Happy birthday to you...

...I can't believe that you're two...

happy birthday to you!

Our dear, sweet, little miss schmutz actually isn't two until next week, but we decided to celebrate a little bit early with all of our friends.

First, I made these invitations and handed them out to all of Ashlyn's little nursery buddies at church. Some of the invitees were so excited that they talked about it all week. Its so sweet to see such little children get so excited about going to a party.

And, the party was perfect! There were so many things that could, and almost, went wrong - but in the end everything worked out wonderfully!

The one thing I have to mention, that very well could have gone wrong, was the weather. We, unknowingly, planned to have little miss schmutz' birthday party on the only clear sunny day we have had for weeks! Many of my friends at the party commented that I must have "prayed" the sun into shinning.. and I think they might have been right.

Having a two-year-old's birthday party in the morning, at a park, was a wonderful and relaxing way to do it. The tire swing was a huge hit, I do not think it was empty for a minute. And even though there were a lot of other kids at the park, we were still able to have our space since it is quite a large park.

Gathering for cupcakes, cookies, juice and grapes under the shade of a beautiful tree was a perfect setting for a song... the happy birthday song that is.

I don't think Ashlyn quite realized what was going on, or that the whole party was for her, but she did enjoy the company, treats, and playing at the park.

The best part of the treats was finally being able to pick the sprinkles off the cookies. Ashlyn had been wanted to take those cookies apart all morning while I was making them. She finally got her wish.

We were so happy that almost all of our friends were able to join us for our little celebration! It isn't every day that you turn two... So we were very glad that all of our friends helped make it such a special day!

The whole morning was more fun than I ever thought!

happy birthday dear!