Hailey’s 2nd birthday stretched into a several-day-long celebration. It started last week at Bella Pottery with friends.
Hailey painted a mug and I can now say with certainty that it is my favorite mug, mish-mashed, unmatched colors and all!
She had such a good time with her best friends and they spoiled her with presents and attention.
That kicked things off and Hailey was ready to party when Nana and Papa John arrived.
Saturday began with the Davidson farmers market. We bought apples and tomatoes since we are in that odd in-between crossover of summer and fall produce. I love it!
We checked out bee hives and tasted fresh honey, then wandered through Davidson College’s beautiful campus and football field.
The afternoon was gorgeous and we attended a friend’s party. The theme was pirates and Katie did an awesome job of setting up pirate activities for the kids, including a station for digging for treasure.
The kids stayed busy while the adults hung out. It was a perfect kid’s party!
Sunday was THE big BIRTHDAY, and we wasted no time starting the celebration!
A cupcake with breakfast got things started…
then came the presents!
An awesome grocery cart full of fun foods from Nana and Papa John.
A princess castle from Aunt Cara and Uncle Stat. She loves making the princesses go night night and eat. Two of her own favorite activities!
She loved opening her cards and feeling the love from all of her family and friends.
We actually held a couple presents from family back so she wouldn’t be too overwhelmed, but David and I couldn’t resist giving her the present we picked out… a kitchen!
It was the best picture we could get, as with all the excitement, Hailey did not want to stop to say cheese.
I have no doubt that Hailey had a wonderful second birthday and it warmed my heart to watch her be showered with so much love and attention from near and far. Little does she know that the fun continues later in the week with Mema and Grandpa’s ariival!
It’s a busy time over here right now, so thanks for indulging my family posts!
2nd birthdays – party or no party?
We went no party this year and I think it worked out great! However, I’m pretty jazzed up about throwing a 3rd birthday party, because I think she’ll understand birthdays more next year, but I guess I have some time to figure that out.
Karen says
Happy, Happy Birthday to little Miss Hailey!! So happy she had a great weekend. Where did you get the kitchen set from, it’s adorable. We are planning a family party for Keely’s 2nd Birthday then a small “friends” party the next day for about 2 hours just enough time to play & eat a cupcake. I agree with you though and think 3 years plus will be better for party planning.
Brittany Dixon says
The kitchen set is a kidkraft and I got it from zulily on sale!
Here’s my link, if you’re interested 🙂
http://www.zulily.com/invite/bdixon823
chelcie @ chelcie's food files says
i got a kitchen set for my 2nd birthday also and according to my mom, I was completely enamored with it. Looks like you had a great time celebrating! 🙂 Happy belated birthday Hailey!
katie says
Hailey looks far too grown up with her pony tail, can she please go back to the alien pig tails?
Brittany Dixon says
I can’t tell you how much I miss the alien pigtails! Sniffle.
Tina @ Best Body Fitness says
So cute! I can definitely tell her excitement over that kitchen. And I really want to do one of the pottery things with Makenzie. We’re planning a special day for her and her best friend in lieu of a kid birthday party this year and I think that will be a perfect activity!
Tanya @ Vegan Faith says
Ok, in love with that kitchen! I need to know where you got it! We were planning to get Eleanor one for her birthday this year, but after seeing Hailey’s delight I think we will wait another year.
Heather @ Fit Mama Real Food says
Oh that kitchen is awesome! She looks like she loved all the activities and is definitely a loved little girl.
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
So sweet!!! I’m glad she had such a wonderful birthday. I have no thoughts yet on birthday parties at certain ages. We’ll definitely do one for Addie’s 1st birthday, but after that … who knows! 🙂
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
How cute! I absolutely love that picture of the two of you on her big day. You both look so darn happy!
Gcroft says
Looks like Hailey had a fab birthday. Love it that you still have shorts/t-shirt weather. We went from flip flops to Ugg boots overnight. My baby is turning one in 2 months time. We’re going to have three or four friends, some food, and limit the party to an hour or so.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
Adorable photos- such a perfect way to celebrate 2! We also got L a kitchen when she turned 2… enjoy more celebrating with the other grandparents this week!
Liz says
Looks like a fun weekend! We didn’t do a party for 1 and won’t for 2, but like you, am thinking we will for 3. I think it depends on the kids personality and what is fun for the parents.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Very cute photos!
Chantal says
We aren’t doing a real party this year since we’re moving around her birthday. Happy Birthday to her!
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
Aw….
Ali says
That’s adorable that she made you a mug! I love that idea. The grocery cart is also awesome. I bet she loves it!
bonnie says
Happy Birthday to Hailey!! She shares the birthday with my grand daughter who also turned 2!! She had a family party for about 25 at home. We had a great day and Caitlyn received lots of wonderful presents. She already has the Step Two Create & Play Kitchen & LOVES it !! It came with a bunch of accessories like pretend foods, dishes & pots & pans. She “cooks” all the time !!
She also had family & friends for her first birthday party. Will probably have a “friend” party for third birthday.
I love the ceramics & the mug she made you is precious… will have to try that with Caitlyn!!!
Courtney @ Don't Blink. Just Run. says
Looks like a great time! Birthdays should always be celebrated over multiple days! Maybe the whole month! LOL
Sarah says
Happy birthday sweet girl! We’re getting our son a play kitchen for Christmas. I’m so excited about it I want to get it early. Must exercise patience!
Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy says
Oh my gosh, I love that kitchen! And the shopping cart! I had my own kitchen, washer and dryer, and “beauty center” at various ages when I was little and I loved them so much…they’re a little more fun than the real life, adult thing…although I actually really do enjoy all of those things as an adult too :).
char eats greens says
Adorable. And here I am trying to decide what to do for Nia’s first birthday party!! I totally think 2nd bday parties are a yay 😉
Neil Butterfield says
Looks like Hailey had an absolute ball.