Party Time

I knew for a while that I wanted to do a farm theme for Camden's second birthday party but I wasn't sure how it was all going to come together. I'm not much of a cook, so I didn't even attempt to make the cake myself. Instead, we ordered a chocolate cake with chocolate mousse from BJ's (like Costco). It was delicious. I had them leave the cake blank except for the writing and I decorated the rest myself with tiny farm animals. See that pig's head on upper right corner? It was the lid to the tube the farm animals came in and Camden demanded that it be put on his cake. Oh well- it was his birthday, right?

Since we had mostly family at Camden's party this year, I felt like doing party favor bags was a bit too much. I'll probably start that next year. But, I still wanted to give the kids who came a small favor. So, I decided to have them adopt a farm animal. After picking up some small farm animals (at the dollar store! For $6 total!), I mentioned the idea to my artistic mom. She created the cute little barn below.

Just because I like it-- the fall/farm centerpiece on the adult's table.

Before everyone arrived, we took Camden outside to see his big birthday gift from Nan & Pop and Nonnie & Grandpa (both sets of grandparents)-- a playground for our back yard. It was a big hit that day, and has been every day since then.

When I decided to do a farm theme, I had this country menu in mind for dinner. Think fried chicken, corn on the cob, biscuits, etc. And then Matt suggested pizza because a) it's Camden's favorite b) it's cheaper and c) it's easier and I decided to roll with it.

Camden literally jumped with excitement when his BFF, Will, arrived at his party. These two are double trouble.

Time to open gifts. Camden had a lot of help this year. Thankfully, he didn't mind at all.

I don't know why this game is endlessly fascinating with children of all ages in my house, but Spin the Chair was played several times.

Time for cake! Camden worked hard to blow out his candles and succeeded in blowing-- but in the wrong direction (he blew upwards). Camden watched shyly as we sang Happy Birthday to him and then clapped with us and demanded that we serenade him again.

 Ever since his party, Camden will come up randomly to us and hold up one finger on each hand to indicate that he's 2. When we acknowledge, "Yes, you're 2!", he starts clapping his hands and then pretends to blow out his candles again. I'm thinking this kid really enjoyed his party and wishes they happened more than once a year.