Party #2

Birthday Party #2 -- a FRIEND PARTY!!

I've never hosted a friend party before, so I didn't really know what to expect. I sent out invites through evite and waited for responses. We invited about 12 kids and their moms. Now, I figured maybe about 5-6 kids would be able to come -- boy was I wrong! Wednesday afternoons must be a popular time (or maybe not so popular, because nothing else was happening) because EVERYONE came to the party!

This was not a 'traditional' birthday party. It was really just my mom friends -- and their kids -- it was just as much for the moms as it was for the kids.

On the invite, I specifically said that we weren't accepting gifts at this party, however we were collecting food to take to the local food pantry.

Again, I was surprised at the response -- look at all this food we collected:
Those bags and box are full -- to the brim will lots of goodies to take to the food pantry!!


What's a birthday party without some sweets....

Here is the 3 year old with a 'special' candle.

Then, with the help of all the moms, the kids frosted and decorated their cupcakes!

It was such a FUN day -- I wasn't stressed out about hosting -- I kept everything as simple as possible: hotdogs and pasta with parmesean cheese for the kids, chicken finger wraps for the moms, some chips and salsa. Some of my friends even contributed -- fruit salad, 7 layer dip, cheese dip -- what fun!

We sat outside and ate -- so there was no mess in the house to clean up -- thanks for that great idea from another mom!

The kids played outside with sidewalk chalk, bubbles and toys. The biggest outdoor activity that was a hit: filling spray bottles with a little bit of food coloring and water and letting them spray the driveway! Who knew that that would entertain kids of ALL ages: 2-6 years. The only problem -- trying to keep them from spraying each other! (I somehow got yellow sprayed on me -- I must have been stuck in cross fire!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY big girl!