Friday, July 30, 2010

2nd Birthday Success

Eleanor's 2nd birthday part was a lot of fun. There's so much prep work, and then the actual event flies by so quickly. I love that she has a mid-summer birthday. As an April birthday, I've always been jealous of the friends with fair weather birthdays. But at least it works in my favor now, as a mother, that my daughter's birthday is at the end of July. Last year and this year, we had gorgeous weather and stayed outside the entire time.

The only downside to that is that no one eats the food. Pretty much, everyone came straight out to the backyard. We had some chips and watermelon and drinks on the deck, so that was consumed. But all of the other delicious food that was in the dining room went unconsumed and unnoticed until birthday cake time. And at the point, there's cake and ice cream! Who wants a quesadilla when there's cake and ice cream?!? So maybe next year we should funnel everyone through the house? Or bring all the food outside? I'm not really sure.

I think the cake turned out okay this year, although I wouldn't call it "fabulous." At least it's all spelled correctly!


A quick comparison to last year's:
Keep in mind that I had only half as much space as I had last year. For her first birthday, we made one large double cake. This year, I made a chocolate cake with chocolate icing, and also a jello cake—white cake with raspberry jello and Cool Whip frosting. They were both a big hit. The jello cake is just so deliciously cool on a hot summer day.

Eleanor got so many toys that Keith and I have only given her a few of the ones that we bought. The big toys were a wagon from Keith's parents, and a tricycle from my parents. Eleanor and Gavin both enjoyed the tricycle (especially the horn).
Thanks to everyone who came and celebrated her birthday! We had a great time! Now we're breaking the news to her that your birthday only comes once a year, and she's going to have to wait a long time until she gets a birthday cake and party and presents again. One of the first many sad facts she'll be learning about life. ;)

2 comments:

LKBreetz said...

Megan,
I love Eleanor's pig tails. You're right, she looks so grown up. Glad to hear the party and the cake were a success. I'm betting the wagon and tricycle were/are too.

I feel the same way before a party, rushed, hoping I don't forget something, trying to do too much at one time. I watched/helped my mom prepare Christmas dinner last year and realized she feels the same way. This year for Natalie's birthday we got BBQ chicken and pork from a local restaurant. We prepared the sides and dessert. A little less stress, I may try something like that again next year.

M. Lubbers said...

So what you're saying is, after seeing your mom: It never goes away!

Something that means a little less stress on party day is always a good idea. I'll keep that in mind!