Birthday Play Dates v. Birthday Parties

If you love throwing a big shindig for a kids party - awesome, invite me.  But if that sounds too stressful and too expensive, how about a birthday play date?  

You still have to clean house.  Set out a few snacks.  You can let the kid open presents as they come in, so it is less likely for kids to sit and cry because they want to open presents.  This year it was 80 degrees the day before Xman's party, and it sleeted and hailed during his party. Thankfully he still had a few friends show up, and he had a blast.  And thankfully I didn't spend a fortune on decorations, gift bags, and scheduled games to play that not many people would have gotten to see.  

I even let the kids decorate their own sugar cookies ... because I ran out of time.  It's not a competition, right?

Xman's 2nd Birthday

Well, not many non-family guests showed, but other than that the party was a success.

The birthday boy had a good time and did not want his guests to leave ... But did not have a melt down ... at least not until his cousin took his toy ... but that was expected.

The pudding cups were great. I ate the vanilla with cool who and graham crackers, and I think I should definitely make more for us at home.

The RAWR and hats turned out really cute, and Mom said she is leaving the RAWR up for a while.

I made dinosaur tails for Xman and Delilah, but they were very last minute and I messed up Delilah's so I will have to finish it for next weekend and post pictures then.

Xman didn't want anything to do with his cake, and the hubby stuck his hands on the cake, and Xman looks at his hands like "why would you do that?"

Aunt Stac got great pictures - I totally slacked on the pics and spent more time enjoying the party. Stac even got the smoke off the candle ... All that practice blowing bubbles helped Xman blow his candle out on his own!

2nd Birthday Party

The second birthday party for Xman is more or less planned. Thank you Pinterest and Google. I have found several cute ideas that do not involved a party pack bought from the store and isn't overly coordinated - which tends to make me crazy ... well, crazier!

My next step is working out a schedule for all the DIY fun between now and then. March 3rd watch out! After the party I will post pics and let you know how everything goes!