A couple years ago, we decided that we would only have "family" birthday parties for our kids until their fourth birthday. That seems to be the age that they are able to anticipate the party and their friends, and doing a "friends" party before that brings on a lot of unnecessary stress.
Our family parties are almost always held on the actual birthday, and we usually don't start planning and inviting people until just a day or two ahead of time.
We came up with the theme "You are my sunshine" on Tuesday, called people on Wednesday and Thursday morning, and had cake and ice cream in our backyard on Thursday night.
It was the best possible outcome. Esther had so much fun being the center of attention. She daintily picked at her mini-cake until we helped her out a bit. She smiled, made faces, laughed, and was generally the star of the show. (Thank you, Lord for that long nap she had before the guests arrived!) The only part she didn't understand was the presents. Those fancy bags and papers just slowed her down on her way to the green grass.
The weather was beautiful, the early evening sunshine was eerie and gorgeous, the cake was yummy, the decorations were simple and fun, and the company was hilarious. What more could we ask for to celebrate our Essie's first year!
For more ideas on throwing your own sunshine birthday party, check out these party supply ideas (may contain affiliate links).
linked to: TDC
