Swimming, Sand Buckets, and Solo Cups

I love planning partys. So, I get really excited when its time for Addyson's birthday because I spend alot of time on the internet and in magazines trying to find the best and most creative ideas without spending a fortune. This is something my husband doesn't understand. All he says is "she will never remember this?" SO! She will look at pictures one day and realize I put alot of thought into her birthdays! RIGHT? Well, maybe not but its still fun and I thoroughly enjoy getting everyone together and celebrating no matter what the occasion. The fact that it is my sweet babies birthday is just a PLUS!

After last year, we decided birthday parties at our house are not a good idea! Their is just not enough room and being that her birthday is in August a party outside without a pool is just not an option. So, my sweet grandpa has an inground pool and he allowed us to have Addyson's party at his house. I mean who doesn't love to swim?

So, I started looking about two months ago for an invitation. I know I am crazy but I love cute invites. I really wanted a die cut invitation so after looking at many, many websites I came across annoucingit.com. They have a ton of cute die cut's to choose from and this was the one I chose...



Isn't it precious!

One important party planning tip I learned after last years party is that if you can pay someone else to do it then its worth the money! It is practically impossible to work everyday right up to the party and do everything yourself. We tried that last year and it was a disaster. It led to me and my best friend icing a million cupcakes until late at night, me running around like a chicken with my head cut off the day of, and my husband and I not speaking for most of the morning before the party. So, this year I decided all of those things were NOT going to happen.

I paid Rockstar cakes to do the cake and it came out amazing.




I ordered all the food from Topps BBQ and just had it picked up the morning of the party. I did make a few food items but mainly just put together a fruit/veggie tray and had some chips/dip. This saved loads of time. Last year, Chris didn't even get to enjoy the party because he spent the whole time cooking. This year all we had to do was sit everything out on some nice trays. It was wonderful!

For the party favors, my mother-in-law and I found some sand buckets for a really good price. I decorated each one with the kids names and put all sorts of goodies inside. They turned out great and everyone seemed to enjoy them.




All in all, I would say the party was a success. We had a good turn out, the weather was hot, which was great for swimming, and everyone seemed to have a great time.
















So, I did all this planning. We had food, toys, friends, and swimming pool to play in and my daughter had the most fun.......




Playing with SOLO CUPS!







Guess it really is the simple things in life!