Trains, Planes, (and Helicopters) Toddler Birthday

Pinterest just might be an overachiever's worst enemy. I had oh-so-grand ideas for this toddler play date birthday party. With it just being a simple little play date in my head, I put off my to-do list and ran out of time to get everything done. There are still tissue paper "clouds" in my closet that I plan to hang one weekday soon for them to at least get some use.

The original plan in my head even included outside decorations. Thank goodness I have a busy toddler to keep me in reality! What I did manage was the food area, so here we go.

I was stuck in deciding which aspects of the whole transportation theme to work with. It can be overwhelming, so I stuck to trains, planes, and of course, helicopters. Those tend to be the constant around these parts. 

I made the banner (yes, it looks a lot like the one last year) but I like how the letters look a bit like clouds. I could tell that the party planner in me was not my main priority because I freehanded the letters. Last year I printed letters of the computer to use as stencils. Oh what a Momma learns is important in a year! 

Our "Business Class" adult snacks included Corn and Black Bean Salsa (courtesy of Andie), pita chips and hummus (which would be on the kids' table as far as W is concerned!), and a spicy jalapeno dip I'll share later this week. (Thanks Mom for all of the help prepping! There's no way it would have happened without you. Have I mentioned yet that I was so last minute this year?)

I kept the sweets simple with a Duncan Hines cake mix and a few airplanes courtesy of Oriental Trading. 

Yea, I had big plans for making homemade cupcakes Friday. Who was I kidding? Anyone nearby need any cake flour? I've certainly got plenty!

For the kiddos, I borrowed the idea for pb and j train sandwiches on a track drawn on the tablecloth. The little folks really seemed to enjoy it, and I saw at least one wee bit request and eat his sandwich, and I'm pretty sure it's not his favorite!

The next couple pictures are a bit blurry but give an idea of the rest of the food. I made a few cheese sandwiches and use a helicopter cookie cutter to shape them. We of course had a juice "Fuel Station" to get some energy after playing outside.

We removed the lids from these containers and had a build you own trail mix toddler style, including goldfish, pretzels, frosted Cheerios, graham crackers, animal crackers and a small bin of marshmallows and M&Ms. I think it was a hit but I should have handed out plastic bags for to-go packs! We have so many snacks left over!

After the coming rain chased us inside, we munched a bit, played a bit, and then did cake and presents. It was all a bit overwhelming for the toddler; he didn't even try the cupcake, but we made some memories and we'll save those unused decorations for a rainy day!