Two Years....Almost

JillyBean turns two in April. Yes, it's a month-and-a-half away, but I wouldn't be me if I weren't already planning a party.

Last year's party took place in Tennessee and was for family and close friends who we rarely get to see. Yeah, there were more than 30 people at the bash. It was a pink and green affair with a frog theme. Bean LOVES frogs.

I had wanted the woman who made our wedding cake to make JB's birthday cake, but she was unavailable and recommended one of her students. She did a fabulous job making a lemon "smash" cake for Jilly decked with pink icing and a green frog sitting on top of a lily pad. All of the guests got to eat pink, green and chocolate cupcakes that were awesome.

This year I am somewhat conflicted by what to do. Her birthday falls just before Easter (she was born on Easter Sunday) and we will probably visit Beanie Dad's family in Tennessee to celebrate the holiday. Do we want another family-only party or do I want to host a party with her friends the week before Easter? I'm leaning toward a friend party.

Beanie Nana gave Jilly a pair of red cowboy boots for Christmas and Beanie Grandma had given her a skirt that has cows and horses on them. She's really into cows and horses these days so I found a nearby horse farm that hosts kid birthday parties. It seems like a blast - the kids can take pony rides and pet the farm animals. I asked the woman if it's too much for a bunch of two-year-olds and she said that they have hosted several parties for kids that young. They only host parties in the afternoon since they give riding lessons in the mornings. I think that it will be fun, even if Bean won't really remember it. But that's what pictures are for, right?

Thinking of this theme has led me to do a bit of searching for items to fit it. Right now I am leaning toward invitations that have a vintage cowgirl on them. I think that they're adorable. I found a few others that have farm animals on them or horses, but this little girl kind of reminds me of Jilly, only with brown hair.

I also love these cakes:

Am I going a bit overboard for a toddler's birthday? Probably. But the way I see it, I only have a year or two more where I'm in complete control....