Happy 2nd Birthday, Anna Claire!

Anna Claire's birthday was super-fun. After weeks of agonizing over where to have it, who to invite, and how simple to keep everything, We decided on Dixon Park on Tenth Street. It's not a location one might normally consider for a 2-year-old birthday party, but once I stumbled upon it, there was no doubt in my mind that it HAD to be there.

I visited many parks before settling on Dixon. I knew I wanted the party to be somewhere other than the house - no need to clean up for or after guests. And I knew I didn't want to pay for a venue, so city parks where a logical option. It was the sprinklers at Dixon that sold me. They are built into the sidewalk and come on at intervals.

Anna Claire in her element...she is part fish, I think.

Things weren't all rosy with the sprinklers the day of the party. I went into panic when "the button" did not turn the sprinklers on after many attempts. I'm standing there staring at 8 swimsuit and water shoe wearing toddlers, waiting for the water to come on. I promised water play, I intended on delivering it! I tried pressing  "the button" repeatedly. No dice. Then I tried holding "the button." Defeated, I walked over to the other adults wondering if maybe they had any ideas or if there was another switch or button I'd overlooked. Halfway on my walk back to the group...we had sprinklers. Yes!

watching for the water to come out!

Prior to water fun, the kids enjoyed the playgrounds (there are 2: one for 2-4 years and one for 5 and up). The toddler playground was the other selling point for Dixon. However, the pavillion picnic tables were on the side facing the playground for big kids. So guess where our kids wanted to go? Yep. Thank God no one got hurt, and that Anna Claire is leary of climbing. She just sort of stood back and watched her friends climb. If she had attempted the unbelievably high climbs and slides some of her peers tackled, my heart would have been in my throat.

Sweet, brave friends

The snack choices were good, I think. After a little playground time, it rained a bit, so good timing for string cheese and popsicles. By the time they had finished their snacks, the rain had stopped. So they played a bit more.

Precious Ava and Abby enjoying their popsicles in the rain

I "hid" a few Easter eggs filled with Smarties around the toddler playground to lure them over there which was effective for a little while.

Avery loved pushing the eggs she found in Ellie's baby doll stroller.

Then we had cupcakes made from scratch. One of Anna Claire's little friends has a peanut allergy, so it was a fun challenge for me to find a recipe that was peanut free, especially since AC wanted chocolate. The cupcakes turned out really yummy, although they were very crumbly and messy. I just forewarned parents of this and that maybe they should keep the wrapper on to retain the chocolate goo.

Anna Claire had a tower of chocolate cupcakes with Pooh and friends nestled between them.

After cupcakes, we did have sprinkler fun. Then presents. The gifts were all very thoughtful and well-loved by Anna Claire: Bubble Mower, Pillow Pet Pee-Wee, Scented Crayola nail polish, 2 beautiful textured story books, Baby Boutique baby doll and accessories, baby doll stroller, and an Aquadoodle (which I think Larry may steal from Anna Claire  - not sure who likes it more :).

Baby bee pillow! She actually has the larger version too!

bubble mower!

From Meme

That concludes the birthday party story.

Other sweet gifts: Mommy and Daddy gave Anna Claire her doctor's kit (a big hit), Dora flashlight (even bigger hit) many books, pajamas, socks, Kai Lan outfit, Mega blocks, toy camera, magnifying glass, and Your Child Can Read.

Anna Claire also received money to "pay it" from Paw Paw and Meme. Grandma gave Anna Claire her Radio Flyer wagon which she loves so much. She also gave her Noodles which are like giant pipe cleaners and two sweet books that are quickly becoming favorites. She also loves the eButterfly and so do Mommy and Daddy. Very cool!

At Anna Claire's party: Mommy, Daddy, Meme, Paw Paw, Aunt Cindy, Kristen, Ellie, Abby Williams and mom; Avery Hawkins, mom, and baby sister Sara; Ava and Drew Hawkins and mom and dad; Emma and Maggie Williams and mom and dad

Oh yeah! Almost forgot....the Hunny pots. Made them to hold the party favors: Pooh bear stickers, Pooh Pez, splash ball, ring pop, blow out, Pooh ears (instead of hat), and sidewalk chalk.