Ava's 2nd Birthday Party!

As I started to think about a theme for Ava's second birthday, I knew that we'd have to do Elmo.  I mean, let's be honest, the girl has been yelling "Elmo!" since she was 15 months old.  She loves Elmo.  But who wants a typical Elmo party with cheesey decorations?  I knew that a primary-colored Elmo party just wouldn't fit Ava's girly personality.  So I made it girlie-glam, of course, thanks to a little Pinspiration!

The moment that she walked in to see the house all decorated in black and white damask with the red Elmo decor, her eyes got so big.  She put her hands in the air and yelled "my party!" and "there's Elmo!"  Her reaction was absolutely priceless. 

Cake table - Happy Birthday Ava!



Elmo's Monster cookies and Dorothy's goldfish crackers, with some other yummies.

 Party Favors.

The "It's my party and I'll cry if I want to" photo.  She wanted to go outside with her daddy. 

Let the party begin....

Ava finally got outside to play, and it was a simply GORGEOUS day.  Perfect weather, we could not have asked for a more beautiful day.  What a blessing!

And for the kiddos, I made our deck into Elmo's World.  I painted a couple of large boxes (thanks Indellicate family) white and decorated them with big crayons in true Elmo's World decor.  The second that she set eyes on the "houses!" she couldn't be more excited.

Peek-a-boo with her Aunt Nickie.

Ava and her friend Will, playing in the boxes.

"Come on Amelia, let's play!"

Ava and Amelia.



What's a few hugs between friends?!  Ava was loving on "my Melia."

And boy does my girl love her daddy....a true daddy's girl.

Will and Ava wrestling with the big bear...

...and hugs!

"What, it's time for CAKE?!"

Singing "Happy Birthday" to our beautiful 2 year old girl.

And blowing out the candle....

...or trying to grab it!  That's what I was afraid would happen....

....but that's okay, no Ava's were hurt in the grabbing of the candle. (Thankfully!)

Cake time everyone! Yum!

And I wonder where she gets that look?!

Multiple failed attempts at a 3-generation photo....maybe next time.  (There are about 8 more of these, too!)

Ava with Aunt Nickie and Uncle Kirth

Mom, Dad, Ava, and Nana Dalton.

Mimi and Papa Pasek.

Great friends, Liz and Brooke.

The awesome Indellicate family!

Ava and Amelia, practicing their sharing.  Pretty good for a pair of 2 year olds, right?

Time to open presents...

Thanks for coming to my party everyone!