Griffin turned two last Friday and, honestly, I was kind of "stumped" as to what to do for her birthday.
She was too little for a real "party" with games and activities and all of that - and I didn't want to do a party where we invited lots of littles and their parents - so I settled on doing a "Favorite Things" themed party where we celebrated G and a few of her favorite things at age TWO!
I emailed this invitation out to 5 of her favorite girls...
Her dress is by Sweet Honey (sold out), her bow is by Jameson Monroe, necklace is Sprinklings and shoes can be found HERE (use codes FRNFAM for 30% off and FREESHIP for free shipping!)
I scooped up the number 2 balloon last week on Amazon Prime and we had it inflated before the party. We were walking to the bakery and I'm sooooo glad we thought to stop and take a few pictures :)
The McKinney Square is a SPECIAL place to me and I'm so glad that we're creating special memories for our kids there as well.
In high school and college I had SEVERAL retail jobs on the square, I rode in the Homecoming Parade through the square, helped decorate the "old tree" every year for Christmas and had a pre-prom dinner or two downtown. I caught a shop lifter red handed one summer I was working at Ambrosia on the square, listened to my brother and his friends play at "open mic night" at a coffee shop that's long gone and had my hair done at a salon on the square before my wedding (which was about a block of the square). Dave grew up in McKinney and his family has been here for about 200 years, so his memories of the square go back farther than mine to watching his uncle ride his horse (which was painted with stars and stripes) through the parade every year, going to the OLD pharmacy on the square when it was the only one in town and having special t-ball parties and such at the soda fountain. As we walked to GG's party I had a "moment" where I realized that the square is going to be a part of some of my kids fondest memories as well. Okay, sappiness is over. :) Resuming the party post. hahaha
Back to gratuitous pictures of the birthday girl!
We got to the bakery about 5 minutes before the girls arrived and I set out pieces of pink scrabook paper as "placemats" along with little name cards. I had the note cards in my desk at home and I just wrote the girls names on cardstock and then taped them to the card. Instant placecard!
Since we were celebrating G with her "favorite things" OF COURSE we had to give all the girls necklaces and headbands!!!
Chelsea at Jameson Monroe made the headbands with Griffin's "signature" XL chiffon flower and added a feather for some sass :) and Jill from Sprinklings made the most DELICIOUS sparkly, pink necklaces. Both Jill and Chelsea gave me a great "party favor" price on these - so if you're looking for favors, be sure to send them a message to inquire on "party pricing".
Luke was at his skating lesson, but Mason tagged along to the party and helped the sweet girls at the bakery set out the fondant flowers they made to top the cupcakes...
the balloon is turned around, but you get the idea :)
While we waited for friends to arrive, Griffin sat outside and talked with this AWESOME dog :) IT was appropriate since puppies are definitely one of her favorite things!
Friends arrived and we were ready to decorate!!!
She had individual piping bags for the girls and it was so fun because they all had different decorating tips on them and the girls had fun seeing how each of them worked.
A girl after my own heart - sucking icing STRAIGHT out of the piping bag :)
#getitgirl
After cupcake decorating, Griffin opened up her presents, everyone got cleaned up and then we headed outside to snap a few pictures (duh!) :)
I mean MY WORD!!! Those are some SWEET GIRLS! :) We missed Ebby Lee!!!
Every time we're part of a "girl event" I get all misty-eyed thinking about how the "girl mom" club was one I thought I'd never get a chance to be a part of. I feel SO BLESSED to get to raise boys AND a little girl!
All that icing was kicking in!!! :)
Me and my birthday girl!!!
Yes, people... she's most definitely two! hahaha
We had so much fun celebrating Griffin in a really EASY and simple way! I'd highly recommend this kind of party for both boys AND girls! It was SUPER low maintenance, cost effective and memorable for all the kids.
I still can't believe my BABY is TWO!!! Someone cue the violins :) Also... I MAY have had a brainstorm about next year's party on the way home (welcome to my brain!). It's going to be EPIC and I can't wait!!! (and yes... it's a secret!!!... but we'll see if I can keep that up for an entire year. hahaha). I figure I have one more year of picking her theme so I plan on making the most of it. ;)
See y'all back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites!!!
Cute! Cute! Cute! Ebby Lee was sad to miss. Look like those girlies had so much fun!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet little party! Looks like the girls had so much fun!
ReplyDeleteMy girls had the BEST time at Griffin's party!! We just love sweet little G!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you nailed it for Griffin's second birthday! I love that you brainstormed her next birthday in the way home. I often do the same thing and my 4 year old son has picked up on it and knows we can start planning the next party as we clean up from the last one--I think it keeps me from being bummed that the "fun" is over for now! Enjoy the quiet after all of these awesome parties!! You do a great job!
ReplyDeleteI love your parties and your party planning. It's one of my favorite things to do for my kiddos when their birthdays roll around. They are teens now and we still brainstorm about themes. I can't wait to see you top this party next year. Happy Birthday G!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a fun idea for a party!! It looks like they had a great time!
ReplyDeleteOnce again...DARLING!!! I love parties that are simple, but sweet. Simply perfection : )
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute idea!! I had never thought of a cupcake decorating party but that is genius! Loved the favors!
ReplyDeleteLooks like Griffin had a great party!! Such a fun idea!
ReplyDeleteThat is the most adorable party invitation I have ever laid eyes on. SO cute!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun party! Presley had the best time!! :)
ReplyDeleteFun party! How did you make those ruffles work? I wanted to order them so bad but they looked like they were 20 ft long! 😜
ReplyDeleteWhat a great party! That 2 balloon was bigger than G herself; thought a gust of wind might have her floating. The invitation was so creative Andrea! Nice to have so many memories associated with the square, a piece of your history.
ReplyDeleteYou are so creative, and I love reading your blog. Griffin's party invites are the sweetest ever! I have always loved the Sound of Music movie and that song--your version was perfect for your little 2 yr old. :)
ReplyDeleteKathy Lang
Such a sweet party for a sweet little girl! Can't wait to see next year's party theme! (I get ideas in my head a year in advance too!)
ReplyDeleteSo precious & cute!!!! Perfect party for sweet Griffin turning 2!!! We are having Cookies & Milk for Greer turning 3 next weekend. Hoping simple & sweet!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great pic with the "2"....that is a keeper!
ReplyDeleteAdorable. You are so dang creative. Love it!
ReplyDeleteWhat's the best way to send you a message.
ReplyDeleteI have tried to email twice.
Just had a couple of questions.
Thanks!
Hey! Was it about MCA??? If so I got your email and I've started a reply... I'm trying to answer all your questions but I'm on a community service day today :) I'll get back you you tonight! If that wasn't how you were trying to get in touch with me... SEnd (or resend) me an email please!
DeleteLove this! Griffin is too cute! I have a 19 month old daughter and I can't wait to do a cupcake decorating party with her. My hobby is decorating cakes and cupcakes, so this party theme is a given at some point :) I also just ordered our first pair of mini melissa's - they are adorable and I can't wait to get them!
ReplyDeleteSo fun! Crazy I actually just told my Carly Jo about having a favorite things party for her 10th in September...that girl usually starts planning her next party the day after her party is over!!
ReplyDeleteYour invitation is adorable! Griffin is lucky to have such a creative, loving mom :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a ridiculously cute idea! And oh my goodness--your creativity abounds! Love it all!!
ReplyDeleteCutest party idea ever for the cutest little girl! I'm so impressed with the invitation too! Often the simple parties are the best! Happy Birthday, Griffin!!
ReplyDeleteI love how you guys make your kids' parties appropriate for their interests and ages. As a former Kindergarten teacher, I know how attention spans vary depending on the ages and personalities of each individual child. When we go to birthday parties, sometimes I think there is just too much going on, too many people attending, and/or too many activities being squeezed into the party time...when really the kids just want to have fun and eat some yummy food and treats. They don't need a "Pinterest perfect" party to have a great birthday. I love that you make your kids' birthday parties about them while still being hospitable to your party guests and embracing fun with good friends. Great job, Andrea and Dave!
ReplyDeleteAndrea, I love your blog and I LOVED reading about this party! How very special and so creative. Happy Birthday, Griffin!
ReplyDeleteYour daughter is very lucky with all the wonderful memories you are creating AND recording for her!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, amazing party for your sweet G! So fun! LOVE the party favors! Putting both the headband and necklace on my wish list for my girl for when I can get them into the budget. Thanks for linking to them!
ReplyDeletePS: I love that you are already thinking about next year's party! Haha! You are such a thoughtful, sweet mama!
ReplyDelete