Jacob's first birthday was in lockdown last year. So this year we went all out and had 2 parties - one for family and and then the following weekend he had a joint birthday at a local soft play / outdoor play party venue.
We decided to take him on a day trip to Bristol aquarium on the rainy Saturday before his birthday. He honestly loved it, and the format there was ideal. We got there early, and with a ticket you're allowed to leave and enter as you please for the whole day so it gave us options when it came to his lunchtime nap.
We went out for lunch after his nap at Prezzo and honestly it was the perfect day out.
On his actual birthday the next day on the Sunday, we spent the morning with family opening presents, and then we went out for lunch at the Malsters. It's our favourite pub lunch spot because their service is always quick and they are always so accommodating to Jacob. He wore the cutest little one piece from H&M and although the bowtie was one step too far it was so adorable on him.
I baked him a vegan chocolate and peanut butter birthday cake as a practise for his party the next week.
The week following his birthday he had a joint birthday party with one of our NCT friends from nursery. We invited everyone, and it was a big do! We hired out Parc Play in Cardiff for all of Jacob and Melody's family and friends and they were a great party venue. You can also have parties per head for smaller parties, and overall I'd highly recommend them.
The birthday celebrations definitely made up for last year's small party and although this year was great, it took over our lives for the best part of 2 weeks! Next year, we hope to be in a new house and will definitely be hosting something in-between - just one party at home.