Isaiah's Second Birthday

**reposted from my work blog**

My son is in love with choo choos- any shape, any size, and color. He just goes nuts! So, for his second birthday party, there was no other option for a theme. I had so much fun creating this party and, more importantly, my son absolutely loved every minute of it! Be warned- this is a long post.

We had the party at Old Poway Park- a community park in San Diego that has trains and a great rustic feel. It was perfect!

My mom and I made the bunting banner at 11:00 the night before the party. So glad  we did because it really made the space!

My favorite part of the decor was the dessert table- I used an heirloom tablecloth from my husband's grandma, turned an old crate upside down, taped on a vintage flashcard (purchased on etsy) and put my cake stand on top. I got ambitious and made the cake and cookies (using this recipe) and- thank goodness- everything turned out cute and delicious!

For the kids tables, I got low children's tables and chairs from Classic Party Rentals. I just love them! I covered the tables in packing paper and striped runners that we made.

On one table, I used a retro train toy borrowed from a friend (I actually used to have this toy!) and children's books about trains from the 50's and 60's, purchased on etsy.

On the other table, I borrowed old train prints and placed them on the table along with more books.

The favors were the little bandana knapsacks. They included a train whistle, a conductors hat, a wooden train (a score from the Target $1 section) and "train fare" (coins so that they could ride the train at the park). I made the tags by tea staining and stamping them.

For food, I wanted to go simple- sandwiches and snacks. For the kiddos, I cut PB&J's with a train cookie cutter. I found fun choo choo animal crackers at a local train toy shop. I used enamelware, crates and a milk carrier for presentation of the food.

For drinks, I set up a little station with old school sodas and milk and chocolate milk.

One of the best parts about having it at Old Poway Park is that I did not have to really plan activities- other than the kids playing with their favors and the centerpieces, our main event was all riding the train around the park together. Isaiah loved it!

One thing that most of you readers will appreciate: weddings can be held at the park and there just happened to be a wedding ceremony starting as we were all boarding the train. Nothing like hearing an old man shout about keeping arms and legs inside of a train while the bride is walking down the aisle. Everyone looked at me, knowing I would be horrified. They knew what they were signing up though, having it at a public park :)

A few more moments of the kids and our big 2 year old: