Sam's 2nd Birthday

We celebrated Sam's 2nd birthday last Saturday with a Toy Story party.  It was a wonderful day with our family and friends, and the party was easy to pull off since we are big Toy Story fans.

Sweet Birdie's Nest did the invitations and did a fantastic job as usual.

Favors for the kids were easy with Toy Story Pez dispensers, mini Slinky dogs, and Buzz gliders in a Toy Story cup.  Kids love the goody bags, but I know at least this mama does not, so I try not to do too much junk.

The cake was done by SoCo Cakes, and I added the figures.  It was delicious and huge.  I had cupcakes for the kids made by the girl who helps my parents, and they were yummy as well.  We had a few other food items plus Bullseye's Watering Hole for something to drink.

I think Sam was a little disappointed that we planned to do gifts before the food.  He was ready to eat before the guests arrived.  However, once he started opening his presents.  I think he forgot his hunger. Tissue paper was more fun than the gifts for awhile, then he received a Mickey gift and was only worried about getting it open.

I had lots of wonderful helpers, as you can see.

Sam and Avery received a bounce house to share.  Sam loves it, but Avery was especially excited because she knew what it was as soon as she saw the box.

After presents, Sam blew out the candles, and it was time for everyone to eat.

After the kids ate, they all went upstairs to play.  I think this was the most kids we had had at a party.  We had 11 kids ranging from 6 months to 4.5, and we had 3 friends unable to come.  I was so surprised at how well everyone played together.  That's not to say it wasn't crazy at times, but there were very few spats, no tattling, and no injuries.  Everyone played so well together and the parents could actually visit a little bit.

Of course, no party would be complete without family.  Sam had both sets of grandparents, his great-grandfather, and several great-aunts and uncles in attendance.  We had a house full of people to celebrate Sam's special day.

The last guests and family left around 5:30, and we ordered pizza and opened a few presents.  It was too late at that point to do the bouncy house, but we promised we would get it out the next day.  I think the busyness of the day plus the fact that he had been sick all week caught up with Sam, and he had a major meltdown at dinner.  We finally got him to eat something just before bed.  Sometimes lots of fun is hard on a little boy!  Ned and I were ready to collapse at that point, but we were so thankful for such a special day and for a house full of special people.