(biting her lip and looking shy while we sing happy birthday to her...and the party hat...blown off by wind)
I think this might have been my most favorite party yet.
Admittedly, I spent a lot of time planning. It's what I like to do, and I sort of hope it will add a little magic to their childhood memories. So, I filled 3 sheets of paper with menu ideas, decor lists and sketches of what the dessert table would look like. My mom and I hand stitched a fabric flower garland, and I bought Martha's white cake plate especially for the strawberry cake. This is what I dreamed up in my head: A strawberry themed party for family at the park. Eighty pink and red streamers gently swaying in the breeze, each table would have 3 helium filled strawberry balloons (heart-shaped balloons with green crepe paper toppers cut to fit). Finally, the piece de resistance would be the cake table...decorated thoughtfully (and symmetrically) with platters of homemade goodies.
And then, a small dose of reality.
Wind Advisory. 40 mph gusts of wind.
When I arrived at the park, David had been laboring over those eighty (gently swaying) streamers, but it actually sounded more like a used car lot as they whipped around frantically in the wind. The strawberry balloons lost their tops and most broke free from their strings, the handmade goodies never quite made it out of the storage containers for fear they would fly away too. The hand stitched garland stayed in it's box until halfway through the party my mom helped tape it up. We had to duck tape the kids plates to the table as they ate lunch, and well, there was just no use in even attempting to light candles in that kind of weather.
But you know what, it was fun.
A lot of fun.
It was nice to let go of party perfection and just enjoy a (windy) BBQ at the park.
And now, Miss Lily is four. She's been pampered with a mani/pedi, signed up for more gymnastics, and showered with strawberry shortcake and littlest pet shop toys from the people who love her most...her family.
A lesson for mom in what is most important...
Check that off the list.
15 comments:
What a cute little girl! She is growing up so fast. I remember when she was born!!! Going all out for your kids' birthday parties is one of the best part of being a mom! Planning them is half the fun. They never turn out exactly like the plans, but such a fun time for the kids (and mom!) You do such a good job!
Thank you Tara & David for bringing the families together. We had a WONDERFUL time and were in awe of your creativity we are so accustomed to. I had fun learning how to make something new (Fabric Dahlia's). I want some more of that delicious cake you baked!! It tasted like home-churned strawberry ice cream!!! Oh My!! All My Love, Mom
You are so amazing.
My heart just ached reading about the wind. I hate when things don't go as planned. What a hard (but great!) lesson to learn.
Great picture, happy birthday sweet girl!
So sorry about the wind, but just like you to still have a positive attitude. Happy birthday Lily!!
isn't letting go of perfection sometimes so invigorating ?? i wish i did it more. a few weeks ago i had 15 ladies come over for dinner and i had the cutest idea to serve the mango-limeade in a cute and fabulous way and time got to me and i ended up just throwing it in drink dispensers.
and i was ok with it.
your plans sounded beautiful, sorry they didn't turn out perfect, but at least the mission was accomplished. happy birthday to your little one.
happy birthday lily! :) your mom is the BEST, i love that you put all sorts of time and effort into her themed parties!!! regardless of the wind, i'm sure she loved it!
happy birthday lily! what a cute girl. your birthday parties are the best, with or without the wind. :)
What darling ideas! (So sorry nature so rudely took over) but it sounds like it was still a perfect party! That cake looks delish!! Happy birthday little Lily! What a beautiful little girl!
Too funny! I can see it in my head like a sitcom. Yep, those are the one you remember and giggle about forever.
Happy Birthday, Lilly!
Happy birthday, Lily!
I think the way the day played out itself will serve as a great memory.
Your kiddos are so lucky to have you for a mom!
Your parties are always perfect, wind or no wind! You will never forget that party, that's for sure :) I can't believe she's 4 already, crazy to think she wasn't even 2 when I saw her last! I hope this year is filled with lots of wonderful memories for her!
Happy Birthday Lily! Your parties really are amazing! It is crazy to think it was 2 years ago the kiddos were jumping in the ball pit for Lily's 2nd birthday. How time flies!
The wind has been so crazy lately! But lily still looks like she was having a great times:) I love the shy smile ;D David is such a good guy trying to get those streamers up-I think shaun would have called me after trying one! hahah:)
Happy Birthday, Lily! I loved all your latest posts, Tara. Congrats to Zach for starting Kindergarten! Precious.
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