No? Just me...?
Ok, well, let me explain. I used to be a professional event planner. Let me put this into perspective for you: I planned corporate events and they usually included hundreds (even thousands) of people. My largest was an Employee Appreciation Event for Wells Fargo that included over 3,000 attendees. The entire event was themed and every single detail was meticulously planned by me, myself, and I.
Even though I enjoyed my job, it was extremely stressful - every event had it's issues...it wasn't about what would happen but when something would happen. Each event was unique and I was in charge of catering, equipment, venue space, contracts, logistics, entertainment, staff, decor, etc. To say I was a multi-tasker would be an understatement.
Now that you realize what a freak I am about events, it should come as no surprise that I tend to go completely overboard when planning my children's birthdays. Heck, any opportunity to celebrate is welcomed and planned for well in advance (holidays included - my children always have themed clothing and pictures are a must on the day of)...
Ok, back to my point. My children's third birthday is coming up...in June (right around the corner, I know) and I am desperately trying to plan ahead. Preparing for girl/boy twin birthday parties is much more difficult than I originally thought. Since it goes completely against my nature to just get some cakes and a few balloons and call it a day, I have, instead, made a long list of theme ideas that I thought would suit my little ones (everyone keeps reminding me that they are too young to remember these details but they WILL look back and see pictures of their special day and hopefully realize just how special they are to us)!
For their first birthday, I chose a Mod Monkey theme - it was cute for a first birthday and had a girl's and boy's coordinating party pack that allowed me to go wild with decor! I made pineapple cupcakes with pineapple cream cheese frosting and then used food coloring to dye the frosting according to each baby's theme colors: aqua and yellow for Brayden and pink and lime for Anniston. Notice the two LARGE cupcakes that were made special for the birthday babies - these were their "smash cakes"!!In the background of the photo are the gum balls and banana runts I included for guests to take with them as they left - we made bags thanking everyone for coming.
For the table centerpieces, I just used some flower vases, rock candy, ribbon, and card stock. Easy-breezy!
Is it even possible to celebrate a birthday without balloons?
How about a gazillion of them?
I also had these adorable banners made for each baby (I couldn't help myself):
The birthday girl!!
The birthday boy!!
Obviously, I had to have personalized sodas made (and stay within the theme, of course):
Anniston's flavor was FuFu Berry
Brayden's flavor was Pineapple Cream Soda
*Note: there was a personalized message on the back that included current nicknames and adjectives to describe them...family members took these home to keep.
Their little shin-dig was hosted at the pool in our neighborhood and we invited lots of friends and family. We thought we had planned for everything...however, it never occurred to us that our fabulous party might take place on the hottest day of the entire year. It was literally over 100 degrees! Despite the overwhelming sun and heat, most everyone showed up anyway, helped us set-up and breakdown, and when all of the food had been sufficiently devoured, we spent the afternoon in the pool.
One of my best memories of the day was at the end of the party, everyone gathered in our home (in the air conditioning) and watched as we spent over an hour opening tons of gifts with the babies...so much fun - it was like Christmas morning!
Their second birthday, Choo Choo's & TuTu's, was at a park that included a carousel, train ride, wild animal park, water park, mini golf, and paddle boats. We set up under a covered picnic area and walked down to all the attractions - they had a blast!
This theme idea came to me on a pre-made invitation. When I saw the name, I immediately knew it would be perfect for A&B since it truly reflected their interests and personalities at the time! Anniston loves all things pink and twirly and Brayden loves trains -- Choo Choo's and TuTu's was born.
Don't get me wrong. I am sure they would be just as happy having a little cake and opening a few gifts but I plan their parties this way for several reasons:
- They are children (young children) and they should have the time of their lives.
- Why not celebrate big?
- Life is full of reality-checks and disappointments, we should take every opportunity to enjoy what we can.
- They are special and deserve to feel that way.
- ...and I am a crazy, over-the-top mother and former event planner!
As my family reads this, I am absolutely sure they are rolling their eyes and sighing. Especially since round 3 is coming up and I have already started planning...
Below are the twinkies at their 2nd birthday, enjoying the Spray Park.
Anniston in her pink tutu bathing suit (score one for creativity and good sense)!
Brayden - thoroughly enjoying himself at the Spray Park!
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