Sometimes, I throw cute birthday parties for my children. Like Jayci's butterfly themed party, or Caden's rainbow and heart first birthday party, and even Jayci's first birthday party or her second. . . . But sometimes, I think to-heck-with-it-all, and opt for a "pool party" at my parents house. Sometimes we even make it pot-luck style, meaning all I have to bring is hash-brown casserole and zero decorations of any kind. Because let's face it, the kid is two. Which means he has no idea what's going on and as long as he gets cake, he considers the party a success.
First things first: we celebrated Caden's actual birthday with homemade pancakes, a la Smitten Kitchen (btw, these pancakes are the jam).
And then we went to the zoo, where Caden was particularly enamored with the elephants.
Meanwhile, his big sister hung out with HER bff (who happens to be Jay's big sister).
See, Caden even wanted more - but I finished his piece so there wasn't any more. All in the name of making sure my child doesn't have too much processed sugar.
The whole extended family was present (well, besides two aunts and an uncle who were on exotic vacations in Brazil and Jamaica. Rough life).
And the other guests. Coolin' it, if you will.
First things first: we celebrated Caden's actual birthday with homemade pancakes, a la Smitten Kitchen (btw, these pancakes are the jam).
Then, Sunday morning we did our usual pancake breakfast (with pancakes, gasp, from a box), followed by church and then to my parents' house for the PAR-TAY.
Immediately upon arriving at my parents' house, Caden was greeted with his gift from oma and opa, a car that he clearly loves already. His stance and expression here looks much like mine when I can't figure out which way I'm supposed to turn. I get lost easily.
I think he liked his party. I mean, he drank juice boxes (yup, plural).
He hung out with his BFF, Jay (btw, could you die at how cute this picture is?)
And his fabulous auntie Emma (who happens to be the pastry chef at One Eared Stag), made him an adorable ombre birthday cake that was chocolate buttercream with rasberry jam filling. Yes please.
And I cannot stop laughing at Caden's attempts to blow out the candles. Luckily, his big sister stepped up to the plate (literally) and blew them out for him.
And here is Caden's cake-eating face. Which also, remarkably, looks very similar to my cake-eating face.
And one more shot of that cake, for good measure. Because, like I said: delicious.
And just in case you needed further proof that Caden is now officially a terrible two, I present to you the temper tantrum which resulted from having to share his new t-ball game.