I started working on ideas & projects for her party about 2 months ago, & I was so happy to finally see everything come together. I had originally thought it would be easier to make lots of appetizers, but I realize in hindsight that doing a meal would have been MUCH easier. Thankfully, my mom & my sister completely saved me & helped me make food all morning long while Matt's brother helped to get everything else ready. Our menu consisted of BLT dip, Texas caviar, pigs in a blanket, pickle wraps, french onion dip, veggie tray, turkey wraps, cucumber sandwiches, & fruit skewers. Matt's mom made chex mix and caramel puffs, which were a huge hit & a huge help. Here is the food table (to make you all hungry) & the birthday banner I made for Reese:
I made her cupcake stand & the cupcake toppers, but I can't take credit for the cupcakes--those came from the Target bakery. :)
I did make her smash cake though:
We had an ice cream sundae bar to go with the cupcakes. I had no idea that you could buy chocolate by the half gallon. I 'm sure I can find something to do with the leftover chocolate...
Water bottles:
These were the party favor buckets for all of the kids:
We had a white tent in the backyard so that people could be inside or out. Unfortunately, I completely forgot to take a picture of the tent. Oops. Oh well. Here's a picture of Reese looking at the tent (instead of the camera). Does that count?
Walking around with Grandma Gunier:
Reese did great opening gifts, & she was actually more excited to see the gifts than to play with the wrapping paper. She did well being the center of attention. Or maybe she was too distracted by all of her new toys to notice.
I was really hoping that she would get a baby doll for her birthday, because she didn't have one. She got three, and she LOVES them. She even got a baby stroller, & she is loving it. She keeps kissing them, & it's so cute.
She loves balls, so this has been a huge hit as well. She surprised Matt & I this morning by kicking it around the living room like a little soccer player. Her coordination really surprises me sometimes!
I won't bore you with a picture of every single gift, but the girl is seriously spoiled rotten. She got some great loot including lots of clothes and books, which she loves (ok, she loves the books, & I love the clothes). Now to the fun part...
We put Reese's high chair outside in hopes that she wouldn't be quite so overwhelmed by everyone singing "Happy Birthday" indoors, & so that the mess could stay outside as well. It's a good thing we did.
The first taste:
She quickly decided that she liked it.
She kept trying to pick it up.
At one point, I decided to be helpful, & I went to open up the cake a bit so that she was actually getting cake & not just frosting. Unfortunately, I failed to remember that the cupcake top & the cupcake base were only being held together with some frosting, so this was the result of my helpfulness:
It didn't slow her down though, & she did finally get a taste of cake.
We finally had to cut her off. I'm not sure how much she would have eaten, but she didn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
Ready for a bath:
Everyone just hung out for the rest of the party, & the kids had fun.
My nephew Austin & brother in law Brian:
Jordan & Olivia's daughter, Audrina (Reese's bestie):
Austin enjoying the car my parents got Reese for her birthday:
The kids had a ton of fun playing in the tent of balls that my bosses got Reese. It was a huge hit!
Overall, it was a great day. Everything went really well, & I think everyone had a good time. I surprisingly made it through the party without crying & making a complete fool of myself, so that was an extra bonus. Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate!!!
Looks like Reese had a great party!! Awesome job with the decor/food -- and beautiful pictures!!!
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