August 23, 2016

The Un-Pinterest Party

This weekend we celebrated Kendall turning six and James turning three with a very un-Pinterest worthy party.  I actually kept thinking to myself, "Wow, this is like an old-fashion birthday party" that whole day.  It was wonderful, actually.  So, if you came here for beautiful party pictures of perfectly placed decorations, adorable party favors and custom birthday tees, you came to the wrong place.

Since the Dew babies birthdays are just two days apart we still do a combined birthday party while we can.  In the years past we've been lucky and the themes have been neutral {Paw Patrol & pool party} but this year I knew we might have stronger opinions.  Kendall wanted Shopkins {of course} and James is obsessed with all things Star Wars.  That should be easy to combine, right {sarcasm font}?  Top it all off Kendall decided she wanted to do it at the beach.  OK, Shopkins+Star Wars+beach birthday party.  You got it kid!  I knew no such invitation existed {trust me I checked} so I used my ultra creative side and came up with an invite all on my own and I actually loved how it turned out.

The party was at a state park so we had no event coordinator or reservations to be made or even a deposit to pay.  When I called to ask a few questions I was basically told we just show up the day of and that was it.  Honestly the days leading up to the party felt really weird and I kept thinking, "I feel like I should be doing something!".  But it was so nice to be so stress-free about this party, for once.  Normally I feel like a chicken with it's head cut off days before throwing a party {all the cleaning!} and this year it was the complete opposite.  It was glorious.

The extent of my decor included the ultra adorable cake pops and thirty-two {I may have over estimated} balloons.  No coordinating party plates, no food labels, heck I didn't even use the tablecloths I bought due too the high winds on the beach.  We had hot dogs {I may or may not have forgotten the ketchup and mustard}, chips, pretzels, fruit, veggies and fruit snacks.  The kids swam, played Frisbee, blew bubbles, flew kites, and the adults played corn hole.  It was actually quite perfect.  I didn't even take any photos during the party but I'm thankful my mother-in-law snapped a few for the memory book.


You know the best part of this good ole fashion birthday party?  Everyone had a blast!  I wasn't worried about decorations getting ruined or making sure food was staying hot or whether the party entertainment was flowing.   We just had a nice, easy couple of hours with our closest friends and family members and I think all of the kids went home tired {win!}.

2 comments:

  1. Exactly! I am happy that you had a great day with your babies. YAY! And, yes, I HATE those pinterest birthday parties. To me, they are such a waste and become more about the mom's ego than the child's special day. We have done family style, low key birthday parties all along and find that is so much more enjoyable than over the top parties that really take the focus off my kids. Good for you, Shannon, for focusing on what is really important.

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  2. This party did sound relaxing. I am planning Evan's First Birthday Party and the theme is Little Blue Truck, there is very little for that theme so I am improvising. You know when you have something specific in mind for an invite and you can't find it... Ya just make it. I think you combined your two themes perfectly.

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