Get Your Tractor in Gear

This year, we celebrated Eli's second birthday with a tractor-themed party.  Much of the party was Etsy-inspired, from his special birthday shirt to the invitations and printable decor.  

Even Ian was quite involved with the birthday preparations this year.  After his to-do list had been completed, he wanted to do something extra special for Eli.  It was his idea to spell out the birthday message below and set up the front yard this way:

I had to capture a picture of him cutting out the letters.  I would have never imagined he would have taken an interest in doing something like this:)

My mom and dad came early Friday morning to pick up Eli and take him back home with them until they brought him back to the party on Sunday.  It was such a strange feeling to be without him at home for 2 full days, but we kept very busy, and it was nice to be able to get ready for the party in a kid-free environment.  When they arrived on Sunday, Eli was most excited to see the balloons.  He also quickly noticed his tractor cake.  

The menu this year consisted of summer sausage, cheese, and crackers, fresh fruit and vegetables, and Chex mix with green and yellow M&Ms for snacks.  For lunch, we ate BBQ pork sandwiches, potato salad, baked beans, pasta salad, Oreo/pudding dessert, and fresh fruit.  

If we were to follow Eli's agenda for gift opening, it would have taken a week!  He insisted on playing with each new toy as it was opened and was not as interested in actually ripping open the wrapping paper.  He became easily frustrated when we attempted to divert his attention to the next gift to open.  Now that he has had a chance to check out everything he received, he has truly enjoyed all his new birthday gifts.  I think he gets more and more spoiled every year by all his relatives!  

Last week, Eli's daycare provider even celebrated his birthday with a small party, complete with party hats, a birthday banner, and a Rice Krispie treat cake shaped like a number 2.  She even gave him a new tractor as a gift.  When she mentioned Eli didn't know what to do when it was time to blow out the candle, we started practicing at home that day so he was ready for his party by Sunday.  I think he enjoyed the singing, and he actually knew what to do at the end of the song when it was time for him to blow out his candles.  

Eli had a lot of fun with his cousins, Shea and Liam.  It is neat to watch all 3 boys interact together, especially as they get older.  Next week, we will celebrate Liam's third birthday!