Let Down Your Hair! Let's Party-Mara is 4!

This year we celebrated Mara with a Rapunzel themed party per her request.  She is obsessed with the princesses but really loves Rapunzel above all others.

I don't consider myself a "Pinterest mom" but I do really enjoy creating and crafting what I can of the birthday supplies.  Not only does this save us money but I think it's fun and I see myself getting the girls involved in years to come. 

We kept things pretty simple in terms of decor and used a ton of what we already had on hand.  I printed some lanterns and created some banners but that was honestly about it. 

I'm pretty predictable when it comes to the food as I always do sandwiches and salads.  It's just easy for me to prepare and most enjoy it! I let Mara decide who was invited and in true fashion she invited everyone! I love that about her :)

The day was surprisingly beautiful for the end of September and we were able to let the kids play outside making the house quieter and less messy.  A win win for the adults!

Overall it was a great afternoon and I hope our little girl felt special and loved!

lighting lanterns

opening presents

happy birthday song

request for cake and cupcakes

ready to party

Maddy's First Birthday

Like Mara's first birthday, we ended up in Illinois at my parents to celebrate.  It was really fun to continue this little tradition and my mom was super excited to host again.  Since we would be traveling only a few days prior I knew I would have to forgo my usualy party philospy of making everything and purchase the decorations.

Decor

Thank goodness for my mom and her picture printing!

We went with a confetti/sprinkle theme and kept it super simple! I ordered some balloons, confetti, happy birthday banner, paper flowers and candle.  Josh also was super helpful getting everything assembled and I think its the least amount of party prep I have ever had to do!

So many of our family, including my cousins, their girlfriends, my brother, Mallory & Patrick, family friends, Drew.  It was such a blessing!

Birthday cake and smash cake

Rocking the same skirt and shoes that her sister did!

Give me cake!

Maddy and Mara had a ton of folks to keep them entertained and defintily twisted my male cousins into pushing them around the house in both the car and little semi.  Maddy dug into her cake a lot faster than Mara did.  She even went in for a face plant.  I quickly stepped away from that situation and took to slicing the cake (no baby clean up for mom!)

We opened presents and just visited with family until everyone had to leave.  It was such a great day!

We let Mara in on the fun

I think I'll just eat the box instead

Yes Aunt Mary gave empty bottles.  Perfect gift for a one year old!

So many family and friends!!

Teamwork

Mara's 3rd Birthday Party-Onto Neverland!

After changing her mind a few times, Mara decided that Peter Pan was the theme of the party this year!  This was also the first year she got some say in the guest list :) She's starting to have her little friends so we wanted to make sure we included everyone she wanted to come.

For decorations I tried to keep it simple.  I know I tend to go overboard a bit but crafting is fun for me so I never really see it as work.  I made a few banners including the traditional happy birthday one, another to look like peter pan's outfit and then repurposed one we've been using for the past two years. I also pulled out a ton of stars from her first birthday (details found here).  I guess it helps to save this stuff right?!

We got into the theme other places as well with a crocodile ring toss, peter pan coloring sheets and my personal favorite the cupcake croc!!  I even made Mara a Wendy dress which lasted about half of the birthday party before playing dress up was in order.

We kept things really low key and just had the kids play.  The only organized thing we accomplished that day was the traditional singing of Happy Birthday which Mara promptly got shy and refused to blow out her candle.

Overall it was a great day.  I love a laid back party where we can eat yummy food, hang out with friends and just celebrate our girl.  And that's what we got.  Mara had a blast and was talking about it for weeks to come. I predict birthdays are going to be a big thing around here in the future!

Dear Baby Girl

Dear Baby Girl,

Well here we are again.  On the eve of your second birthday, I can't help but look back at these last two years with a touch of nostalgia.  In some ways it feels like yesterday we were holding you in our arms for the first time, studying your face and letting you grip our fingers.

But here you are.  Two years old and so full of life.  You are such a different person than that cuddly newborn.  You are this sweet toddler with a zest for life that I envy most days.

I love the cuddles you share with Mommy and Daddy in the mornings, how you love to just lay with us for an hour before getting up.  I love your sweet kisses and hugs you give out unexpectedly and when asked.  I love you inquisitiveness.  You are constantly asking what things are and taking in your environment.  I love how the simple things make your heart sing.  You live for the park and outings with Mom and Dad.

You are such a special girl and it's such a blessing to get to watch you grow up each and everyday.  These past two years have gone by in a flash and I know it is only going to get quicker.  There will be more firsts along the ways along with trials and struggles.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl.  May this year be as amazing as the last.  Keep blessing us with that silly grin and sweet personality.  We love you more than you'll every know.

Love,

Mommy & Daddy

Mara's 2nd Birthday Paw-ty

For Mara's 2nd Birthday I decided to do a kitty cat theme. (You can look at her 1st birthday here and here) Party planning is a little more complicated here as there isn't really any stores you can browse plus anything you do find is a tad expensive.

After scourging Pinterest, I decided to make most of my decorations by hand and thanks to my large craft hoarding  supply I had most everything on hand.

Some of my favorite details of the day were the yarn balls made out of foil and covered in yarn, the cat ear headbands, and the simple paw prints on the walls cut out of black construction paper.  We set up a few stations around the house including some coloring pages and a pinata, but mainly the kids played.

We had a simple spread of ham sliders, pasta salad, veggies, cheese/crackers and of course the sweets.  There were cupcakes, peanut butter cookies and a kitty cake to boot!  The kids loaded up on sugar and I'm pretty sure all Mara had for lunch was two chocolate cup cakes.

We waited until everyone left to open presents.  I know some people like to watch but I thought it was best with so many little kids to do it after the fact.  Mara doesn't quite get that you have to keep opening and just wants to play with the toys so it ended up taking almost 45 minutes for us to get through everything.

Being new to town we felt so blessed that so many new friends came and showed us and our little girl love. Huge thanks to everyone for taking time out of your Saturday morning to be with us. We had a blast celebrating her second birthday and are still in denial that she's two.

Coloring stations

buddy wanted to eat the ribbons

DIY cake

Take home bags

Sweet friends

Because it's my birthday

blowing out the candle

The pinata didn't last long

Come and get it

Opening gifts

What's this? (from Grandma & Grandpa)

From Aunt Mary

Tools from Uncle Joe

Nana and Papa gave her a baby doll

Didn't quite understand that the cart was IN the box

 

Instruments from Mommy & Daddy

Using her new tools to help daddy put the cart together

Off to shop!