Bike Birthday Party (Double the Fun)

     I'm finally getting around to writing about the big birthday party. I love planning parties! I love the creative process and the actual party. . . not so much the mad rush the few days before the party. We were so blessed to be able to have the party at Nonni and Opa's house this year. It's a beautiful, beautiful location. The weather was perfect and it was so much fun to hang out with friends and family.

     Let's start with the birthday outfits. I've made Sara Beth's birthday outfit every year, and I plan on keeping it up until she thinks it's not cool anymore. Nonni helped a lot with the shirt applique since I always mess it up. The shorts looked so cute and SB wears them all the time now. John David's outfit was similar. The shorts were longer but made with the same pattern. Look for it in some of the pictures below.

This is a terrible phone photo of the invitation so the colors are off a little, but I think the design came out nice.

     The cakes! This year, SB requested a cookie cake and this one turned out divine. It was about an inch thick, frosted with homemade butter cream. Mmmmm! I made John David's smash cake from scratch (can't have my little boy's first taste of cake come from a store), but I bought the cupcakes from Sam's. What can I say? I was tired.

This banner has gotten some serious mileage since I made it for SB's first birthday.

     These two bike wheels served as picture frames for the party. I absolutely love the way they turned out! I decorated the breakfast area in turquoise, orange, and navy for John David. The dining room was decked out in hot pink, turquoise, and navy for Sara Beth. With two separate areas, I was able to make it feel special for both my birthday kids.

     I love the "junky" (and very delicious) food that you usually find at birthday parties, but, having very little self-control when it comes to that kind of thing, I tried my best to provide a more balanced meal. We had 3 different kinds of sandwiches, fruit, carrots, chips, cookies, and bottled water. Guests packed their lunch in this awesome paper sack, grabbed a picnic blanket, and headed outside. The weather was perfect for a picnic!

These bags took way too long to get right, but I think they are my favorite party detail this year!

                                                                                                                  

SB decided that John David's cupcake toppers looked best off-centered. 

Cute little water bottles as party favors

     I kept the activities pretty simple this year. After all, there was a huge play set to romp around on too. I made some handle bar streamers out of rubber bands and scrap ribbon. The kids could find some that they liked and decorate their bike. At the little table, the kids made a number plate for their bike. Adam and I had the number plates ready. I set out markers, stickers, and zip ties for the kids to use.

     We asked our friends to bring their bikes to the party. Adam used cones and sidewalk chalk to create a fun obstacle course. It was a big hit, especially with Sara Beth! She wanted to ride and ride. 

He's not quite ready for the balance bike yet, but he had to at least try at his bike party!

Time for the bike parade! 

Uncle Travis just had to get in on the fun! Too bad he didn't bring his own bike!

The birthday girl with her big cousins, Shelby and Maddy.

The best picture we got of the four of us.

     It was a great party! The bike theme was perfect for our big girl and our little boy. Fun was had by all, but I'm glad it's over. Let's do it again next year!