Sam's First Birthday

Overall I was very happy with how Sam's first birthday was celebrated.  The cousins all had a blast playing together both inside and outside the house.  They always have a great time when they get to together...it is very fun to watch.  We had some family that could not make the celebration which was a little sad, but our other family members came even if they came early because they could only stay for a short while or if they came late and missed some of the party.  I must say my favorite part of a first birthday is the smash cake.  After all generally it is the most entertaining especially since we didn't plan any games or activities since Sam is so young.

Sam's smash cake was shaped and decorated as a baseball.  I wrote a large number 1 and his name on top of the cake.  I did put the smash cake on a foil lined cake circle to make it easier to store before the party.  Sam didn't know what to think of it at first, and we all though the cake was going to wind up on the floor when he tipped it sideways.  My husband helped pull the cake off for Sam, and Sam went to town on the frosting and smashed the cake mostly all over his belly.  I don't think Sam actually ate a lot of it...mostly just took small nibbles and played with it, but it was great fun to watch.  Sam even tried to share his cake with his guests...what a little sweetheart!  Eventually Sam just sat there without interest in the cake anymore, so we took him and gave him a quick bath and change of clothes before moving onto the gifts.

The main cake that was served to all the guests ended up looking pretty good, I thought...especially considering I have only decorated cakes for fun before.  We did make some homemade vanilla ice cream to serve with the cake as well.  I did end up putting a layer of preserves in the two larger sports balls like recommended by my husband.  Down below you can see a look at how the inside of the cake appeared.  I didn't think to take this picture until the very end, so fortunately there was still some cake left...technically what you see are the leftovers from the large birthday cake.

Honestly, I was a little disappointed in the taste of the cake.  I am not sure if that was because this was the third time having a sample of the same cake over a two week period or it is falls into the fact that I am more of a chocolate girl myself.  Whatever the reason, I just wasn't amazed like the first time I tried making the cake, and that was my disastrous attempt.  : )  However, I am still a fan of this Italian Meringue frosting.  That is deliciousness!  Most of this falls into the fact that I am not a fan of overly sugary frosting, and this is a lighter less sickly sweet frosting.  My mom even made the comment that she thought she could eat a whole plate of the frosting.  I imagine there is some exaggeration there since I don't know if anyone could chow down on just frosting, but I appreciate the compliment she gave on the frosting.

I will say after the party I told my husband I was so glad we were not having to do this all over again three weeks from now.  I am so relieved that James' party will take place at a venue where the workers will take care of all the details.  I just need to show up with the birthday boy, his birthday cake and party favors for the guests.  Speaking of which, I will need to make at least one practice cake before James' birthday because this will be my first attempt at a shape cake.  I may have mentioned it before, but the goal is to make a cake shaped like a Jeep for James' birthday.  I will have to make either an additional cake or some cupcakes as well to make sure we have plenty for everyone since we have friends coming as well as family.