted with a design and the balloon animals were all over the place! We had them for 2 hours and it was perfect. I am so happy it worked out but for anyone that is using this type of entertainment from any company – I strongly suggest that you work with them in advance to have a backup plan. I thought they would do it automatically but that wasn’t the case…we just got very lucky.








Sorry – that was really long! Those were the three big vendors we used and I just wanted to give everyone some feedback – maybe it’ll help.


One last thing…I have to give huge thank yous:

Diana (Diana1215) – thank you for not only lending the coffee urn but for dropping it off too! I really appreciate it!!! We were able to serve regular and decaff at once and everyone was so impressed to see the two urns!!! My people love their coffee so I know they thank you too!

Rosaria (Sweets13) – another huge thank you for lending me the coffee urn…and just days before your beautiful daughter was due. Getting all that ready for me…means so much!!!

Deb (Smileyd17) – thank you so much for not only sharing those massive coloring books from Gianna’s party but dropping it off! I really appreciate it – and I have to tell you it was a hit! We set a table up in the garage for the kids and they went to town!!!!! Everyone loved it!

Nancy - my SIL isn't on this site but either way..I have to say how wonderful she is. She made so much dessert (cupcakes, brownies) and it all went so fast. She cleaned, she organized, patrolled the house for kids running around, made all the coffee, clean everything up. She was absolutely amazing. So Nancy...even though your not reading this (I'll tell you time and time again) thank you so much!!! We love you!

Okay….enough talking (thanks for staying with me) Here are the picture!!!

FAVORS


Buckets by the very talented and sweet Val (joenick) - I cannot say enough about how wonderful Val is to work with. From the start she had just as much, if not more, enthusiasm about the theme than I did. Every last detail on the bucket was complete her! Absolutely amazing!!! I could say I'd highly recommend her but let me be more direct...I WILL be using her services again!!!!



DESSERT
Edible Arrangements


Cake – Dortoni (absolutely delicious!!!)






BIRTHDAY BOY








DETAILS







SCRAPBOOK




I am so very sorry that this was so long with way too many picture. But it'll be the one and only - promise!!! Thanks for looking!!!

Message edited 6/30/2009 12:19:32 PM.

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

You're going to make me cry! Look at these beautiful pictures! What a gorgeous celebration for such a special little boy!! All your stress and hard work truly paid off! It looks like it was such a memorable and beautiful day!

Great job mom!!xoxoxo

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

great pics glad he had a good time

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

What a wonderful party!!!! Ang, you & Rich completely outdid yourselves - as always and it really showed on Saturday. I think Lucas was so happy with everything he's going to expect to party like that every single day Not a bad idea - just an expensive one

One of these days I must come over and finish reading the scrapbook when Aunt Azad isn't looking for it over my shoulder I'll make sure I bring the box of tissues that time.

I forgot to ask - what was in the wrapped boxes? They were just so amazingly wrapped!

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

Glad everything turned out great!!

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

wow it looks like everything turned out great. I am so glad it did. I am using twinkeltown too for Milan's b-day and I am so glad to hear such a great review that you had with them.

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

You did such an awesome job...with EVERYTHING!!!!!!

thank you for sharing..you've given me a ton of ideas...

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

everything looks great! Glad it went well!

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

Oh - Ang!! Everything looks PERFECT!!! I'm so glad Lucas had an amazing first birthday party!!!

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

holy sh!t! that scrapbook is fabulous!! mine is still so empty!

great pics!! you look wonderful. party must have been a treat for all!

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

Ang...OMG...I just have to say that you are just a top notch lady. I'm so glad that everything turned out great! Everything looks beautiful! And its all thanks to you! Lucas is so lucky to have you as a mommy and your husband to have you as a wife.

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

WOW everything looks great!!!!

I wish I knew where to even start with making a scrapbook like that!!

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

Wow can I hire you to do Hannah's next birthday!!!

Everything looked AMAZING!! I loved all the pics. That scrap book looks beautiful.

Thanks for sharing


Happy Belated 1st Birthday Lucas

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

everything looked amazing!!

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

Thank you all so much! You're going to make me cry!

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

I love parties where so much attention to detail is given. Great job!

I love the photos & AMAZING scrapbook! I'm so glad it worked out!

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

awesome review. Im so happy everything went well for you. Your scrapbook is beautiful.

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

looks like you had a wonderful time!!! great pictures! love your scrapbook!!! so glad the weather turned out good for you!

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

Beautiful!!!! What a wonderful party- everyone looks so nice! I'm glad it was a great day for you and your family

I want you to come scrapbook my son, now! Everything looks perfect!

HAppy Birthday, Lucas

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

SO glad everything turned out the way it did...glad it was awesome!! Oh, and that scrapbook? Yeah, I'm just about finished with June 2007!! Yours is AMAZING!!!!!

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

1st of all - Lucas is adorable!!!

Next - Holy Cow! Everything looked FANTASTIC! I am so happy it worked out for you guys!

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

Everything LOOKED amazing girl!!
WOW!

You did a great job and it the end it ALL WORKED OUT.
Lucas, the happiest baby ever, love him!
Im happy that he had a great day and you all deserved this great day!

I was happy to be a help to you and you are very welcome! Anytime and I mean it, ANYTIME!!

You are the biggest sweetheart!

Re: Lucas' First Birthday Party (VERY, VERY, VERY long with pictures)

wow...all i can say is WOW
I am simply amazed at the scrapbook!!!

what a wonderful day/family..can i say it again, scrapbook?

How the heck did u do that? I am in AWE

what is all the writing on each page/? is it stories about him?
I am so jealous

You are GREAT!!