This is the 3rd year in a row that we've done this particular party and I think we've perfected all the details. Each year it has evolved just a bit as we've learned what has worked best, but basically THE party consists of:
*outdoor fun (either backyard or park)
*pizza (no cooking for me!)
*fruit (evolved from fruit salad)
*cupcakes (definitely the way to go - learned that one after the 1st party)
*pinata
All the great basics of a birthday party. This year we had the advantage of our monstrous back yard, the new playhouse (which was a great hit! - more pictures will come), and some great friends who brought over their small inflatable jumper. That added to the already existing swing set, sandbox, slide, and see-saw made our backyard look like a fair ground! It was very cool!
We had about 15 kids plus our own, ranging in ages from 2 weeks old to 11 and about 12 adults. My sister Hayley and her husband Jonathan drove down from DC to spend the weekend with us and help out with the party. (And by the way, I highly recommend having a party in the town where your sister, the former event planner, used to live! She knew all the best places to get things!)
And either our friends here in Virginia can't read well or are very generous (probably the later), because we asked for no gifts and received a truck load of presents!!!! Our girls weren't expecting anything so it was a nice treat for them.
(Just so you know, I'm not a scrooge parent, trying to withhold gifts from my children. With 3 sets of grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles, our children always receive PLENTY of presents on their birthday. We try and emphasize that a party is about fun, fellowship, and celebrating - and not about what they will get. It's our attempt to instill contentment and thankfulness in our children.)
Overall, the party was a great hit! We had BEAUTIFUL weather and everyone had a great time!
We took the icing off her cupcake! She didn't know the difference and we didn't have to deal with a Smurf baby!
The dog pile for the pinata candy!
The birthday loot!
'N' getting some help from a friend.
She loved the tissue paper more than the presents!
4 comments:
It was a great party. Thanks for having us. My girls had a fabulous time.
Looks like fun!
Wish we could've been there! I think it's our first to miss and it stunk!
THE party is a great idea! It makes me wish my kids had birthdays that are close together. No such luck, though! Looks like everyone had a great time.
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