John Deere Tractor Party.

A few weeks ago, I asked Fawn what kind of birthday party he wanted.  I think deep down I was expecting a blank stare or something along the lines of "a presents party Mommy."  But no.  Fawn's answer:  "John Deere Tractor birthday party Mommy."  I confirmed what I had heard (just in case my mind was playing tricks on me), but I heard Fawn correctly.  In his mind, he was having a John Deere Tractor birthday party.  While I have to admit that if I had my way we would have somewhat of a repeat of the first birthday (super-cutesy invitation, polka dots, fun balloons, pastels), I felt that I owed it to Fawn to embrace his vision for his second birthday.  (And, I really don't want to turn into one of those parents who asks their child their opinion and then totally disregards it -- if I'm dead set on a certain way I simply don't present my toddler with an option.)

Why John Deere Tractor you ask?  Well, there are lots of John Deere toys out now -- and we are the proud owners of a handful of tractor toys.  And, Fawn is obsessed with farms and farm equipment.  He's only made one trip to Buck's farm, but was in awe -- huge, saucer eyes, gaping mouth awe (especially at the tractors).

So, what's a mom to do when faced with the prospect of a slighty tacky, yet right on the money birthday party?  Head to Party City, of course.  And Buck and I lucked out -- all the John Deere items were on clearance (because, according to the store manager, "people around here want classy parties" -- thanks for that, really).  Needless to say, we walked out of Party City with invitations, thank you cards, party hats, plates, napkins, forks, and farm animal candles for the cake, for less money than we spent last year on invitations!


And, the cake -- of course, the cake.  Fawn was specific about the cake as well -- only chocolate chip for him (Fawn loves anything with chocolate chips -- cookies, muffins, waffles, pancakes, and now cake).  There's nothing I love more than a homemade birthday cake.  I know that store bought cake often tastes better (and most definitely looks better) than homemade.  But, to me, nothing says love and Happy Birthday like a homemade cake.  My mom always made me a homemade cake.  In fact, I cannot remember ever having a store bought cake.  And, I want to do that for Fawn.  I'll fill you in on a secret -- I'm not a baker.  I love to cook, not so much to bake.  So, when I say homemade I mean start from a box.  I spiced it up a bit -- added a box of instant vanilla pudding mix to the cake mix before adding the wet ingredients -- then added a cup of sour cream and chocolate chips at the end.  Still easy (no sifting!), but so tasty.  I made buttercream frosting -- yummy -- and decorated the top of the cake with farm animal candles and a toy John Deere Tractor I bought at Walmart.  It was a fantastic cake, if I do say so myself.  And, most importantly Fawn LOVED it!

I also scored some equally tacky John Deere material at the local fabric store -- along with a much more traditional coordinating green stripe.  I made Fawn a pair of pull-on pants from the striped material and used the John Deere fabric to make an applique for a t-shirt.  Total cost of birthday outfit -- about $10 (including t-shirt).  And, I'm sure Fawn will wear it again (I may even recycle the pants for a cute St. Patrick's Day outfit).

And then there were the decorations.  There were balloons (yellow and green of course), signs and pictures.

We invited Fawn's family (he's got four grandparents, six aunts and uncles, and two great grandparents who can get out and about all in his hometown -- lucky fellow) -- and served Fawn's guests parmesan onion dip with Fritos, Buck's famous turkey chili, and cheddar cheese biscuits.  It was an evening of fun and fellowship (and lots of presents of course).  I know Fawn will soon reach an age where he wants friends to join in his birthday celebrations, but for now it's just us -- our precious cocoon of a family.  A huge thank you to them (and to dear Buck who cleaned up the mess) for making the day so special for Fawn (and me too!).  It exceeded all expectations!