James's second birthday party!

This year I decided on a small party. No friends, only family and a very simple theme. After last year (with a full meal, the entire house decorated, a photo booth for guests, and every detail attended to), I was enormously happy with my decision.

And by a "small" party, I was thinking only family. E and I are extremely lucky in that we have both our families still living here and all our siblings are local. So "small" still ended up being 20+ guests. But James has a lot of love, and I couldn't ask for better.

First order of business in my simple digger party? The cake. James has been asking for chocolate cake for ages. Since he saw "chocolate cake" listed as something the Very Hungry Caterpillar ate he has wanted it too. Luckily, Costco sells a beautiful, enormous, delicious chocolate cake that was just perfect. Added some store bought diggers (which 24 hours after the party have still not left his side), a few sprinkles of brown sugar, and some chocolate candy rocks, I had a perfect cake in under 15 minutes.
Second order of business, very simple decorations and a very simple menu. We started the party at 3:00 and served a couple of light snacks and cake. That's it. Best decision ever!
The party was a smashing success. James opened the HUGE pile of presents quite happily, played with all his aunts and uncles, and was sweet and charming with his grandparents.
These Maga Blocks from Uncle David were such a big hit, the only way to distract him was stop for a cake break.

The cake was the highlight of the entire afternoon. He was delighted when everyone sang to him and even blew the candles out, by himself, at just the right moment. All the clapping and cheers made us want to do it all again, so we lit the candles and sang a second time. Ah, the joys of being 2.
Perfect form.
Once the birthday boy had a slice of cake, he insisted on eating the entire thing with his bulldozer. Fork? Wanted nothing to do with it.

Delish.
Once cake was eaten it was off to more presents. James gave a wonderful happy reaction to each and every present. However the wooden train set was sure to be a hit.

I was exhausted by the end of the party, but James was happy, and that's all that matters.
And I have a video of the first go on singing happy birthday. I'll try to get it uploaded soon!

And my mom wrote down what he received, here we go:

• Chelsea and Joe - farm animal puppets (he loves the horse)
• Chandler - dino toy
• Melissa - vehicles puzzle
• David - Mega blocks
• Grandma Debbie and Grandpa Chuck - Step stool, potty and annual membership to new Natural History Museum
• Nana (Great Grandma Barbar) - Backpack full of camping things. Snacks, flashlight, water bottle, whistle
• Papa Craig - Big dump truck full of blocks
• Damma Connie and Pampa Steve - Chuggington train set and Chugwash
• Laura and Mike - Balloon, two dollar coins and a two dollar bill