Party Time

We celebrated Louis 2nd birthday today. Our house just was not ready for a party so we held it at Grandma Ruth & Grandpa George's house. So very lucky! We threw a huge family & friends' 1st birthday party last year and decided it'd be best to keep it smaller this year. 

A few parents (and party planning experts) have told me that what works best for them is to invite as many kids your child's age. So Louis was turning 2 so we invited 2 of his toddler friends. We have many more friends than those 2 but looking back? It was sound advice. Toddlers are easily overwhelmed as it is and the party is about them so keeping a manageable number of toddlers? Makes a lot of sense.

I wasn't crazy about it but I knew it made the most sense. With my own three to look after plus our closest family friends & their children? It put us at 20 people or so. That is a big group to have at your in-law's house. I find party planning to be fun but many times it can be very stressful but the smaller group it was much easier to plan.

Earlier in the week Louis came with me to Party City to pick out his party theme. He wanted balloons, "lots of balloons" and ice cream with Elmo AND Curious George on it. Easy enough. He also picked out the Curious George Party theme. Last year I made most of the party theme related decor but keeping with my "Keeping simple" theme we went with pre-made decorations.

We set up the dining table for the kids. 

 

Louis waiting for his guests to arrive.

 

Keeping things simple meant that I did not go overboard with the menu. It was a party for a 2 year old so I asked Louis what he wanted and he said 'pizza'. So pizza it was. We served lasagna, pizza and salad (made by Grandma Ruth) for the adults. 

Louis enjoyed the snacks.

 Pizza Time...pouring himself a drink

Leah and her friends played while Louis and his friends ran around doing what yoddlers tend to do. So much energy!

At one point the town's fire department was across the street with Santa. Louis went over to check it out.

Visiting Santa with Dad

Then it was time for cake.

Getting ready to blow out his candles

 

He started off with the spoon...but moved onto using his hands

 After cake some our family and friends and we opened up Louis's gifts.

We had a Curious George game that the kids refused to play earlier in the night but they eventually got around to playing. It was a really cute way to end the party.

 

 

After all our guests left, we cleaned and packed up. Louis was fast asleep before we reached the house. I'd say it was a great party and I think Louis would agree.