In previous years, I have gone all out (to the tune of
ordering customized koozies) for Max's birthdays.
Maybe I was feeling a little melancholy? Maybe
the whole thing just crept up on me? Maybe
I just need some more hours in the day to sleep
and not waste on Pinterest worthy parties?
In all reality, probably a combination of all three.
But, suffice it to say, this year's party was the
least stressed I have ever felt throwing a party.
I began by asking Max to choose a theme.
I offered two choices - trains or pirates. He initially
chose trains, but then I had a stroke of genius. ANIMALS!
Duh. We could keep the party decor minimal (with
some help from the Zoo) and he does really love
to come to the Zoo. Win-win.
I sort of stumbled on the below invitations....
for FREE! Aren't they adorable?
Animals in bow ties?! Love it. I sent those
babies out about a month ago - and then promptly
did not a single thing.
In true Carrie form, I began to freak out a little bit about a week
ago...and decided to purchase the coordinating party
animal decor pack (that goes with the invitations).
It was not free - but well worth the $8.99.
We ended up with some pretty sweet decorations!
I took the PDF's to Staples and had them blown up
to engineered sized prints (about 3x4) and super cheap!
This was a service I did not even know that they offered!
Alas, I'm already thinking off all the other images
I could have blown up that big. It packs a nice
punch without breaking the bank.
In the midnight hour we spray painted the tops of these mason
jars with animals attached in white. I don't recommend this if you're
short on time. It made our house smell terrible (because we
did it in the garage). I also think it might make the cookies inside
taste weird because of the fumes? No one has complained yet
but I thought they smelled weird.
I did buy "party animal" shirts for all three of us.
They aren't entirely visible in the pictures
but Rob's has a lion, mine has a camel, and Max's has
a giraffe. The Etsy seller I purchased them from
threw in about ten different buttons that coordinated
for free (and without asking) so I put those out on the table.
And, promptly wrote her an excellent review :)
We requested everyone wear one.
Other last minute additions to the decor where
these insect balloons I found at Giant Eagle
(while shopping for party food), sunflowers,
and the GIANT stuffed animals I brought home
from the Zoo. haha!
I set up the animals against the animal backgrounds
hoping and encouraging people to use it like
a photobooth - and they did! It was totally awesome!
(Side note: in my perfect world, there would be
photo booths at every social event). I can't get enough.
We kept the food super casual (read, kid friendly).
Papa Rob grilled up the hot dogs and brauts,
I sliced up some fruit for a salad, store bought
veggie tray with fancy hummus, chips,
and mac and cheese. This helped me feel way less
stressed about the whole day. I felt like I could
talk and hang out because there was almost nothing
that needed preparing.
The weather held out and everyone got to enjoy the
deck (and our new umbrella)! Max showed off
his collection of Thomas mini trains (which my 93 year old grandpa
helped him connect and roll around the table).
And soon enough - it was present time! The party began
at 4:00 but Max didn't really nap that afternoon so
the whole evening I kept thinking he was a ticking time
bomb of emotion so I tried to speed things along.
He pretty much got a every piece of paw patrol gear
(including coloring book, swim suit, sneakers, bubbles etc.)
that stores are making these days. Along with,
a mini trampoline (like one person), battery powered
tractor, golf clubs, and new fun train things!
He was loving all the attention and ripping through
the presents!
The finale of the evening was a cookie
cake that we had purchased from "The Great American
Cookie company" that he usually loves. However,
he chose to have me cut a piece with the blue balloon on it
and then promptly ate like one bite.
All in all, we could not have planned a better
day for our little wild man! He was a party animal
through and through! I'm so happy we got to have
our families here to celebrate...and Max loved being
the center of attention (although, when is he not?)!
He's getting good at saying he's "three"
and it was totally adorable, when we said it was time
to eat, he said "it's my birthday now?".
Yeah buddy, it is. Get totally wild, kid!
xoxo
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