The Ladybug Party

My little girl turned 2 on the 22nd of November. Wow how fast two years can go by!!! I am not sure how I came up with the theme of Ladybugs but it worked out great. The more I looked the more I found. My mom came up on Wednesday of that week and my aunt came from Florida on Thursday. We had lots to do along with just having lots of girl time. My dad came on Friday to help us get ready. We made lots of ladybug food including a cake, cupcakes, fruit on a toothpick (grapes and strawberries), and ladybug crackers. We planned lots of little games/crafts for the kids to play while they were there. Some included baggo (the boards were covered to look like ladybugs), catching the ladybug (apples) in the net, making footprint reindeer, decorating their own mini cupcakes and playing in the ladybug tent. We had a bounce house for outside but the backyard was so muddy we decided to just stay inside. We invited about 8 children for this little party and it all turned out great!!!

We all played hard and ate a lot. Maggie was not really interested in opening any presents. She was just too busy to stop and take the time to sit and open them so we opened presents for 2 days. Every now and then we would just give her one to open.

My brother and his family drove from Arkansas just for the party. They stayed and ate dinner and then had to drive back. Wow!! We really appreciated that!!!

The birthday girl!!!

The baggo game

The aprons were the take home gift that they got to take. They had their name and a ladybug on them.

Our friend Jackson gave Maggie this tent for her birthday. It was a hit.

This is the footprint reindeer that all the kids got to make while they were there.

The food table

Lala and Maggie reading before the party.

Trying to catch a ladybug.

THey were decorating a cupcake.

Maggie wanted a big one to eat.

Olivia

Olivia and Hudson --- the two little ones. I think they had a good time.

Opening one or two presents.

After the party the girls just needed to get out of the house. So Babe took them on a walk down the street.

Maggie the ladybug.

Christmas Parade

Every year Rowlett has their annual Christmas Parade on the weekend of Maggie's birthday. So we are making it a tradition to go downtown to the parade. This year the weather was much better and Maggie really got into the floats and grabbing candy. It was also more fun because we met up with some friends of ours so all the kids got to be together. We were at the front of the parade route this year and so they were very generous with the candy. We had way too much when we left. After the parade they have crafts and games in front of the library. We made a few ornaments and walked around a little while before going home to get ready for the party.Maggie and Jackson waiting on the parade to start.

Maggie and McKenlie watching and waiting for more candy.

Mag was not real sure why this clown was holding her.

This is Maggie after she stepped out and started dancing for the Shriner's when they went by. She made sure she had everybody's attention!

Maggie and Babe making ornaments!

Birthday Prep

Well who knew that a two year olds birthday party could be such work!!! Mom came on Wednesday to help me get started. We got lots of running around accomplished. On Thursday we picked up Linda Lee from the airport and did a little more shopping and just having fun. We put Linda Lee in charge of making the aprons for the party. So that night we got those together and done. Friday Maggie had her pictures made with a friend of mine so that was all morning and plus it was raining outside!!! After pictures Poppy was here so we had lunch and then started on more and more prep. I had decided that I wanted Maggie's cake to be a ladybug but also I wanted to try fondant because I thought it was cute. Mom was not so sure about that (she knew it was cute but not real sure how we were going to get there). I assured her because I always watch the food channel and the cake shows and they make it look very easy. Well we got it and tried it and it was not that bad. Maggie and Poppy put up the Christmas tree while we worked on the cake. We were having cupcakes also so I knew no one would have to eat the cake ( fondant looks good but does not taste good). So here are some pics from our prep work.Maggie was worn out after Mom and I did our running around on Wednesday.

Yes we have on Christmas pj's. I love this picture.

LL working on the aprons for the party.

Mom was working on the cupcakes while LL and I tried to get the fondant red.

Maggie and Poppy checking out the progress.

Then they decided to eat brownies while they waited on us to finish.

The body

with spots

and now a face.

Maggie and Poppy were watching Dora and playing.

This was Maggie's first look at the cake (the bug).

She was proud of her mommy, Babe and LaLa.

She kept wanting to kiss the bug.

LaLa and Maggie reading books.

Then we decided to make more cupcakes and so Maggie wanted to lick the beaters (sticks as she called them).

Maggie and Poppy in the ladybug tent.