the babes are one!

Things just got really real: I don't have babies anymore. My twins are one year old, and it's been the hardest/best/eye-opening/longest/shortest year ever. It feels strange to call them toddlers, but I guess that's what they are now? They're both walking about 60% of the time, eating just about everything I offer them, and just all around happy, babbly babies. I feel so damn lucky, I could burst.

As usual when I plan parties, I got super excited with decoration ideas, but I figure you have to go big for the first birthday, right? Yes, they're too little to remember this, but that's what photos are for! So they can one day look back and see how much Pinterest influenced their mom's party ideas, ha. (I have a love/hate thing with Pinterest, but I'll save that for another day.)

Not pictured: the Korean-style tacos we served up later during the party. (beef bulgogi and spicy pork belly. yum!) My mom made the kimbap rolls and japchae noodles that are on the table. I also wanted to serve Soju-inspired cocktails, so I set it up where the guests could make their own Soju-mojitos or Korean Mules. In my book, alcohol at a kids' party is fully acceptable when you're celebrating the fact that you survived the first 12 months with twins :)

If you know me at all, you know that I love a good photo booth set up. My friends and family definitely put it to good use!

We surprised the babes with a ball pit during the party! They were a bit unsure of it at first, but soon warmed up. Plus I need an adult-sized version immediately, please.

Tiny and not-so-tiny guests :)

My Korean heritage is important to me, so I wanted to incorporate the first birthday tradition of the doljabi. It's a fun game that's supposed to help predict the child's future. Various items are laid out, and whichever item the baby chooses represents their future profession. I handed out raffle tickets so our friends could guess what Hazel and Vincent would choose.

But first, we had to get the twins dressed in traditional Korean hanboks, and according to this photo, it takes approximately four people to dress a wriggly child into a multi-layered garment. Hazel wore the same hanbok that I wore on my first birthday, and it's giving me the feels all over again as I type this.

We had four items laid out: a medallion (government/politics), a brush (artist), bow and arrow (warrior/athlete), and scroll books (writer/scholar). Hazel made a beeline for the artist brush, which of course made my heart so happy!

When it was Vincent's turn, he went straight for the scroll books. The cutest future writer ever.

Oh man, the babes' birthday cake time was hilarious, but a bit overwhelming for them. The sparkler candles freaked Vincent out a bit, so he was crying and eating at the same time (we've all been there.) Hazel didn't seem impressed with the whole frosting business, not to mention they were both kind of tired by this point in the day. A birthday well spent.

Happy first birthday to my favorite little nuggets!

Party decoration sources:
Gold 'one' balloon, confetti, streamers, and small balloons // Oh Happy Day
Polka dot backdrop, cups, plates, straws, and napkins // Target
Tassel garland, cake topper, confetti balloons, and 'yay' balloon // OhShinyPaperCo  
Vincen't hanbok and Doljabi items rental // EventAccessoriesbyMJ 
High chair pom-poms // DIY from a friend
Confetti cake // Twiggs Bakery