TWO! - The Celebration

It was really simple this year.

No fancy.

No fanfare.

Just some balloons from Daiso, a banner from last year which we didn't use, and poster pages from this mook that I saved five years ago.

I stuck three of the pages over our existing frames in the dining room, with blu-tack so that they are easy to remove. But they are still there because these drawings brighten the area, and are a nice change to our original 'artwork'. 

The universe is pretty amazing - the way it has things planned. I had wanted to rush home to do up some hanging Suzy's zoo garland so that J's surprise can start the moment she's at the door. But on the way home from the wedding lunch (which was supposed to be J's birthday experience), I walked past a party store and picked up these streamers instead. She was indeed surprised. I hope I'll never forget the way she looks at the streamers and the way she gasps "de..co..ra..tions..!" 

My sister was available that evening too (I appreciate that both brother-in-law and her came over despite it being bil's birthday too!) and she came over with what J always wanted - helium balloons. In her favourite character. The delight, priceless.

We had a really tiny cake, but it must be the sweetest treat I've ever tasted this year.

*****

We agreed on giving J a birthday experience instead of throwing a huge party. 

It was supposed to be my dear friend's wedding lunch this year but it has been proven that it will be challenging for J to sit through the banquet.

I did plan some before and after her birthday, though.

The day before J's birthday, we visited S.E.A Aquarium with a little friend. Some trick-or-treating took place. We hugged jack-o-lanterns, and waved to skeletons. It was fun to watch the two littles holding each other like they are the best of pals, even though this was only the third time they met. (The first two meetings were brief.)

The day after J's birthday was Daddy's birthday, so we went for a good dinner and J got to eat adult food. Two is a pretty good age. I've not seen her this quiet when we are out dining.

Adult food is great. Look at how her face lights up at the sight of "my piz-sa".

That's rosti in her bowl. 

It was really rather simple this year.
We might have bent the party rules a little by having a mini party but little one is really happy.
She still looks at her birthday videos fondly - the one where she blew the candles (with our help).
And that's all that matters.