It’s always a good sign when the party is over and kids are crying begging not to leave. I felt so bad I wish I could have kept it going for them because I’m a sucker for pouts, but I’m glad they had so much fun that they were fighting to leave.
Because Cayden is older and more active than last year on his first birthday, it made this year’s party much more fun compared to last year’s. Watching him interact with his little friends and seeing him get excited over everything we put together filled my heart. Since he’s been obsessed with Minions, it was easy to come up with a theme.
Here’s a breakdown of what we did if you need ideas for your upcoming two-year-old ‘s birthday.
Face painting
Thanks to my MIL, Cayden’s guests were greeted at the door with the option to get their face painted. I didn’t think this would be such a hit but it was. The kids were so excited and waiting impatiently for their turn. The face painter was so good with kids too. With every face that walked by I was so impressed at her precision and detail. This was a perfect touch to get the party started.
Inflatables
We ordered 2 different types of inflatables to cater to the different age groups that my girlfriend’s kids range from. The first inflatable was especially made for toddlers.
It had little obstacle courses and slides that were completely surrounded with padding. This one was perfect for Cayden and his age group because there was no way he or his little friends could get hurt. You’re able to watch them play from above or through the black mesh windows. I would recommend this one for any toddler party, it’s less intense than a bouncy house.
Since Cayden has been into Minions, we ordered a Minions themed bouncy house with a slide for the older kids. Of course, Cayden wanted some of this action too. He loves slides so when he saw the giant slide, together with the Minions, he knew it was go time.
I don’t know what it is about giant slides that kids just can’t get enough of. They are always a big hit and getting them away from it was rough. Even the adults and grandmothers were having fun sliding down.
Food
Cayden’s favorite meal of all time is the nuggets meal from Chick-Fil-A so I wanted him and his guests to have it. We had Chick-Fil-A cater the nuggets and the sandwiches that disappeared within the first 20 minutes. The only downside to having them cater is that they don’t offer fries, they have criss cross chips instead. Anyone know why? Regardless, the food was obviously a hit. Who doesn’t like Chick-Fil-A?
On top of that, Mama Burks made her famous chili and it was a big hit!
Cake
Kallie has been doing Cayden’s cakes because the first one she made was a big hit and I had her do it again. She’s a master of details and I love that the cakes taste as good as they look. We did a Minions-themed white cake that she dyed yellow with Bavarian cream frosting. If you’re in Utah, you have to give her a try. She’s amazing to work with and will even deliver your cake to you.
I did a smaller cake this year because I had so much left over last year, and even when I downsized his cake, I still had a lot left over this time.
This year, I also had her make Minion-themed sugar cookies to go along with his cake and she did such a detailed job with the eyes and goggles. They were too cute, I felt guilty wanting to eat them.
Rice Krispy Treats
My girl Summer is the best in the chocolate-dipped treats game anywhere! And I’m not just saying that. She made these cute rice krispy treat Minions pops and the other half spelled out his name. I swear every time I order from her, I always want to figure out a way to preserve them forever. She’s awesome to work with and comes through for me every time even when I procrastinate.
Party Favors
I was in a time crunch, as always, so I ordered these Minion party favor bags from Amazon since I didn’t have time to customize anything. They each came with a coloring book, a pack of crayons, and a couple of stamps. I tried to strategically place the favors on the cake and treats table so that the guests could fill their bag with the treats on the table. And the candy from the piñata my mom had custom made for Cayden.
My advice
As a working mama, I don’t have the luxury of free time to sit down and plan every detail of a party, so instead of feeling overwhelmed, ask for help. I had told Steven what it is I wanted and he went out and got it done. Both of our moms know how much we work and even they stepped in without asking. I’m so grateful for them doing that because I have a hard time asking for help.
Even one of my girlfriends, Aysia, came super early to set up the balloons she had made for Cayden’s backdrop. She did such a perfect job on them, I owe her big time for these. A few other of my girlfriends got here early and offered to help set up.
It really does take a village. I’m so grateful for my tribe.
Thank you to all our friends and family for showing up for my baby and showing him so much love.
Details
Photographer: Ashlee Brooke
Cake and cookies: Kali Corgiat
Rice Krispy Treats: Summer Time Sweets
Balloons: Aysia Bush
Backdrop, tables, and chairs: All Out Events
Crab Inflatable: Ultimate Inflatables
Face Painting: My Kids’ Entertainment
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