Birthday Party

Finally, here is my post about our girl's 2nd birthday party. I wanted to have a low key party since last year was a bit out of control with way too many kids and parents. But, last year, she had only been home for a short period of time and all of our (meaning adult) friends wanted to share in the excitement of her finally being here, after the 3 year process. So, they all were invited along with their children, and almost every person in our extended family. So, this year it was simple. Made for moma and child to have a much better day-lol. And, can I just say, that I LOVE the suggested birthday party rule of "only have the # of children that your child is turning"...what a simple, yet brilliant idea!!! So, you guessed it, we had 2 other children at our party.

So, I'm sure you would like to see some pictures, here you go:

Our theme was a Panda party. She squeals everytime we cross the big bridge, and see the big panda banner for the zoo. In fact, she's now started squealing and yelling panda as soon as she sees the bridge, she doesn't wait until she sees the banner. Here is an overview of the party table.


The table was decorated with black, white and green balloons, green tablecloth, panda cake, stuffed panda, treat bags, and presents. Black and white napkins, cups, and plates. I also had food that was black and white, to keep with the theme; black grapes, sliced bananas, oreo crisps, and of course, chocholate cake with vanilla ice cream. (AG had her soy vanilla ice cream) The party was from 3-5, so I didn't put out alot of food.

I made her Panda Head Happy Birthday banner. It was made out of white and black cardstock, scrapbook paper, and green ribbon. It turned out exactly how I had envisioned, so I was happy with that.


Here is the panda cake. Now, let me say that I had some issues with the cake. First of all, it was extremely difficult to find someone to make the cake since AG has a dairy allergy. I can make the cake, but cannot decorate it. So, I finally found someone who agreed to make it and use the recipes that I use for the cake and icing. However, this is not the cake that was supposed to be made. She said the icing wouldn't do right, so she had to make it into a sheet cake. I've never had a problem with this icing being too thin, but I still think it turned out cute. I have decided that if when we go back for allergy testing in December, she hasn't grown out of the milk allergy, I am going to take cake decorating classes. I do NOT want to have to go through that again. Or she may just have plain cakes for every bithday and I'll have to go all out on the other decorations!


I made a pin the nose on the panda game. The other two girls didn't want to play, but AG sure did. She had a blast with it. I even left it up so she can still play with it.



I printed out some panda coloring pages and gave them to the kids in the treat bag, which was a green Chinese take out container. It was filled with the panda color sheet, box of crayons, panda stickers, and a Kung Fu Panda Chinese drum. I didn't get a goood picture of the treat bags, but you can kind of see them in this picture. They are right behind the stuffed panda.


And here are the girls coloring their pandas.


Each girl got a bubble wand and we went outside to play with those. Bubbles are always a hit.


Here she is playing in one of her favorite presents-her Princess Pop-Up Castle tent.


So, there is our panda birthday party. AG seemed to have a wonderful time, as you can see by the smile in that last picture and that is what is important. All the decorations or festivities mean nothing, if your child doesn't enjoy themselves and feel special. I think she did!

I leave you with our family picture from the party.

Tot School

My baby turned 2!!! Time goes by extremely too fast!

Here is our week of Tot School: (kind of random)

Playing with her new No Mess Paint set


She loves to unload the dishwasher and got one of her own for her birthday, which she loves


We made a lifesize drawing of her, which she later colored.


First time feeding the ducks-I have to admit I was pretty impressed with her wanting to make sure that all of the ducks got some of the bread. She would point out to her daddy which one he needed to move closer to so she could throw the bread.


Playing with her new markers and Elmo coloring book she got from her friend, Ella.


Playing in the bubble water, after finger painting. The bubble water was a much bigger hit than painting!


And, here is my favorite from this week. She is enjoying another piece of her birthday cake.


Go here to see more Tot School ideas.