We celebrated the Schmoopette's birthday this evening, even though she's not technically three until tomorrow. It was an extremely small affair, just dinner with our friends Jen and Dave and their two kids. The husband felt guilty about not throwing D a party, since she had a rather big one last year with all her little preschool and neighborhood pals, but since we just moved into our house two months ago, and the house still isn't quite ready, I didn't feel like inviting too many people. The grandparents arrive next weekend for their own celebration, so I figured having one family over was enough to-do for our little three-year-old.
My neighbor Lucia, who has a baked good catering business, made the simple sheet cake. It looks like a plain-Jane cake, but it was one of the tastiest cakes I've ever had -- and I have sampled slices from renowned bakeries where even the smallest birthday cake (you know, the kind a couple could finish in one sitting) is $40. I told Lucia I wanted a pink cake with butterflies, and that's exactly what I got. Delia loved her "pink glitter cake." Lucia even had her daughters deliver it with a little gift. I am blessed to have such lovely neighbors.
The birthday dinner was a beef stew the husband prepared with Polyface Farms meat and a supermarket baguette. It was the perfect meal for a chilly day, and the birthday girl even demanded seconds. After opening all her presents -- mostly dress-up clothes -- she immediately changed into her new tiara and princess shoes and set off to play with the three other kids.
I'm glad I didn't host the usual Evite party with dozens of children and parents. Two families was exactly the size this little party needed to be, and it was the perfect way to user our toddler into life as a "big girl," as she likes to say.
Many thanks to Dave for taking this picture with his camera phone, and to my husband for helping me clean every room of our supremely messy home before the Lemens arrived.
Happy Birthday Delia! :)
Posted by: Patty | November 11, 2007 at 10:58 PM
Sandie,
I can't believe D is already 3! Please give her the biggest birthday hug (although belated) from her Aunt Ruthie!
Posted by: RuthieC | November 12, 2007 at 12:04 AM
It sounds like a wonderful birthday celebration. Happy 3rd Birthday, D!
Posted by: Lara | November 12, 2007 at 07:43 AM
Happy Birthday D! So glad you guys had a nice time. Small parties are our favorites :)
Posted by: bre | November 12, 2007 at 07:42 PM
Happy Birthday, Schmoopette! What a lovely cake and a wonderful celebration!
Posted by: Sarah | November 12, 2007 at 11:36 PM
Happy birthday to the not-so-little one!
Posted by: Deirdre | November 15, 2007 at 05:00 PM