Sunday, November 08, 2009

Will's Dream Party


When Andrew turned 2, I threw the best party I have ever thrown (and I include my wedding reception on this list, which actually is not saying much other than that I have some regrets about that reception . . .). We held it in the courtyard of our apartment complex in DC, which caged all the kids perfectly. The fountain with ducks, the moonbounce my sister brought, the pizza, even the weather was perfect.

Of course, when my second child turned two, less than two weeks after my older one turned 4, I was a little bit burned out. I told myself that a family party was all he needed since he was so little, blocking out the memories of how happy 2 yr old Andrew had been to have a real party. On the way to preschool, I decided to put my guilt aside and pose Will a somewhat leading question:

"Will, do you want to have a party with kids," I began, making that idea sound sort of boring, "or should we have a party with your COUSINS?"

"Um, I want my party to be all filled up with kids," he responded definitely. I had no other choice. So two days and one ward listserve email later, Will had the party of his dreams. I even got myself together and made the Dump Truck Cake that seems to be the turning-2 tradition.





The lone birthday boy, expressing his joy in solitude, blowing on his party favor. Had to get a close up.

I wish I had gotten better photos of the rest of the party-goers; they were all so cute. We had cake again that night with Brigham.

Looking at the photos I do have of cute Will during his party, I am struck by two things: first, he really did look happy (which reminds me that Andrew had a very rough time during that party), and second, he really is a big boy now. It happened so fast!

10 comments:

Unknown said...

I love the dump truck cake! That is brilliant. What a fun tradition. I'm glad that Will could have the party of his dreams, and that you were no worse for the wear. I still have never done a "friends" party for my boys. Next year for sure!

Monica Rich said...

So sweet. He looks so much like you, Allie. And I'm amazed at how well he speaks! You are a great mom for throwing him a party(Miles is having a COUSINS party on Tuesday to mark his 2nd year).

BTW -- like the new layout. My, my, aren't you getting fancy! :)

Michelle said...

aawwhh..what a fun party! He's so cute. We just love him so much. Love the new blog look. We miss you guys! let's get together soon!

Nana said...

Will was very happy, especially because he received a pistol that 'shoots' light and sound. He even shared it with Andrew, who was quite taken with it.

I am really glad that I came; I just wish I could have stayed longer, but I was still working on the campaign. It was fun & even the weather was good!

Kimmie said...

LOVE the new blog!!!!

And he totally deserves such a party...what a good mom! Now you can take it easy for a while.

Lyndsay said...

I think you get major points for not only giving him the choice of what kind of party to have, but also throwing him the party he chose. Such cute pics!

Tat said...

You are such a great mommy.

Momo Cannon said...

You can tell that he was really happy! That makes it all worth it and the pictures are a good reminder of that. He is a remarkable 2 year old. And Andrew is a great 4 year old!

Ashley said...

Nice work. I know how much work those parties are. They are brutal. I love your dump trunk cake. I remember when you made it for Andrew. That was yesterday.

Gina said...

I know how it feels to get a little burned out, but it looks like it was so much fun. Can you believe how fast the time goes? It seems like yesterday that you were pregnant!