A Busytown Birthday

As promised, here are the photos from L's second birthday.  We chose Richard Scarry's Busytown for the theme, since L is a huge fan.  L was simply thrilled to have all of her closest friends and family join us to celebrate her big day at a local park.

Checking out the park with her dear "Ubble Ben"

 We broke a pinata...

Daddy constructed an amazing Busytown pinata.  What would I do without my artistically gifted husband?  Our birthday parties would be way less cool.

L gave the pinata a few gentle taps (she was pretty concerned about hurting Lowly Worm)

N and Daddy trying to decide if she was "too shy" to participate in the breaking of the pinata

Since none of the kids wanted to hurt Lowly (or Bananas Gorilla-- see him on the other side?) Mama had to gently open the bottom of the pinata so the toys inside could be enjoyed

 We had some birthday cake...

L getting ready to blow out candles on her Lowly Worm cupcakes (this closed-mouth squinty smile is a typical expression of L's these days... so cute!)

Cupcakes with friends!

They were delicious... can you tell?  :)

 ...and we opened our gifts:

Can you see N waiting patiently for an opportunity to "help"?

So proud to be Mama to this cute little girl!

Loving her new Dora umbrella!

L kindly shared her new umbrella and princess chair with big sister 

...and she kindly accepted help opening gifts.  (That expression is L grunting, trying to rip the tape off a gift!) 

C was slightly overwhelmed by all the people, but was happy watching big sister open presents!

Opening "Go Dog Go", the gift that was lovingly selected and wrapped for her by N (you can see the pictures she drew on the wrapping paper at the bottom right)

Aunt Beth did lots of baby-wrangling while Mama was busy... thanks!

Nothing like the pure, unbridled joy of a 2-year old receiving a beloved new toy!

Many, many thanks to all who attended and made this little girl SO happy!

By the way, if you're not a busy Mama of three young children and/or you are better than I am at planning ahead for party games and decorations, check out these cute ideas for a Busytown party.  If I had found these more than a day ahead of time, I seriously would have used them.  The possibilities are endless with a Busytown party!  Maybe we'll have to have another one next year.

I think L had a pretty great time at our simple party, though.

Happy Birthday, sweet girl!