This past Saturday we celebrated Lena’s 2nd birthday with some friends at a playground on base. I opted for the free entertainment — slides and jungle gyms galore — over hosting in my own house. Definitely a simpler plan during this busy season in our lives! Everyone had a lovely time, I think, and we enjoyed celebrating with some of our friends here in Sicily.
^^^ Elliott and Josh had so much fun with all the kids on the ‘spiderweb.’ At one point Josh climbed all the way to the top and then started jumping up and down to shake the whole web and bounce the kids around. “There he is,” my friend Becca said with a sigh as she watched her husband. “Your friendly pediatrician, bringing himself business.”
Time to eat! The photo below was taken after the meal, but yummy remnants still remain of pasta salad, cut veggies, blood orange salad, zucchini muffins, Sun Chips, and PB & J sandwiches.
For Lena’s birthday cake, I used this Barefoot Contessa recipe and will definitely be making it again. I included nuts and raisins, which I knew might not be a big hit with the kids. This was Lena’s birthday cake, though, and she loves nuts and raisins, so nuts and raisins she did have!
^^^ So pleased when she realized everyone was singing Happy Birthday to her.
After all these eager beavers ate some cake, we opened presents. It was like a tornado on the picnic blanket! Every child wanted to help Lena open everything. Can you find Lena in all this craziness?
Elliott helped the kids play with Lena’s new bubble blowing set…more colorful chaos ensued.
^^^ Blowing bubbles is harder than it looks!
We had so much fun with everyone! Sadly, this might have been the last time that this group of our friends will be together, as four of the five families are moving back to the States this summer. Such is military life. Thank you, dear friends, for coming and loving on our little two-year-old!
Dearest Lena–how much fun for Poppy to see pictures from your 2 year birthday celebration! We love you so much and you are so dear to us. My fav pic is when you realized your earthly parents had done this just for you when everyone sang happy birthday– and it was for Lena! This is similar to the joy we experience when we realize all our Heavenly Father has done for us! You are a daughter of the King, dear Princess Lena. Enjoy enjoy enjoy. All my love, Poppy
What a fun time! That birthday cake looks wonderful!! Good for Lena, loving nuts and raisins! :-) The comment about your friend’s husband (the pediatrician) cracks me up!!
I know, Joy, I laughed so hard when she said it!
What a fun party! I love a simple, no-fuss celebration. And I love those photos of Lena running around with the balloons!
Lovely pink polka dot balloons and lovely everything else too. Happy happy birthday, Lena-Lou!
Looks like a great party! Love the cake :)
A Playground is such a perfect place for a party – love it! Thought I’d share one of my fave playground party games: https://www.sophie-world.com/games/diggin-bones
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