Two years old

As I was having dinner with EV today and having a conversation about her birthday, it made me want to slow down time even more.  EV has been talking about her party non-stop the last few weeks and even more now that it has passed.  She loves singing happy birthday to herself and talking about all of her friends and blowing out the candles on her cake.  I am just amazed that I can actually sit down and have a conversation with her.

So, if you read Jimmy's blog (http://jimmyhkim.wordpress.com/) he talks about how we stayed up late to work on all the details of EV's party.  It's amazing how a simple website like Pinterest can make such a huge difference with planning and it makes you wonder how you lived without it before.  So, here's a brief recap of all that was handmade and the link of the tutorial (if there is one) for EV's "dairy' themed party:

EV's dress (http://www.mesewcrazy.com/2011/01/spring-fever-dress.html)

Party banner (http://www.sassybabiesblog.com/2012/01/guest-post-banners.html)
Letter E (not a great view from this pic--http://andeverythingsweet.blogspot.com/2012/01/feather-her-nest.html)

Fabric covered water bottles (my own idea)

Props for photo booth (includes top hats, glasses, mustaches, etc--didn't get a picture of the bucket)

Cupcakes (http://keepingupwiththekunzs.blogspot.com/2011/01/what-to-do-what-to-do.html)

Cheesecake balls (http://www.bakerella.com/cheesecake-pops/)
Strawberry stuffed cheesecake (http://www.thesweetslife.com/2011/08/cheesecake-stuffed-strawberries.html)
Mac and Cheese balls (Jimmy's recipe)
Chicken salad croissants (Jimmy's recipe)
Cheese Fondue
Yogurt Bar

Milk (chocolate and 2%)

(Not pictured:  EV's photobook (made by Apple) and party favors (puzzles of a farm--mostly))

I think that's it--we had a lot of fun celebrating with EV's friends.  We are so blessed to have so many friends and family that love us and want to celebrate with us.  Evangeline, you have this amazing ability to brighten up our day and put a smile on our faces.  You make us laugh and you know you are funny.  You love being around people and you are already such a compassionate person.  You can't stand to see others crying or being sad.  You are stubborn and persistent, but at the same time loving and gentle.  We love you so so so so much!  I look forward to every new memory and new encounters.  I can't believe you are 2 years old!!

Birthday preparations

Now that we are less than 2 weeks away from EV's birthday, I am on full birthday preparation mode.  This year, we have decided to keep it fairly small, which is sooo hard for me to do because I love having parties and inviting the whole world.  The hardest decision was who to invite but we decided that in order to keep it small, it would make the most sense to invite EV's friends and family.  NOT, mommy and daddy and grandma and grandpa's friends and associates. 

The theme to this year's birthday is "dairy" to celebrate EV's love of all things diary (milk, cheese, yogurt).  If you ask EV what she wants to eat, she often ends her list with, "...and cheese, too!"  Jimmy made the cutest invitation--I love the simplicity and the country feel to it. 

I also love how we incorpated the fabric we will use for the party into the invitation.  I bought a bundle of fabric appropriately called "Urban Cowgirl." 

Since being sick all weekend, I still have EV's birthday dress, fabric banner, and other little projects that need to get done for the decorations.  I am also planning on making all the food and desserts at home, aside from the birthday cheesecake.  I am so thankful for Pinterest.  It has been such a useful tool in organizing and developing all my thoughts, ideas, and plans.  I just have to remember that it's not about perfection but quality time and memories.  I can't wait to post the final products!!