Monday, July 9, 2012

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!


18 comments:

Jennifer said...

I love all of the decorations you were able to use. The food is perfect and the planes on top of the cupcakes? Genius! You did a great job! :)

Anonymous said...

oh my gosh jenn! what an amazing party! i am so jealous of your craftiness! great job momma! and last year's was so amazing too, loved that pic collage shaped as a number 1! the choo choo sandwiches, adorable! great, great job! happy happy birthday to your little man!

Unknown said...

Oh my goodnesss- looks awesome! I love the trail mix station, such a great idea!

I'll Love You Forever said...

oh my goodness! Love these, such cute and creative ideas. Good job momma!

Andie said...

everything came out really cute! Love it!
I need to get working on my little guy's happy birthday banner soon! That is something that I have no motivation for.

Joeylee said...

super cute! love all the decorations.

Am I Really Grown Up? said...

Oh My Gosh so so cute! One day you'll look back and think it was perfect and so will W:)

the workaholic momma said...

LOVE IT...the theme, decorations, food...everything!!! The planes on top of the cupcakes is my favorite:) Great job, momma!!

Lindsey@SomethingsGottaGive said...

I'm taking notes!

Elizabeth said...

So so so cute!! You did an amazing job!! Everything came out great!!

Natalie said...

You really sell yourself short! You did a great job and I bet W loved it!

Sarah @ Vol Family Life said...

I LOVE it! And are you kidding me? My stressed out version of a party wasn't this awesome!

Danielle said...

Adorable! I bet the kids loved it!

Meagan said...

Oh my goodness! It looked amazing! I'm pinning this post!

Beach Bum & Baby said...

Oh my gosh you did so awesome with this!! I absolutely love everything!!

And you cut those letters by hand?!?!? That's AMAZING!!!!

The sandwich train is my favorite!!! SO cute!!!

Nicole said...

This was a playdate party?! It's settled, you are the consultant and worker bee for Mari's party. No matter that Christmas is right after...Great job!

Erin said...

You did wonderful! The cupcakes are adorable, so are the sandwiches. And omg all the little titles are too much. I know as mamas our expectations are high and often we feel we don't meet them, but let me tell you THIS is GREAT! The spare decorations will be put to use at some point I'm sure of it :)

Laura @ My Thoughts-Uninterrupted said...

Everything looks very cute. I'm taking notes because we are also doing an airplane theme this year (if I can get my stuff together lol). Great job mama!