Party Planning!

One of the most memorable and fun times in my life happens to be when I was...planning our wedding day! I enjoyed every step to that 9 month planning project! :) But regrettably, I really don't get the chance to host a party but once or twice a year. But when I do...it simply thrills me! With that being said, I had such a wonderful three day weekend. Rylie's second birthday party is my current project. And I'm having so much fun with it.

When planning a party, I try to find a theme that is relevant to the "guest of honor's" stage in life. And the party planning grows from that. Rylie's bestfriend just so happens to be Elmo right now...so he was an obvious choice this year.

This weekend...Amanda and I went to work. And we finished Rylie's birthday banner and the cupcake toppers. Last night, I finished making the balloon wreath and today...I finished making her birthday invitations. I still have quite a bit to do...but I'll leave you with a picture of her invites. I'm SO happy with the way they turned out!

Tradition.

Rylie's birthday is nearly a month away! Her second birthday!! My first child is turning two!!!

We will no longer refer to her age in "months"...but will begin using only "years." She will lose her binky. And hopefully, before too much longer, I will buy my last pack of pull-ups for her. It's possible that she will experience her first weekend spent away from home this year (she has some very eager grandparents who are wanting her to spend the weekend with them...sans mommy and daddy). We recently graduated from using her diaper bag and she now sports a very fun and trendy back-pack. She is beginning to talk in full sentences and has already started asking "what" and "why" questions...over and over and over again. She enjoys watching Elmo, dancing, playing with her dolls, and coloring. She really is growing up!

It literally feels like yesterday when I was planning for her one year birthday celebration. And here I am...one year later...planning her second. And this year, I plan on starting a few family traditions. I don't really know why...but I LOVE the idea of a fun tradition that grows to be expected. Even though the traditions I am planning are simple...I'm still eager to establish them this year!

Introducing...

the birthday wreath:

I plan on hanging up this wreath on each of our birthdays. And I'm hoping that when our kids see the wreath, they instantly feel the birthday FUN and the memories that are about to be created!

Also...

the hidden cupcake:

Each birthday boy/girl will wake up to this ceramic cupcake sitting out. But sometime throughout the day, the cupcake will disappear. And when it comes time, the birthday boy/girl will get the chance to look for the hidden cupcake; which now hides a "special" birthday gift.

Call me cheesy. And I'll admit. :)

(I'm super excited about Rylie's birthday theme this year. And I'm attempting to make a lot of the decor myself...with help from my awesomely talented scrapbooking fanatic friend, Amanda. Stay tuned for pictures.)

~Gramps~

Rylie absolutely adores each one of her grandparents. And I've mentioned this before...but it's so neat to see how she interacts with each of them so differently.

She tends to be very lovable around Grandma. Peaceful around Grandpa. Ornery around Ma-maw. Lively around Pa-paw. Playful around Granny.

And...

adventurous around Gramps!

This is a typical weekend spent at Granny and Gramps' house...

And this is Gramps' alpha dog, Ace...

He's a pretty awesome dog. Who likes to hunt! And who tilts his head like this every time I raise my camera. :)

"Gramps" happens to be my daddy! And I proudly declare that I have the best dad in the world. Really. It's that simple.

Gramps- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: A Gramps is someone who spoils and loves his grandchild wholeheartedly. Worldwide, there is only 1 who wins the "Best Gramps" award and he belongs to Rylie. The term can also be defined as brave. Courageous. Spirited. Determined. Adventurous. Hard-working. Outdoorsy. Loving. Accepting. Fun.

See Also: Fishing. Hunting. Camping. Canoeing. Pigeon Catching.