The first family birthday celebration took place the day before Avery’s birthday. We spent the afternoon with Mommaw and Poppaw Clark; Great Aunt Linda and Great Uncle Dave; cousins Emily and Suzanne; and Great Aunt Judi and Great Uncle Ron.
Avery was all about the presents this year. She loved the bows, the bags and the paper.
When we arrived, Avery pointed out the pink cake and said, “Avery cake.” But she kindly shared the cake with the rest of the guests.
This was a surprise gift! Avery’s Great Uncle Larry made this special cradle for her baby dolls.
When asked what was carved on the front of the cradle, she said, “Avery Joy.”
She immediately put Betsy into the cradle and started rocking her.
The “official” birthday party last Saturday included the grandparents and Aunt Karen.
Karen went the classic route and got the Fisher Price cash register and doctor set.
My mom made her a second batch of felt play food.
This set includes a cake, a pie, six eggs and plenty of vegetables.
She’s still excited about clothes. Look at that face!
The big gift from Mommaw and Poppaw Clark was this tricycle. Avery is a little too short for it now, but she’ll grow into it quickly. And several parts are adjustable, so this should be a good outdoor toy for several years.
And the big gift from Grandma and Grandpa Hromada was this doll house that my Grandpa Hromada made for my sister and me. The furniture and dolls are new and the house has a few upgrades — like new floors and a brick exterior — but it’s the same house I remember playing with.
Avery started playing with this right away. And Daddy couldn’t help but join in.
There wasn’t a theme for this party. I just wanted to make a cake that would be special and recognizable to Avery. So I found a great fish cake online and attempted it myself.
I thought Avery would say, “Fish! Fish!” when she saw the cake. Instead, we had to tell her what it was! (Video coming later.) I hope she was just distracted by the big cake in front of her. Otherwise, I may never make another birthday cake again!
It was a wonderful low-key birthday party for a wonderful 2-year-old!