As we wrapped up Lydia's birthday celebrations last week, I realized I had never shared about Jacob's. Woops! Historically, I have shared about the kids' birthdays here, because one of the purposes of this blog is to curate some core family memories. So, this post is a two-for-one as I share about how we celebrated both our six-year-old and our three-year-old.
Jacob started planning his birthday party in January. (This may be a slight exaggeration, but we were certainly in party-planning mode for a long time.) While it still has not occurred to him that he could invite friends (as in peer-friends) to his parties (his short guest list included family and a couple friends who are family), the plans he had for this party were definitely with kid-centric.
For a long time now, Jacob has planned to be a police officer when he grows up. He will talk at length about the other plans surrounding this, if asked, and one of these plans is to have a motorcycle as one of his work vehicle options. So, the "police motorcycle" theme was not at all a surprise. The birthday boy was involved in most of the plans, but I was still able to pull off a few surprises.
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| The shirt was one of few surprises. |
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| He was thrilled I used glow-in-the dark vinyl! |
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| donuts instead of cake, by choice |
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| The chocolate motorcycles in the favor bags were another surprise. |
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| first activity as guests arrived |
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| Red Light, Green Light |
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"Chief" Says
(As the official Chief of Police, Jacob had planned to be the only one in charge the whole day, but we talked him into letting everyone take turns. Lydia, obviously, also loves to be the one in command... ☺) |
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| writing traffic tickets |
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taking a tour of the jail and trying "green bean gruel" for real
(We read a book once upon a time in which the criminals in jail were served only green bean gruel, and ever since, this is what we have talked about prisoners eating when we play pretend jail.) |
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| trying out the hard bed (another component of jail in our pretend play) |
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| This kids sure thrives as the center of attention - haha. |
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| strawberry was that day's donut flavor of choice |
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One of his gifts was a police siren to put on his bike.
The best part, in his own words: "It's removable, so I can move it to any bike!" |
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| He tested it out right away and claims to have slowed down at least one speeding vehicle. |
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| One reason he was ok to have donuts as cake for his party was that he would also get to have his requested "salted caramel with vanilla and chocolate" cupcakes on his actual birthday. |
In stark contrast to her brother, Lydia had one request for her birthday party theme: pink. I think this was a product of the pink funfetti cake mix she got to pick out for her birthday last year, because she more often names "purple" as her favorite color. Anyway, she copied Jacob's guest list and asked after the party, "When is my motorcycle birthday?" so I think it is safe to say she does not quite have the concept down, yet. Regardless, she was thrilled with her simple, sweet pink party.
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| the highlight of birthday preparations |
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| ♥ |
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| This was her requested birthday breakfast...before she was reminded we could go get donuts, if she wanted. ;) |
 | They do not always have sprinkle or pink donuts, so we tried to minimize her expectations going in, but we were all so delighted her donut dreams came true.
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| When the garden is still providing on-theme decor, you take advantage. ;) |
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favor bags
The bendy tube toys have been a favorite for road trips, esp. |
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| Peep Jacob's decoration contribution on the far right. ☺♥ |
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She requested "animals and flowers" to color.
Of course, I found a baby deer for her. ☺ |
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| Thankfully, the kiddie pool we got at the beginning of this season was pink, so it fit in well to house all the bubble gear on theme. ;) |
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| Bubbles were followed by a round of follow-the-leader (mostly to allow the bubble solution everyone soaked up to dry a bit before coming inside...). |
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| Girl loves to have her nails painted. |
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| I just can't even with her sweet smile. ♥ |
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| The tutu was one of her birthday gifts (that I knew was coming, so let her open first thing, before the festivities commenced). |
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| When I asked what she wanted to eat at the party, her only request was "broccoli" - she loves it ("warm" i.e. cooked) so much. So, we had it then, and she got it a second time that day when we went out for a birthday supper. |
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After a run-in with her bday candle last year, she was unsure about the "fire" on her party cupcakes, but with the help of Daddy, pushed through (with no tears!).
I'm happy to report she confidently blew this one out all by herself! |
I admittedly do more than is necessary for these parties, but it is just so fun and enjoyable for me to create a space and experience that celebrates these sweet kiddos with the things they love, with the people they love. (I also admittedly need to work on the "enjoyable" part being a little more outwardly evident in the throes of preparations...haha.) We are glad to celebrate them and so thankful to be their parents!
Celebratorily,
Kensy
Favorites of the day:
the early birthday gift of a "Kensy day" - thanks Mom and Dad ♥
fall (Cliché, I know, but as much as we loved summer, I'm ready for the new season/weather).
stamping weekend (This was a couple weeks ago, but I'm still just so grateful for it!)
