Curiouser and curiouser.

I think the most curious aspect of Audra's Curious George birthday party is why I failed to get any pictures after weeks worth of preparation.

No big deal, though. One of the things I've been trying to do this year is let the little stuff go.

LET IT GO! LET IT GO! CAN'T HOLD IT BACK ANYMOOOOOOORE.*

You're welcome for that. And this.

Anyway, as you well know, I love planning parties for my kids. And friends. And anyone else who will let me. If event planning didn't require evenings and weekends, I'd be all over that job. But I am a detail-oriented control freak, and while that often results in nice-looking parties, it also results in anxiety and crazy making (for me and those who love me and especially those who live with me).

So. Even though I love it, it sometimes stresses me out. And that's stupid because birthdays are fun and parties are fun and no one cares about the exact angle of the drink bucket except me and I am honestly a bit of a whackadoodle. So I'm pushing myself to stop and walk away if party planning moves from love to stress.

I would say I did a pretty good job of that at this party. Almost everyone showed up before I was ready for them, which was no big deal. They wanted to help and I let them. In fact, the party started without me even realizing it, which is ultimately why I didn't get any pictures. It was just easy and fun and exactly what a kids birthday celebration should be.

I mean, I would have LIKED some pictures of everything looking perfect. But I guess if I had to choose I would rather just enjoy myself and my family and my friends and the ice cream sundae bar.

Because that happened, and it was glorious.

Unlike Audra's reaction to her party and everyone in attendance. Although her lack of reaction is sort of glorious in its own special way. 

It was fun. It was cute. Everyone crammed merrily into my tiny house and I got next to no pictures and my eye only twitched anxiously for a few seconds over the crooked drink bucket.

I'm breezy like that.

But I did try to recreate just a bit the next day. A tiny bit. I mean, it would be a real shame if Audra didn't have pictures of her second birthday party! Nevermind the fact that she isn't in any of them.

*Calvin's birthday is in two weeks. Guess what kind of party he's having?

December baby.

Audra turned two on the 27th, while we were in Illinois for Christmas with my parents. We had a sweet, simple day of celebrating our big girl: a trip to see Frozen, games, cupcakes, and presents.

Nana let her lick the frosting.

Happy girl.

Hours of entertainment.

Birthday lovin' from Nana and G-Pop.

Her trademark nervous eye rub.

Dad did the honors.

Time for a checkup. Good thing we know all these nurses.

Dr. Audra taking care of her baby.

Shots for dad.

Rocking Tiny Baby.

I'm thankful every day for the little brown-eyed love who made our family whole. What an incredible blessing it has been to watch her grow these last two years...the fastest, sweetest years of my life.

 

Happy birthday, Peanut Butter.

Birthmas.

Audra here. Just wanted to let you all know that what they say is true: Christmas birthdays are the worst.

Nobody takes time to celebrate you, because they're too preoccupied with the holidays.

You don't even get a homemade cake, just some grocery store cupcake that originally had a plastic martini glass stuck on it. And then everyone STARES at you like you're some kind of freak while singing an unintelligible song.

Seriously, lady. WHAT?

Okay, fine. I guess the grocery store cupcake wasn't that bad.

But no one bothers to dress up for your birthday dinner...or even smile at the camera for pictures. Just look at these weirdos. (Help, help, someone help. I'll just keep clapping until I get some help.)

You can't get the dang cards open, no matter how much you shake them. And no one buys you anything because they've already gotten you Christmas presents. I mean, look at that pathetic pile of "birthday" gifts. You know as well as I do that everyone split up the cost of my Christmas gifts between both holidays.

Plus the grownups hoard the real cake for themselves. Oh, and your mom forgets to take a picture until after she cuts into it, because you know, CHRISTMAS.

Like I said. The WORST.

Except for the cupcake. That was alright, I guess.

***

Audra's 12 month stats: 21lbs 1oz (49th), 31 inches (90th)

Up, up and away: Calvin's UP themed birthday party.

I had such a ball doing Calvin's birthday party this year! You may recall I gave him a choice between Disney's Up or Toy Story 3. He chose Up and I rejoiced. I had a much clearer vision for an Up-themed party, and I am so happy with how it turned out!

Of course there isn't anything out there in the way of Up birthday paraphernalia, so I decided to focus on balloons and add in some travel where I was able. The result was a very cheerful house and a very happy three year old!
 
A fancy balloon garland greeted our guests.

I liked the view from inside better, actually. 

The tissue paper garland, my favorite thing! Kinda want to leave it up year-round...

The bright, yummy food table.

Our birthday boy, snacking his way through a bowl of caramel corn. His birthday shirt lasted all of two seconds — it ended up sopping wet and discarded.

The buffet hosted the remaining cupcakes, treat bags, and the marshmallow pops. I put gumballs, bubbles, and fruit snacks in the bags, and every kid got a paper passport inscribed with "Thanks for celebrating with me, now go have an adventure!" Laminated Up-themed travel posters are tucked into the mirror, and the banner says "Adventure Awaits." I used little red paper suitcases to house the favors, marshmallow pops, and napkins.
Yummy kid-friendly finger foods: pigs in a blanket, watermelon, veggies and dip in individual cups, caramel corn in striped boxes, and tortilla rollups. And also a close-up of the table, which was covered in felt cloud cutouts and large tissue paper confetti.

The super adorable and very easy marshmallow pops. (Balloons in the sky, get it?)
If you've ever wondered whether Pioneer Woman's "That's the best frosting I've ever had" is also the best frosting you've ever had, the answer is yes.
So that's the party...up next, the people! The kids had such a blast — so thankful the storms stayed at bay until the party was over and cleaned up. It was mid-80s and sunny almost the entire day, so we set up the water table and the kids went to town. Poor Matilda spent the entire day soaking wet, but she loved it as much as they did!

 

 

 

Happy birthday to our big three year old!