Friday, November 6, 2009

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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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On the other table, I borrowed old train prints and placed them on the table along with more books.
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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.
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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.
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For drinks, I set up a little station with old school sodas and milk and chocolate milk.
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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!
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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:
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Sunday, November 1, 2009

Halloween 2009

For Halloween this year, Isaiah was an old man. He was so cute! He- amazingly- kept his glasses almost the entire time we were trick or treating and held onto his pipe most of that time as well. (Fun side note: his pipe is one that his great grandfather used to use!) We did not, however, have as much luck with the mustache.