I was joking with my mom and dad this past Friday about how our family has overdone May. It houses my dad’s birthday, my niece’s birthday, Kaitlyn’s birthday, mine and David’s anniversary, and Mother’s Day. Whew– so many wonderful things to celebrate, and for that I am grateful, but between those and the other end of school and season changing commitments, it’s a lot!
Still, all of these are worth celebrating, so a month or so ago, David and I decided to throw a backyard cookout for friends and to throw in a birthday cake for good measure. Thus, Kaitlyn’s 3rd birthday party was planned!
I’ve spent the past week hitting refresh on the 10 day forecast, somewhat obsessively, hoping that the rain scheduled for Saturday would disappear. Cloudy and cool I could do, but rain would mean cancelling.
Local friends, I was extremely impressed with the service and quality of Jump Start Rentals
Somehow the stars aligned and not only did the rain hold off, but the sun came shining out, making it the most gorgeous 70 degree spring day we’ve experienced yet.
I’m so appreciative for the 4 sets of helping hands the morning of the party (my mom and dad, not the girls who were obviously running in circles all morning) because set up took a little longer than I anticipated.
We went with a backyard cookout theme, mostly because I already had a roll of plastic table covering in the attic, but also so we could make a cutesy drink menu to go with it.
I can vouch for those Lawn-Mowgaritas!
I don’t consider myself a great party decorator, but thanks to Hobby Lobby, there were some fun accessories to help bring things together.
And you can’t discount the bubble blowing machine that became one of the biggest hits of the party.
Still, the most important aspect to any party is the people. Sometimes I think I’m an introvert because I definitely need alone time to charge, but there is no doubt that I get fulfilled by spending time with good people that have become part of my “tribe.”
Once the party got going I was more consumed by socializing and keeping track of the kids than snapping pictures, so I’m grateful for friends that snapped a few to send my way!
As for the birthday girl herself, she had a ball.
She got the Moana cake she hoped for and stayed decked out in Belle attire, complete with tiara, for the entire party.
I sure love this little fire cracker and watching her grow is such a privilege.
The party went off without a hitch, except for one small incident that involved Hailey’s 4th (not-as-wiggly) tooth flying out of her mouth while on the bounce house. Many thanks to Eliza for finding it and for Julie for totally saving the Tooth-fairy with the gold dollar coins Ryan had in the car. Crisis averted and now Hailey and her friend are toothless twins, which I find completely adorable!
We closed out the evening saying goodbye to the sun with friends and roasting a few stale marshmallows the kids found in the pantry. All in all, complete party success.
Also, a word to the wise, always plan a party for the day before Mother’s Day. It will totally get you out of the bulk of the clean up! (wink wink, xoxo, love you David!)
Kaitlyn’s 1st Birthday Celebration // Kaitlyn’s 2nd Birthday Party
Now you tell me, throwing parties- love it or stress about it?
I still get prep-party jitters but it’s becoming less and less over time!
I hope all you wonderful moms felt celebrated this weekend. Happy Mother’s Day!
JOHN J STATHAS says
Glad we were able to be there to celebrate Kaitlyn’s # 3 and see the setup for the party. You guys sure know how to throw a good one. Yes, May sure is full of family celebrations. Aren’t we fortunate!
julie @ peanut butter fingers says
we loved seeing you guys and celebrating kaitlyn on saturday! thanks so much for inviting us! we love every minute we have with you and your sweet family! can’t wait for our boat day… and hopefully more of those mow-garitas!! <3
Brittany Dixon says
Thanks so much for coming and for saving the day with those special coins 😉 I’m so excited for summertime- maybe our first meet up should be at the new Hello, Sailor spot!
Lynn Thow says
You have the most beautiful backdrop to throw a cookout/birthday party!! You did a have a beautiful day to celebrate!!
Thanks for sharing!!
montessoriishmom says
What a perfect low key party! I love the dress you were wearing too, so cute!
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you 🙂
Stephanie says
I definitely get stressed out…although we are also doing a “cookout” approach for my daughter’s first birthday and I’m really trying to keep myself in check. A few cute thematic touches, plus grilled food –> can’t really go wrong! Love the themed drinks though!
Brittany Dixon says
Grilled food and good friends is really all it takes. Happy first birthday to your daughter! <3
Heather says
Love the little touches here and there and I am absolutely going to steal your drink table idea!! We’re having a barbecue for my husband’s birthday at the end of the month, and I love the drink menu so that everyone can make different drinks and try something potentially new. Looks like a fantastic weekend was had!
Brittany Dixon says
It really worked so much better than we even anticipated! I think it encouraged people to branch out and try something new. If you need any limes, let me know- we have a few extra 😉 LOL
Brynn says
I loved your Instastory with the blow up and questioning if you went over the top – hilarious. You always throw such wonderful parties – they look pulled together but relaxed. I’d love a post on how you plan and prep and then stay calm through the party.
Brittany Dixon says
Haha, I probably did go overboard but it worked as planned- as a big kid play pen 😉 The kids loved it!
I feel unqualified to write a post on how to throw a party (pinterest style!), but I do feel like I’ve gotten more relaxed with the process over time. I love the post idea suggestion and will brainstorm as to whether or not I have enough to say on the topic. Thanks Brynn!
Ash Diamond says
We did a backyard BBQ party this weekend and we’re so lucky with the weather – RAIN RAIN RAIN. Luckily we have a large covered, glassed in patio and downstairs where we hosted everyone!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh man, what luck! At least you have a patio that got the job done. Sometimes the last minute adjustments make it even more memorable 🙂
Michelle says
I love the dress you wore to the party!! I adore stripes. I love to entertain but tend to overthink the hour before gets arrive even though I am prepared!
Happy 3rd Kaitlyn!!!
Brittany Dixon says
An hour before is usually when David pours me a drink to take the edge off otherwise I overthink too 😉
Tracy says
Love your dress! You’re always so great to share links.. do you have one for your dress?
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you! I tried to find the link but since it is over a year old from Nordstrom, I can’t find it anymore. Sorry I’m no help!
Wendi says
Where did you get those cute BBQ paper food trays?
Brittany Dixon says
Hobby Lobby! It was in their spring section and everything was 40% off.
Wendi says
Thank you!! As the others have commented too, super cute dress!
Hopefully they have it on the west coast.